Birthing classes?

minnemiska

Did you/are you doing a birthing class? If you did them with a prior pregnancy, did they help? How far in advance of your due date? There are classes offered locally that are done as a weekly seminar (4 weeks), but there are also single day "express" options. I think we are very inclined to take a class since this is our first pregnancy, but I am totally stumped as to when and what type of class would be best. 

MrsHudson2014

I would kind of have to take the single day. Getting 4 of the same day off in a row is impossible in retail. I admit, I haven't fully looked into this yet, though. 

nlane0723

Nope. I was told by several of my parent friends that it was a waste of time and wasn't helpful at all. That was a hospital sponsored class. They said it was mostly baby prep and only 10% birthing prep. I doubt we will take a birthing class this time, but we will probably take a twin prep class.

vanessa11411

I did it with my first and didn't do them for the last one and don't plan on it this time around. I don't remember really finding it that useful.

von1976

We signed up for a 12 week (one 2-2.5 hour class per week) Bradley class. We've only just had the first one, but my husband (a skeptic) came out of it rather impressed.

I chose Bradley classes because I'm interested in a med-free, epidural-free birth, and wanted help managing labor pains.

mslove03

I didn't take one with DS. I wanted to but with so many complications and then DS being born at 36 wks I just didn't have the time or energy. I actually didn't need it once we got going with labor. I am not sure about this time around.

katlarissa

We did a one day class our hospital offered. It wasn't like a Bradley class or anything the equivalent thereof, so don't expect that! It's a lot of basic info about babies, some infor about birth+hospital policy, a tour of the maternity wing, etc. 
if you want a "real" birthing class (with breathing advice, pain management ideas, etc.,) the time commitment is much much larger. 

msBlackandGold

I did a birthing class with my first. It was Lamazze that was offered at the hospital I was going to deliver. It was NOTHING like what we saw on TV. I expected sitting on the floor with DH and breathing...etc. We actually had a workbook/text book that we read thru about the end of pregnancy and the beginning middle and end of labor. What was good about it is that I had read What to Expect When You're Expecting, but I couldn't get DH to pick up the book. Well, this was the same information in a classroom setting. So, it was great for DH to get informed. 

They also passed around the epi needle and cath. Made me 100% sure I was not having that go in my spine! Now, they weren't knocking people who did, they just wanted to make sure everyone knew what would be happening (especially the husbands who would see it). They explained how it worked and showed video of a woman getting an epi. 

The no-med conversation was very beneficial to me. The nurse/teacher told us to gradually pinch our arm for 30 seconds: getting harder for the first 15 seconds and then slowly "unpinching" for 15 seconds. That's what a contraction is like (only not a pinch). She advised for those who wanted to go med-free that we think about this pain as temporary. It may be very intense, but the worst of it is over after 15 seconds...then you feel relief. She said, pretty much, if you can stand to be in pain for 15 seconds, then you have a chance at going med-free. 

Again, she wasn't knocking anyone who wanted to have the epi (we had two separate sessions to discuss the epi and other pain options, and then one to discuss med-free options). We also discussed coping techniques to get to the hospital and when to go etc. 

I didn't do one for my second pregnancy, and won't do one for this one either. I felt very informed after the one before my first. 

Our last class we had dolls to practice swaddling, changing diapers and different breast feeding holds. 

mothernorth

I've never taken a birthing class, but managed to survive 2 births so I can't say they are 100% necessary. May have been helpful the first go around, be we managed

NoraAurora

Only do a birthing class if you are planning to go natural. And even then I am skeptical. It's not to say that there aren't people who find them useful, but like @nlane0723 says, they are often a waste. I mean...there are at least a couple of people known to have given birth without a class. 

You definitely don't need a class to get an epidural though. 

kmvisioli

We did a 12-week Bradley Method class the first time around and found it super helpful. I would definitely recommend one if you are planning an all-natural labor and delivery, but it is probably not important if you plan to just go with a medicated hospital birth. I would also say the multi-class option is better than a single day (if you can do that) because you will want to review and refresh a few times, and you will probably come up with new questions as you learn more and have new symptoms.

