Education for childbirth: a time for change.

In earlier times, people were well-acquainted with childbearing and childrearing through their contacts within the extended family. However, during this century, several factors have affected changes in traditional birthing attitudes and practices and have precipitated the need for formal education in childbirth. This position article reviews the history and literature of the development of contemporary education for childbirth classes as well as the research on the effects of formal childbirth education instruction. Suggestions for further research and future directions of change are provided.