Birthing classes?!

momaKay

(I didn't find what I was looking for in the search) Im 15weeks 4day with baby #1 and lots of women ask me if I've started birthing classes. I read/heard that its not helpful and others say it is. My question is is it really worth it? My mom and Aunt are sending me all kinds of info about it and im just like eh! I feel like my body knows what it should do and ive already watched birth videos so i have an idea. Thanks for the help!

veckia

I'm 15 weeks 4 days too! Following.

VexyMommy

I found the class on birthing to be more helpful for my partner than myself.  That made it worth it for me at the time.  I wish I had gone to the breastfeeding class.  I feel I would have been better prepared for some of the difficulties I encountered and not been as easily discouraged if I had. 

Pontot31

VexyMommy said:

I found the class on birthing to be more helpful for my partner than myself.  That made it worth it for me at the time.  I wish I had gone to the breastfeeding class.  I feel I would have been better prepared for some of the difficulties I encountered and not been as easily discouraged if I had. 

This.
If you take one class take a breastfeeding class. And make sure your SO is there.

cbolton19

My husband and I just signed up for our birthing class (and a bunch more). We are really excited for them. As first time parents there is a lot to learn for both of us. I am pretty anxious for the birth so the class we are going to is tailored around how I can stay calm and empowered and how my husband can help me achieve that too. There are a lot of different classes you can choose from that will suit your needs the best. Its also a great way to meet people due around the same time as you. I'm looking forward to that part too.

A&A9222012

I plan to take the birth class and breastfeeding class. When do you plan on taking them? Im currently 16 weeks 2 days.

RVAMomma

I took a lamaze class with my 1st and it was amazing. We felt much more comformable going into delivery since we had more information. Also my water broke after doctor hours so I called the lamaze coach and she gave me some helpful advice. I say it's worth it to take a birth class.

tayzav

Where did you ladies get the information for these classes? My OB just gave me the number to the hospital but didn't specify any classes, which ones would possibly be better to take than others? Are they all usually offered through the hospital? Or does it depend on where you live? What classes would second times moms recommend taking and what ones can I skip out on?

VexyMommy

tayzav said:

Where did you ladies get the information for these classes? My OB just gave me the number to the hospital but didn't specify any classes, which ones would possibly be better to take than others? Are they all usually offered through the hospital? Or does it depend on where you live? What classes would second times moms recommend taking and what ones can I skip out on?

You can usually find information on your hospital's website.  If you call their maternity department they should also have information for you or at least know where to direct you. 

tayzav

VexyMommy said:

tayzav said:

Where did you ladies get the information for these classes? My OB just gave me the number to the hospital but didn't specify any classes, which ones would possibly be better to take than others? Are they all usually offered through the hospital? Or does it depend on where you live? What classes would second times moms recommend taking and what ones can I skip out on?

You can usually find information on your hospital's website.  If you call their maternity department they should also have information for you or at least know where to direct you. 


Thank youuu!

maurahalp

I have my name down for a few classes too. The childbirth class guidelines said book early in 2nd semester and so I did... I turned up 15w and everyone else was 25w plus. The instructor recommended I wait until Sept and so I headed home. Never been kicked out of class for not being long enough pregnant before!! Haha;-)

VexyMommy

maurahalp said:

I have my name down for a few classes too. The childbirth class guidelines said book early in 2nd semester and so I did... I turned up 15w and everyone else was 25w plus. The instructor recommended I wait until Sept and so I headed home. Never been kicked out of class for not being long enough pregnant before!! Haha;-)

Awww, that stinks.  Maybe the guidelines meant to book the class in the 2nd tri and attend in the 3rd? 

tayzav

VexyMommy said:

maurahalp said:

I have my name down for a few classes too. The childbirth class guidelines said book early in 2nd semester and so I did... I turned up 15w and everyone else was 25w plus. The instructor recommended I wait until Sept and so I headed home. Never been kicked out of class for not being long enough pregnant before!! Haha;-)

Awww, that stinks.  Maybe the guidelines meant to book the class in the 2nd tri and attend in the 3rd? 


Thanks for the help, just got signed up. And @maurahalp they put me down for September as well.

maurahalp

Awww, that stinks.  Maybe the guidelines meant to book the class in the 2nd tri and attend in the 3rd? 


Thanks for the help, just got signed up. And @maurahalp they put me down for September as well.