Our Bradley class helped with managing uncomfortable pregnancy symptoms, getting baby into ideal birth position, managing labor pains, how to communicate well with drs and nurses so you can advocate for yourself, pushing positions, and even some breastfeeding and postpartum stuff. I really liked how it involved your partner in everything and helped my husband know how to support me and advocate for me - he got a lot more confident through that class!

ignoscemihi

We took the whole slate of prep classes offered by our hospital and I actually found them very useful.  I had no idea what labor was going to feel like and I was scared out of my mind that I'd end up like my mom (who didn't realize she was in labor for most of the day, then almost didn't make it to the hospital in time).  The birth prep class we took calmed my nerves a bit about that (though my water broke before I had any contractions, so it ended up not being an issue).  It also made me sit down and make an actual birth plan.  I read "What to Expect" and "The Mayo Clinic Guide to a Healthy Pregnancy" but I hadn't really sat down and considered what labor was going to be like until we took the class.

We also took a "bringing home baby" class which taught me to wrap a Moby wrap and to swaddle a baby.  And our hospital offered a class called "baby needs a doctor" which brought in three doctors who were currently accepting new patients so you could at least get a start finding a family doctor for your soon-to-be infant.

To address something @msBlackandGold said

msBlackandGold said:

The no-med conversation was very beneficial to me. The nurse/teacher told us to gradually pinch our arm for 30 seconds: getting harder for the first 15 seconds and then slowly "unpinching" for 15 seconds. That's what a contraction is like (only not a pinch). She advised for those who wanted to go med-free that we think about this pain as temporary. It may be very intense, but the worst of it is over after 15 seconds...then you feel relief. She said, pretty much, if you can stand to be in pain for 15 seconds, then you have a chance at going med-free. 

This is something we addressed in our birthing class.  It's true that for most women contractions last a short time, starting off for 30 to 45 seconds followed by relief (up to 20 minutes between contractions) (early labor) and gradually increasing to 40-60 second contractions three minutes apart (active labor) and finally 60-90 seconds of VERY intense contractions very close together (transition) before you start pushing.  It doesn't always happen that way.  That's something we talked about (thank goodness) in my birthing class.  Sometimes, like me, you have an hour of one minute contractions two minutes apart followed by transition (basically straight contractions, with no relief between) for three hours followed by pushing for two hours.  That was me.  And if we hadn't talked about this possibility (though briefly) in birthing class, I would have though I was going crazy.

agogo1

It's interesting to see the different opinions on this one. I think it depends a lot on what kind of class you're looking into and where. We did several classes offered through our hospital and, surprisingly, thoroughly enjoyed them while also learning a lot. My husband is an MD/PhD and I do a lot of reading/research, and we both still found them useful. One class was just about labor and discussed natural birth vs. pain management as well as different birthing positions, breathing, and methods for your partner to help as much as possible--including aromatherapy and massage during labor which was nice. We did a couple of worksheets which helped my husband and I understand each other's expectations (super helpful) and also helped us (mostly me) prioritize various aspects of the birth experience and why I might have to budge on those if things don't go as planned. Sure, you could have a kid without taking a class like this, but it was definitely a nice way to set a baseline for how we wanted things to go. This was a one day class.

We also took a class on newborn basics which covered everything from various aspects newborn safety to diapering and breastfeeding. We looked at a bunch of pictures of things that might be concerning (rashes, really minor birth defects like lip tie, etc. certain types of infections) and learned how to identify them and when we should call a doctor for an emergency vs. typical office visit. There was also some discussion around supporting each other and relationship management, which was nothing novel but still helpful to be reminded of. I think that one was a three hour class.

Our speakers were great and entertaining and really knowledgeable, but that's kind of what I would expect from working with a large research hospital with the labor and delivery practices that ours does. If you want to take a class, shop around for the experience that you are looking for. 

