Child Birthing Classes...Are they worth it?

yeadawnnn

Are the child birthing classes really worth it? 

Is online and book research enough of a substitute for the classes?

I need some advice from moms who have taken the classes before. My husband and I both work 10+ hours a day and live about 30 mins. from the hospital I will have to give birth in. Right now, we are trying to not take off any unneeded time from work so we can have all the time off that we can when the baby comes. When we get home, it takes all of our energy just to cook dinner and pick up around the house. Will research on my own from reputable sources be enough for me?

Kara03

Honestly I didn't really get much out of the class when I took it with my first child. It was info that I had already read or common sense.

cgummie

I'm taking a class thru my obgyn office. It's only 2 days and I feel like it's a good way to meet others in my area, since I don't have any friends who are moms. It was pretty informative. They offer an online version thru my hospital for mommas on bedrest or who are far from the hospital... That may be a better option for you.

NatalieBrooke2007

We took a natural childbirth class and learned a lot like exercises to do to get you ready for childbirth, relaxation techniques, understanding the birthing process, how to take care of newborns, what to pack for the hospital, at what point to leave for the hospital, what's happening to you during each stage of labor and more. My husband also got a lot out of it and now will be a great birth coach. He took a lot of notes so he'll know how to help me. It depends on the class though.

amorrison624

My husband and I are taking one right now. I think he's getting more out of it than I am. He thought he'd just "go with the flow" during labor, but now truly understands what is going to be happening. I learned more about the stages of labor and what to do when. I think it was worth our time. Our class was free, but 8 classes- about 2.5 hours per class.

gabrielafrnqyepez

is anyone taking online birthing classes ....im looking for a refresher class but really don't have the time to go once a week DH's work schedule makes it tough.

Spanchez

I did not take the birthing class before my son was born. I'm the kind of person that becomes way to anxious with too much information. I did my reading at home and asked lots of questions to friends/family and the Dr. I felt as I prepared as I wanted to be ahead of time.

The one thing we did do which I was happy about was the hospital tour. It was a quick your and made us feel calm that we knew exactly where to go and what to do when I went into labor. I would recommend it as each hospital is different.

loveleighmami

Since this will be my husband's first biological child, I am actually taking the class again for his sake. So I think it's worth it, although I'm sure it's different at every hospital.

LiveNLove44

As with many PPs, the classes I took before DD arrived really helped DH more than they helped me. I do a lot of reading and researching, too, and I felt really in tune with the process and what to expect. I think it helped us to be in the presence of a third party who was delivering information (i.e. the class) for us both to be on the same page as we prepared for labor and delivery. Our classes were in a set of three, and each was two hours long. The time commitment was minimal for what we felt in return. I'd do them again for the first time if put in the same position.

knottymomma

I learned nothing from childbirth class when pregnant with DD. I don't plan on taking class again because I learned more from my midwife and the nurses while in labor.