Yes I think you're right, they probably did mean book in 2nd trimester for the 3rd trimester and I just misinterpreted it. I did ask when I was booking but I think they were just reading the same info I had so they booked me in. Oh well, at least I know where the class is :-)

Hopefully we both enjoy the class come Sept!

Laura&brad1

I am a stm and I didn't really want to attend the classes again but my partner is a 1st time dad and really wants to go and my daughter is now 9 so I figured maybe we should go im sure I could do with a refresher you can never be to prepared And it helps pass time and make things more real!!

VexyMommy

Laura&brad1 said:

I am a stm and I didn't really want to attend the classes again but my partner is a 1st time dad and really wants to go and my daughter is now 9 so I figured maybe we should go im sure I could do with a refresher you can never be to prepared And it helps pass time and make things more real!!

My daughter is 9yrs old also.  Are you bringing her to the class?

dogsombrero

The classes were definitely helpful for me. We had to take the 1 day condensed and we took a breastfeeding course. My husband was really geared up to be my coach and did wonderfully through 3 1/2 hours of pushing. I agree with @VexyMommy it is more helpful for the SO but very important so you know the ins and outs of each birth and intervention.

Pontot31

tayzav said:

Where did you ladies get the information for these classes? My OB just gave me the number to the hospital but didn't specify any classes, which ones would possibly be better to take than others? Are they all usually offered through the hospital? Or does it depend on where you live? What classes would second times moms recommend taking and what ones can I skip out on?

My hospital offers a basic one. My doula recommended out of hospital classes, which tend to lean more natural.

Check your hospital's website and do some googling to see what's available.

Laura&brad1

@VexyMommy I wasn't sure you could take children? She doesn't seem very keen on it all tho I offered to take her to my 19week scan and she doesn't want to! Maybe it's all a bit much I am not sure what to do Sorry I'm not sure if replying will work on my phone

momaKay

Thank yall so much! I think i will try to talk my husband in to going to a few classes, and definitely be going to a breastfeeding class.

jesshock22

I signed up for a breastfeeding and infant care class today. Each cost $40 at my hospital so I opted out of the birthing class. Figure what happens will happen and I'm reading WTE so hopefully that will be enough.

Ceridwen77

I'm planning to take a birthing class and breastfeeding class. I am pretty sure the breastfeeding class is covered by insurance and that the birthing class can be paid for with an fsa.

Lawson6510

My hospital offers a Lamaze class that I took with my first. It was super helpful since I had a med-free birth. They also had a breastfeeding and infant care class included. Since it was at the hospital, they discussed that particular hospital's policies and did a tour of the L&D and postpartum floors. I work there as a NICU RN, so I already knew all of that, but it was very beneficial for my husband. When it was baby time, I was super focused and unable to talk him though where to go/park/enter/expect, so it was great that he knew all of that from the class.

cfletch88

We took the class with our first baby. Like PP the class was more helpful for my husband than for me. He was able to understand more of the process of labor and delivery. He even asked me if I'd lost my mucous plug yet around 38 weeks with our baby lol. We won't take it again but I've considered taking a breastfeeding class because we never took one last time, just consulted with the lactation specialist in the hospital.

jamiem522

Just signed up for Bradley Method classes. We start on Sunday and I can't wait!!

CarrieOct15

We might take an infant safety class (includes infant CPR), and perhaps a birthing class. I'm really not that nervous about birth, since my mom is a L&D nurse & I've heard about every story in the book. If we do take any classes, it won't be for a few months still.

Falchas

momaKay said:

Thank yall so much! I think i will try to talk my husband in to going to a few classes, and definitely be going to a breastfeeding class.

I hope you can find one you enjoy!  Wanted to add that I was unsure about how much I would actually learn as well (I did 8 week Bradley course), but what I really found helpful was that for at least an hour a week, my SO and I were forced to really concentrate on talking and thinking about what we wanted during birth.  He was in the middle of a huge work project the entire time I was pregnant, so it was more the bonding of taking the class together that has stayed with me.  Also, you might meet some nice couples/moms who are in the same stage as you, and if you like your instructor, a good post-natal resource person.  

FilmFreak933

I signed up for a childbirth class through the hospital where I will deliver. The website advised for me to take it in September (due November 10).

blams05

I did classes in the beginning of 3rd tri last time. Was really helpful edit:because i was mistaken