Childbirth Classes

vintagevix2016

I will be taking my last childbirth class this weekend and was curious, for those of you who have taken them, what your thoughts were on the course that you attended?

Did you find it informative/helpful?
If yes, what did you find helpful? 
If not, what did the class lack that you wish had been included or discussed indepth?

Happy Friday!

Alanna999

I didn't take a series of prenatal classes, but I did attend a childbirth without fear workshop, and found it to be extremely helpful! They provided tips and techniques to help cope with pain, and they offered advice to my husband on how best to support me (for example: if I'm the type of person who needs to focus on my contractions... he needs to be silent, but if I need to be distracted, he should talk to me and provide encouragement). I don't think that the class lacked anything, since it was exclusively focused on over-coming fear. I do however wish that I'd attended earlier prenatal classes that provide more info on caring for babies once home from the hospital, although I guess there's still time!
I actually left the workshop considering hiring a doula. I now see the value in having someone there to act as my advocate, in what can otherwise be a very clinical, hospital environment. I also feel that the husband/partner can  be overlooked during the birth process, and I think it would be nice to have someone there to coach us both , and help ensure a positive experience all around
Long story short, I feel very lucky to have access to classes/workshops/information that provide expecting parents with as much information and support as possible.

vintagevix2016

@lanna999 that sounds like a great workshop! I think my husband would have preferred something more in that vein rather than the one we are going to (it's just a two day course, but both days are full days). I never really thought of a Doula as being someone to advocate on your behalf during delivery but that makes total sense. I think that's something my husband is worried about, that he'll forget all the clinical jargon we've learned and be clueless during delivery due to stress/anxiety when I need him to step in for me. 

peregrinefalconx

You might want to check out the Natural Birth board for lots of insight into the classes.

TheHauntedHauswife

I took an AMAZING one based on the book "Birthing from Within'' it was very holistic minded and a lot of tolerating the pain techniques without an epidural and working with midwives and doulas type stuff. I found it to be so informative and it was fantastic for my husband to learn all these techniques hands on. Worth every penny and it was very affordable.

annaf2011

My H and I are two weeks into a 6-week childbirth class. So far I have found it very informative and helpful. I think the biggest benefit is the opportunity to hear and talk about exactly what is going on inside your body during the different stages of labor. You can also get that information from a book, but talking about the process, the pros/cons of different interventions, and hearing about lots of different examples of labor has really normalized everything for me. It's much less intimidating now that I'm starting to feel like I know what to expect.

adiaz132003

We finished a 4 course hypnobirthing class and we feel so empowered and we literally covered everything that there is to expect.  We have a breastfeeding class next week and a newborn care class the week after then finally a "what to expect the first 24 hours" at the birth center the following week.  Busy schedule but I will have no missing info when done. Lol

gauge1234

Wow @adiaz132003 !

thats amazing

we were going to do prep classes but decided to spend the $ on a doula instead.

H is reading the birth partner

I am reading 
spiritual midwifery
guide to child birth 
using hypno birthing apps 
happiest baby on the block 

The doula will teach breast feeding 

the midwives will also do home visits afterwards 

were banking on figuring it out from there!


any books or movies to recommend?

StayingFocused

We are taking a 4 session class in May.  One of the sessions is the facility tour.  I was always one of those with that attitude of the girl in the movie Baby Mama (...can i just spray a little PAM down there?)...  but i'm actually kind of looking forward to it. However, If i'm being honest I'll  probably have to avoid eye contact with DH at some points to avoid a giggle-fest.

Knottie95349912

I thought the classes were super informative - we took a 4-week session headed by an L&D nurse who answered all of our questions and slowly went through all the stages of labor. She emphasized how every pregnancy is different, and how to best support the woman in labor.

StayingFocused

On a related note, does DH need to be present for all the classes? I'm sure classes at different places are a little diverse but DH is out of town for work sometimes so we can't guarantee he'll make all four classes.  What is the norm?

RNMegan0711

Yeah I feel unprepared... We are doing zero classes.... Lol

MistKeeper

Today is the 4th out of 4 Hypnobirthing classes that we're attending. It teaches wonderful techniques to help us view childbirth as natural and to alter our mindsets on the negativity often portrayed in films, etc. With that said, it's definitely not for everyone. However, a friend of mine told me about her course where the nurse tried to scare her half to death by going into great detail about all of the possible complications, dangers, and horrors of child birth. I much prefer my way!

The first week of June I have a breastfeeding class, and the second week a parenting class for my husband and I. I've spent some time around newborns, but he's never held a baby etc, so I feel like aleviating his anxiety is key.

26pointrunningfor2

RNMegan0711 said:

Yeah I feel unprepared... We are doing zero classes.... Lol

We aren't doing any birthing classes either. I keep telling people I don't want to know what's coming (I don't, actually).  I've read enough to know I just want the epidural as soon as I get to the hospital, and no, I don't want to see the needle beforehand. However, we are taking a "how to take care of your newborn" class and a breastfeeding class. I feel like I should have some training in keeping the baby alive after he's here

adiaz132003

26pointrunningfor2 said:

RNMegan0711 said:

Yeah I feel unprepared... We are doing zero classes.... Lol

We aren't doing any birthing classes either. I keep telling people I don't want to know what's coming (I don't, actually).  I've read enough to know I just want the epidural as soon as I get to the hospital, and no, I don't want to see the needle beforehand. However, we are taking a "how to take care of your newborn" class and a breastfeeding class. I feel like I should have some training in keeping the baby alive after he's here

Maybe just look up some relaxation breathing you can do while you labor at home before going to the hospital. Honestly, that sounds like all you need cause you have the rest covered.