ETA: we took the labor class when I was around 6 months pregnant and the newborn basics class when I was around 7 months. 

minnemiska

This is all super helpful! I think I need to do a bit more research on the classes offered. A friend gave me her copy of the Mayo Clinic book, so I will have to look more closely at that as well. There's probably only so much we can do to be prepared for this new adventure.

lilbabybrown

My DH and I took an 8-week class that the hospital offered.  I was glad we went because one evening, they talked about C-sections and how the whole procedure works.  As I took the class, I thought this is a waste of time!  But when we had to do an emergency C-section, I was very grateful that I had taken the class & knew what to expect.  Plus, it was good for my DH to come with me so that he could be more "helpful" during labor.

We started the classes when I was about 18 weeks along.  I was just so freaked out about going into early labor, that I wanted to be prepared...  Ended up having to be induced 8 days after my due date.  Of course!

waterfall213

We took the general birthing class offered by the hospital with out first pregnancy. I already knew a lot of the info, but it was helpful for DH. The most helpful part for me was actually seeing all of the equipment that could possibly be used and why. Different pain management options, etc. We also did the hospital tour during one of our classes and that was really helpful. 

F47

I took a Hypnobirthing class with my first pregnancy. I was due in early December, and took the several week class (one class per week) in September/early October. I found it very helpful. I was pretty clueless about birth, and while I certainly could've gotten by without it (the baby is coming out regardless of your prep), it was nice knowing what to expect, and ways to tolerate the pain of contractions, etc.

ETA: The class materials were great, but the instructor was kind of a wet blanket. She didn't do the best job covering the material, so I must admit I learned the most at home reading the book.

jeng100

We took hypnobirthing classes the first time around because I had planned on an unmedicated birth. It didn't work for us. I call us "the drop outs." As soon as those contractions really picked up no amount of zen could help me cope with the pain (after 7 hours with pitocin). We ended up with a c section. So in my case, looking back, I feel like it wasn't worth my time. I almost wonder if I'd ended up in the same situation(with a c section) if I'd just taken the epidural from the get go. However, with all that said, my friend took a hypnobirthing class and successfully birthed 2 babies Med free. She loved the classes. So it really depends on the person I think. 

mothernorth

My first was med-free, but not by choice. I was mortified, in the worst pain of my life, and had no clue what to expect, but even worst case scenario (I consider my experience worst case scenario), you can still pull through even completely inexperienced and ignorant. 
Not that I would CHOOSE that route again! I say take them if you can and want to. But my point is, you can do this even if you don't. 

Schell2013

Nope. Took them with my first, was the biggest waste of time and money ever. It's 10 hours of my life I will never get back for nothing. It was plain parental classes. 
I took a breastfeeding class one afternoon and it was very helpful though, and I would highly recommend one that is strictly geared towards that, but birthing classes I do not reccomend.

LiterallyAmy

Wow. I'm surprised and actually a bit annoyed that so few of you found the birthing classes helpful. Kinda makes me wonder what the heck these people are getting paid for. Are there any specific books that anyone would recommend in lieu of the classes, or is childbirth just the sort of thing that nothing in the world can prepare a person for??!

mothernorth

@LiterallyAmy I am under the impression that taking birthing classes is probably much like studying for an exam. Ultimately, it doesn't matter how well you go over the material, what counts is what you're able to retain and how well you're able to apply that info and perform once it comes down to it. 

UponAStar16

I'm not sure which classes we will be signing up for but DH and I definitely will be looking into the choices, even just to sign up for one about the basics of labor/birth or parenting, since I'm really not comfortable only being prepared with advice from family or friends (already some things I have been told are not accurate or helpful) and I'd rather do classes than read books. That is, if I get around to finding a free weekend and registering!

agogo1

@literallyamy I think it's important to know what you're looking for in a class--that way you can read the course description and/or call ahead of time to ask what will be discussed and decide if it will be useful for you. The classes I took were more useful than any of the books I read, by a long shot, and prepared my husband as well. Also, several of the negative comments are from ladies who never took a class, so keep that in mind. I see more positive comments than negative comments when I skim through.

