So how necessary is the prenatal class anyways?

Manada

So we are missing our weekend-intensive prenatal class for Queer-identified parents this weekend due to bedrest. We signed up for that one mostly to make friends who are also having babies.....

But it looks like we will be cancelling our 4 week twin-specific class that starts June 9 due to bedrest as well as having a pretty offensive/hurtful conversation with the class instructor last week when she called my partner.

The instructor of that one actually called and wanted us to change to a later date (Which we didn't originally sign up for anyway because it starts when we will be 32 weeks and that felt too late) --- but when my partner said we might have to cancel anyways because of bedrest and our threat of preterm labour her response was a SUPER effed-up "Oh! That might work out wonderfully then! You can take the other one in August later in pregnancy!" My partner told her that she didn't really appreciate her response because we were currently worried about losing our babies altogether, and has not 48 hours before been in L&D with an emergency, but the whole conversation really soured us to this woman.

So...... Are prenatal classes even that important? We mostly wanted to meet people in both groups, and get a handle on the hospital and labour thing... But we have books, and google... Is this worth worrying about at all?

persephonerose

For basic information we did not find the classes that helpful, but it did include a lot of information on hospital policy and the tour of the women's wing also gave us an idea of how things work. What we found really helpful was the specific policies they have on IV fluids and step by step over view of how a c-section would be different from laboring.

I still have not found a twin specific class that we can take. All the dates/times don't work for us so I am also wondering how important that class will be for us.

That is really crappy about the instructor, is there anyone you can mention it too. They really should be more aware of how they are handling those types of things.

KatieGummow

I didn't take any and my 8weekers are happy and alive!

Manada

Okay good, I will shoot off the email to cancel our place in it tomorrow, plus find out who to send a note about how the instructor handled that conversation to...

Sounds like there isn't much offered there that wouldn't be possible to get somewhere else.

BabyKsMommy

I didn't take any with DS. I managed to bf him till 14 months without bfing classes. And I had a vag delivery with no issues.

I only thing I was ever stumped on was how hot to put the bath water so I googled it and used a thermometer.

I don't plan on taking any classes this time either. I figure we will manage.

hayleydeee

It sounds like you are willing to put in the time doing research, so I think you'll be fine to skip it. I spent a lot of time researching too, and most of the (6 week) class was repeat information. 

The topics they touched on during our class were: Prenatal growth and development, the processes of labor and giving birth (more focus on vaginal than on c-section), interventions (i. e. drugs/ monitoring) and a quick overview of birthing methods (Bradley, Lamaze and so on). We did practice different poses and relaxation methods, very few of which I actually used! My guess is that you could find instructional videos in all of those areas on You Tube.

In our class there wasn't much time to interact with others, so we didn't really connect or stay friends with anyone. After your babies are born there will be so many opportunities to meet others. There will be playgroups, twins clubs, nursing support groups, library story times and many more. Right now just focus on doing what's best for your babies. 

It's unfortunate that the teacher was so rude, and I'm sorry to hear that you both had to deal with that. I'm sorry to hear about the bed rest too. Hang in there, the first few days/ week is the worst (for the "bed rester" and the caretaker!). Then you kind of get used to it.  I'm wishing you well!

kdarden15

I agree. The best part of a class Is meeting people. Right now, focus on your and your babies health, and you can network later! Sending good thoughts your way--ignore the dummy--it was insensitive and rude.

eandk18

I just responded in a similar post but yes, I thought it was worth it.  I like to know what's going on before I go into something and be armed with all information.  I loved the fact that we got a hospital tour and my class instructor ended up being one of my nurses one night....it was nice to have a familiar face.  Also, there's little things that I didn't know about and wouldn't have had I not taken the class.  Like, what to expect in regards to post-partum bleeding and that baby girls sometimes have a mini-period after birth. (something I would have FREAKED over if I didn't know beforehand lol)