Birthing Classes

mbrauch23

23 weeks, pregnant with our first, due Jan 2023.

Curious what birthing classes are people taking? I am signed up for Lamaze, not sure if that’s common or not?

katj10

Third time mom here. We paid a few hundred dollars for a birthing class with our first because the free one at the hospital didn't work with our schedule and in the end I'd say it was a waste of money. Having done this twice - first was a terrible, long labor with really bad tearing, eventually got epidural; second was out 2hrs after I got to the hospital and didn't have time for epidural to kick in so basically unmedicated, minimal tearing and easy recovery - I think it is total BS that your breathing or mantras or essential oils or whatever affect your labor experience - your nursing and doc team, the position/size of your baby, your particular body make-up, and chance determine how your labor goes. That's it. I'd say it was helpful to understand the different stages of labor to know what to look for and what to expect, but you can just read that in a book. 

willrunforcookies

2nd time mom here. I took the hospital course the first time, and read up on breathing exercises, but nothing prepares you for contractions.  The hospital course was good and honest, but would take whatever courses help you feel prepared. 

charleesangel9

We’re taking the Bradley Method course. We’re planning for unmedicated birth at a hospital-based birth center. 

jennifer_louise

3rd time mom, although 2nd baby was a planned CS so I didn't labor at all.

I actually found the hospital labor class to be really useful. I thought it was good to know about the various "options" or tools that you could possibly encounter (including any pain meds). 

I also read Ina Mae's Guide to Child birth which was a little gross but it was still helpful and empowering. I agree with @willrunforcookies, there's really no way to be prepared for those later contractions, no matter how much you read (and no matter how much Ina Mae fires you up 😅).

I also tend to agree with @katj10, there's a different labor experience with every baby and every mom. Sure it's great to go in prepared (by being informed, and hopefully with a positive mindset) but sometimes things happen outside of your control and it's not your fault.