We liked our hospital class, but I think the problem that some people run into is that at a lot of hospitals, they tend  to assume that their audience is the lowest common denominator. So, people who have never been around a baby or picked up a book or maybe even those who are new to the country, or don't speak very good English. It probably depends a bit on who they expect to show up or what kind of information they feel responsible for sharing.

Book selection is going to depend a lot on what kind of birth experience you're looking for. I suggest reading reviews on Amazon, that helped me most when I wanted to pick up a couple of things to read. 

Piperella

I've never changed a diaper or held a baby longer than 10 minutes.   I find this info very helpful.  @agogo1,  which hospital did you go to for the classes?  I am deciding between St. Mary's or St. Francis.  I appreciate the feedback from everyone as to what classes they took and the timing.   I was thinking late June or July  since I am due in very early Oct. 

Edited because half my post didn't publish. 

agogo1

@piperella the classes were at VCU/MCV. I've heard really great things about St. Mary's! 

ladyshark311

@agogo1 and @Piperella we are delivering at St Francis and I know they offer tons of classes.

We plan on going to several for a few reasons. First that I haven't had to take care of a baby for 9 years or so and things change. Same goes with labor methods/pain methods. Basically I want to brush up on things in that aspect. The other is I'm a SAHM and I like to just get out and be around adults and will use any excuse to do so! Lol We are also looking forward to them as a bonding/date night for us before the baby comes.

Schell2013

Piperella said:

I've never changed a diaper or held a baby longer than 10 minutes.   I find this info very helpful.  @agogo1,  which hospital did you go to for the classes?  I am deciding between St. Mary's or St. Francis.  I appreciate the feedback from everyone as to what classes they took and the timing.   I was thinking late June or July  since I am due in very early Oct. 

Edited because half my post didn't publish. 

I was hoping the class I took would cover stuff like swaddling, sleeping tips for baby, car seat installing and proper use, diaper changing and how to deal with rashes, when to call the doctor when your baby is sick and stuff like that. But basically we were put infront of a tv and watched birth videos for 5 classes and then there was question time. But it didn't cover much honestly. I feel birth is so diverse and everyone wants or hopes for different things. Selection was super limited so I didn't have much to pick from but if you can find a good class it might be better but the one I took was horrible, and the lady who taught it almost put me to sleep. She wasn't even a nurse, so how she is even qualified is beyond me. She only taught the text book version of each stage of labor and went over minimal labor coping tips. She was super pro epidural and drugs and never once mentioned doing it drug free (for me drug free was a big deal but she almost made it seem like it wasn't even something that was possible to do).

maysmiles

I took the Bradley Method the first time because I wanted to limit interventions. I honestly would say even if you are not sure about what interventions you are ok with, the Bradley Method is all about keeping you low risk and teaching you what normal is. Both you and your partner will be empowered to advocate for yourselves, which is a huge gift. I was so empowered by my first birth and so interested in birth I became a Bradley teacher and have had over 40 women take my class in the last 15 months. It is so rewarding as a teacher to see nervous, pregnant couples come in the first day, and leave feeling pretty darn ready to face anything that comes their way. Birth is not a spectator sport and regardless of your goals, educating yourself makes the whole process much less scary.

Blonde1817

DH and I are first time parents.  I have some experience working in childcare, but otherwise we really don't have many babies around so we don't have a lot of exposure to some of this stuff that could seem like common knowledge.  And I only have one close friend who has had a baby recently.  We're going to take the classes, even if they're lame.  I'm not sure if we'll take the one-day or the weekly classes, just depends how it goes with my work schedule.  We still haven't picked between to two hospitals my doctor delivers at, so we'll probably try to tour those soon, pick one, and then sign up for classes there.  I'd rather waste my time than regret being less prepared than I could be.  

ibabyloveb87

I think I'm supposed to call about classes at our hospital at 20ish weeks. My friends have done them and said while they seemed to know most of it, it was good for the men. We will do them for this first baby. I feel like even if it is a review of what I already know, it will ease any anxiety of feeling like I might have missed something. 

minnemiska

The more research I do, the more classes I want to take! We are now leaning towards the one-day express seminar, but supplementing with an additional 2-hour labor techniques class. I am kind of thinking it might be a good idea to do a Newborns 101 seminar offered too, especially for DH who has spent very little time around infants. At minimum, it might provide us with a little extra confidence boost as we bring home our first baby. 

