Child birthing Classes

[Singin4Him]

Are they worth it? I plan on having an Epi so I don't even know if child birthing classes are necessary or would I get just as much out of reading a book. I'd like to hear opinions from those of you who chose to take them, did they help you? If you didn't take them what was your experience like?

 

[RoseofLima]

I think for most people they are helpful--provided you find classes that correlate with your expectations for birth.

I would also read a book or two. I think education is important so that you can make educated decisions in your care.

The hospital classes are probably inexpensive --and will probably be right in line with your expectations for birth. But they will give you a little extra insight into what to expect while at the hospital and some of the options you might have and like to know about. They proabably won't give you an epidural until at least 5 cm.....and you'll want some coping techniques to make it until then...especially if you have lots of pridormal labor for a few days before going into active labor.

That being said I have never taken a birth class (though I teach them ) but my first two births were kind of nightmarish...actually really nightmarish. It would have been better, I think, to have had some knowledge of what was going on. I think classes are also a good way to help husbands to know what to expect.

 

[GolfingMom]

I didn't take a class but my sister and my sisters-in-law all did.
One SIL quite 1/2 way b/c it was not useful to her. My other SIL said it was a waste of money and everything she "learned" went out the door during labor. My sister also said it was a waste of her time and money.
I haven't met someone who says they are worth it.

 

[purpleunicorn_Andi]

I didn't take them with Robert...didn't have a chance... he was born at 31 weeks... Not sure if I will take them this time arround or not... I need to preregister at the hospitall in the next couple of months, I do kind of want Robert to attened a sibling class

 

[katelyn]

I took Bradley childbirth classes, which were extremely helpful since I did not want pain meds. In your situation, maybe reading a book would be okay if you preferred...practicing some relaxation/distraction techniques would still be helpful I'm sure.

 

[PegasusOnFire]

I took the class, but then had to have an emergency C-section so what I learned didn't help.

 

[jgonz]

I took the hospital classes with one of my kids, but it was pointless because I wanted a natural birth and pretty much all that class taught me was what to expect in the way of hospital regulations.

I wanted to take a Bradley class, but no one in my area was teaching them so I studied the book. I love the Bradley method! It's so close to what I was already doing it was amazing... Natural Childbirth the Bradley Way by Susan McCutcheon is the name of the book I'm referring to. I have recommended it to all my doula clients.

Anyway, IMO, you should Still practice breathing and relaxing, because you have to Get to the point where you can get the epidural. (If they give it to you too early, it will slow your labor and then they'll give you pitocin to speed up labor, which can mess with your blood pressure as well as the baby's. It's also been known to cause colic in newborns.)

Pregnancy, Childbirth, and the Newborn by Penny Simkin is also another good one, but not as focused on birthing as the Bradley book.

 

[Linnis]

The hospital class is all about an epi birth...if you want one than it may do you some good. I didn't take a class. I read a lot about the Bradley Method, knowing my body was built and meant to do what it had to do. One nurse was amazed how I'd breath through my contraction and then go back to watching Trek...she thought I took classes.

I didn't see the point myself but if they had a Bradley class in the area I may take it if we have another child. So maybe I can go without the tranqilzers next time.

 

[jessesgirl]

I wasn't going to take them, but I think I am going to now.

 

[Singin4Him]

I found a DVD that looks pretty in depth, it's child birthing classes at home. I should have taken these earlier but we have been so busy with moving and stuff. The lady told me it's nearly to late since my due date is so soon because they're a 14 hour set of classes. So I may choose to just read and watch the DVD. It cost $120 for the classes and tour of the hospital and I think that's a lot, especially if I felt they weren't worth it or if I have to end up having a C-section. I'm still so worried I would that I won't be prepared enough though.

 

[GolfingMom]

I found a DVD that looks pretty in depth, it's child birthing classes at home. I should have taken these earlier but we have been so busy with moving and stuff. The lady told me it's nearly to late since my due date is so soon because they're a 14 hour set of classes. So I may choose to just read and watch the DVD. It cost $120 for the classes and tour of the hospital and I think that's a lot, especially if I felt they weren't worth it or if I have to end up having a C-section. I'm still so worried I would that I won't be prepared enough though.

I'm PMing you.

 

[RoseofLima]

I found a DVD that looks pretty in depth, it's child birthing classes at home. I should have taken these earlier but we have been so busy with moving and stuff. The lady told me it's nearly to late since my due date is so soon because they're a 14 hour set of classes. So I may choose to just read and watch the DVD. It cost $120 for the classes and tour of the hospital and I think that's a lot, especially if I felt they weren't worth it or if I have to end up having a C-section. I'm still so worried I would that I won't be prepared enough though.

I think that's a lot ,too, for hospital classes... I think reading and watching the DVD will probably be just fine. You might want to call and ask the hospital if there are L&D tours avaiable (separate from the class) or if someone could show you around if you stopped by...

Have you pre-registered already at the hospital?

 

[purpleunicorn_Andi]

the classes cost? I always thought they were free if you were delivering in that hospital

 

[GolfingMom]

the classes cost? I always thought they were free if you were delivering in that hospital

No. Most classes charge.

 

[purpleunicorn_Andi]

I was worried there for a while

 

[jgonz]

Wow! None of the hospitals around here charge a thing!

 

[RoseofLima]

Wow! None of the hospitals around here charge a thing!

It's free here, too.

 

[faithingrace]

free here for some, not for others. The gov't ones yes. I took a class that was more about mothering and what to expect with parenthood. Not very good. Though it helped dh to hear that the house wouldn't be perfect now that he had a stay at home wife. lol. men!
It could have helped to take a labor class. The bradley book helped me third time around, but I think it just depends. Every delivery is different. ou can try to be prepared but most important I think you need to be ready to change your plans as needed.