Birthing Classes

jojala4911

Hi there! I am a first time mommy 28 weeks preggo with a very active little boy and I was wondering what everyone's feelings are on birthing classes. Do you feel as if they are beneficial? Are you deciding not to take them? Did taking one help you when you when you were in labor? How did your dh/partner feel about taking them with you or did you take them alone?

duckie23

I am hoping for a natural, drug-free birth, so my husband and I are taking a natural childbirth class. It's an all day thing, and even though we've been doing a lot of reading and researching on our own, I think it will be very helpful. I'm actually really looking forward to it.

I also plan on writing down a list of things my DH can try to comfort me during labor because I'm not sure how much he'll remember in the spur of the moment, and I don't think I'll feel like giving lots of instructions.

Unknown

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acoxwell

I took one with my husband that was offered through our hospital.  It was very helpful.  I had a med-free hospital birth with a midwife.  My husband essentially acted as my doula, and I know this class was critical to him being ready.

Also, FWIW, the instructor we had was a nurse at the hospital and checked on us before we went home with DS.  It was SO good to have built a relationship with her.

mamamedeiros1

We are planning on having a drug and intervention free birth.  We are taking a "natural birth" class through out hospital (not free, $85 for six two hour, weekly classes).  I've found it incredibly helpful not only for my own education but for making my husband more aware of what his role will be and how he fits into the whole experience.  It's brought up questions we haven't thought to ask and I think I'll be more comfortable knowing that HE has more knowledge going in.  That being said, I know that nothing ever goes as planned and it may be a waste of time but it's great for bonding and meeting with other couples and stuff.  

jennypolkadots

I've always been really interested in pregnancy and childbirth so I started off with a really good understanding of what to expect. I read a ton of books and have amassed a small library of birth related books at this point. Even though I haven't actually learned any new information in my midwife's childbirth course or Bradley instruction, I still really enjoy the classes. I feel like seeing other pregnant women or hearing positive stories in real life (instead of reading them) really helps me to normalize birth and get excited for the experience. So I find them really beneficial, even if the information can be found elsewhere. I also have loved meeting other new moms at prenatal yoga.

We are planning a natural out of hospital birth with midwives. The childbirth class my midwife does was free to us, but I think it was $50 for non-clients. In that class I met a Bradley instructor in training and in exchange for letting her attend our birth (which I am so thrilled about) she is giving us free private lessons. She is fully trained just not certified because she needs to attend a few births. A friend of mine loaned me her Hypnobirthing cds to guide meditation and I've enjoyed those as well. Sometimes preparing to give birth feels like a full time job, so I take a day or two off from all the practicing and reading and try to remember that this is such a short period in my life and all of the knowledge will pay off on delivery day. 

jennypolkadots

Just to add - my husband has come to all of the childbirth classes and obviously with Bradley method is he is learning all about labor and how to support me. He has read a lot and we watch natural birth videos together to get used to seeing the blood/fluids/etc. that are part of it. The main books he has read are "The Expectant Father" "Ina May's Guide to Childbirth" and "Natural Birth the Bradley Way" so he knows as much as I do and can be supportive instead of freaked out when the birth comes. I can't imagine a one day class being enough for most men to really feel comfortable with labor, but everyone is different. 

bohemianlc

I'm a FTM who gave birth to my little guy in September. My husband and I took most of the classes available through our hospital, and we didn't feel as though any of them was a waste of time, especially the birthing class. My husband said he felt the same way. 

A lot of my anxiety about labor and birth stemmed from the fact that I didn't really know what to expect. My husband used a lot of the massaging and relaxation techniques he learned at the class to help me during labor, and I was glad that I knew what my options were ahead of time (as well as the pros and cons of each) when it came to pain management. I had previously built it up in my head to think that childbirth was going to be utter torture, so I'm really glad that I had a lot of my misconceptions cleared up during the class because I didn't worry nearly as much when it came time for the real thing.  

We practiced breathing and pain management techniques with our birthing partners at most sessions, so I would really recommend having yours there with you if possible so you can get the most out of the class. 

eleolin8

We just went to an informative labor/delivery class offered by the hospital.  I would totally take a childbirth class since I would like a hospital birth without pain medication but this rural town just doesn't offer them...

amedbery

We had ours today and I think it was worthwhile. If nothing else, you will learn about the particular procedures at your particular hospital and get the tour (assuming you attend the classes they provide). The tour was helpful, too.

xc1148

I would absolutely recommend them.

One good way to tell if you need them...when people post questions on the bump, do you know the answers? Or do you ask a lot of questions yourself. If you don't seem to have a good grasp on the basics of what to expect and what's normal/what's not, a birthing class could be very valuable. It will help keep you calm (as possible) and knowing as much as possible can't hurt.

rockopera

I really enjoyed ours. I knew a lot, but the all day class taught by 2 L&D nurses was really beneficial for both of us. I would def recommend for first time parents.