Outreach childbirth education classes for low-income families: a strategy for program development.

Childbirth and parenting education programs are coming to the forefront of public health initiatives aimed at the reduction of infant mortality and low birth-weight in high-risk groups in the United States. Childbirth education programs have proven effective in helping parents make positive life style changes and can play an important role in the reduction of risks associated with poor pregnancy outcomes. Childbirth education gives parents the knowledge, desire, and confidence they need to change their health behaviors. The Florida Outreach Childbirth Education Project offers an example of a statewide program designed to serve a high risk population: low-income, low-literacy families.