LizaKate1213

The hospital sponsored classes are crap in my experience. They reviewed the stages of labor and the medications offered by the hospital for pain relief. Then went over swaddling basics and how to change a diaper, baby's first bath. I was expecting more about non medicated pain relief such as breathing and grounding techniques. I am now researching Bradley method and hypnobirthing classes in my area.

mauishay

Our birthing center has all the classes birthing/breastfeeding etc all wrapped into our monthly centering sessions. 
I'm looking forward to them because I have no idea about any of this baby stuff.

rebeccuh

We're working with a doula and the organization she is associated with has some classes about laboring techniques and pain relief without meds, and things like that included with the doula package.

Before we decided to work with her, we were going to take an 8 week (and frickin' pricey at $275) Bradley Method class at a crunchy moms place in town, but decided that since 1. I'm almost certainly going to want pain meds and have no shame about it and 2. have access to lots of info on laboring options/coaching techniques via our doula/doula org, we may as well take the 6 week hospital class for a fraction of a price (80 bucks, hello!) just to learn the basics of what we're in for and to tour the facility. Plus it's closer to where we live/work anyway. We can always take an a la carte babywearing or baby basics class at the crunchy place if we feel like it's needed too. 


edit: grammar

nsquaredlife13

Another fan of the Bradley method over here. I highly recommend it if you're thinking you want to try natural labor. I never got to put it to use but we learned so much about my body, my pregnancy, what to expect and the 4th Trimester. We're going to take a refresher course with our Bradley instructor this summer.

Blonde1817

There's also a class at a local prenatal yoga studio for $80 that's a natural childbirth prep class (the yoga teachers are also doulas).  I don't necessarily plan on no meds, but I would like to learn other techniques for pain management and getting through labor.  I might try to do that class if the hospital ones aren't helpful.

MRSCORKER

I signed up for a preparation for childbirth class and a breastfeeding class. Both are for me and DH. I'm doing both in August. I figure it will be helpful, especially for DH, to get a basic idea of what to expect and it includes a tour of L& D. I might not need or remember all of the info but it can't hurt.

F47

Regardless of whether you take birthing classes, I definitely recommend a breastfeeding class, as others have mentioned. I was clueless about breastfeeding, and took the hospital class. It was really helpful, because I started out knowing nothing short of the baby sucks on your boob and hopefully milk comes out...

I took notes and actually referenced them a few times after we brought LO home.

Spindlek

I'm signed up for an unmedicated childbirth class at my hospital about a month before my due date (it was free so I figured why not?), I just took an infant cpr class along with my husband and one of our friends last week ($15 per couple, so not bad!), and will be taking a prenatal partner massage class at the yoga studio I've been practicing prenatal yoga at (once a week). I considered a Bradley Method class but I think I'll just opt for the books instead, I'm not sure that I can dedicate myself to 12 weeks and the expense. I'd really like to have a natural birth or at least be as prepared as I can be for one (I'm aware that it might be out of my control and of course health and safety is more important).

dillybean2

We didn't take one with our first, and I'm not sure if we will this time either. 
The hospital ones are very geared toward medicalized birth - which is fine if that's what you want, but I was planning to go natural.  That being said, we had a c-section at 32 weeks, and didn't have time to take a class if we'd wanted to.
I did read a lot of books, blog posts, scholarly articles, and hired a very experienced doula.  Those things all helped. That's the kind of learner I am though - I like to read and analyze things for myself.