Childbirth Class Dilemma

kate930

I am not sure I am going to be able to fit in childbirth classes. My H is taking a new Bar exam end of February. (He is a lawyer, and the studying is very intensive.) Therefore, he is not going to be available to attend weekly classes until that is finished. 

All of the classes I am finding don't work out time wise with the remaining portion of my pregnancy. I am giving birth in a birth center, so the hospital classes are out. All of the ones offered by my center are multiple weeks, which won't finish in time for my EDD. (Except an intensive weekend hypnobirthing, but I don't really want to take that class.)

Is anyone here not taking classes? I am going to talk to my midwife about videos or other options, but what are other people doing if not an actual class?

ETA: Thanks everyone for the great responses. I don't think I was entirely clear in my question. I am not looking for reasons to take or not take classes. I already know there is not a class that fits into my schedule - I have looked into it extensively. I am more looking for alternatives. Does anyone know of good videos or workbooks my H and I can do together? Anyone have experience not taking a class and done something alternative? (FYI - I am attempting a natural birth.) Sorry for the bad question.  

mrsfrank

I never took any classes with DS and since this one is a planned c section I obviously won't this time either. I knew HOW the baby was Now if you are planning a med free birth, then I would maybe see about what they teach you for relaxation and breathing.  I took the drugs and it didn't make a difference for me

LouRN09

There are alot of really great childbirth classes out there...such as Infant CPR, Breastfeeding, etc. They definitely go beyond the typical medication and labor class. If you plan to BF and cant attend a class, I would hook up with a lactation consultant, or someone from La Leche League. I had alot of extensive breast feeding classes during my OB rotation in school and every single person recommends doing more preparation than just relying on the LC your hospital or birthing center may provide for those few days you are there.

You can learn about all the stages of labor and what to expect in each probably from a good book.

My OB practice strongly recommomends Infant CPR. For more options, maybe check out your local American Red Cross, or sometimes fire stations hold CPR classes and maybe they will have one for Infants?

Good luck!

LouRN09

Oh and one more thing, are you not allowed to go to the hospital to take classes even though you are going to deliver at a birthing center? I went to several classes in school and there were several couples who werent sure which hospital they were delivering at, no one really asked or cared, if they were delivering there. Your local hospitals may have more resources or options for you and DH. GL!

Shannon11/3

Why are hospital classes out?  There isn't usually a prerequisite that you plan on giving birth there - they don't know what your plans are.  They just offer the classes there - you usually still have to pay for them and all and they're not usually offered by hospital personnel (my friend went to one where the doula badmouthed the hospital, in fact).  The hospital by me has a one day intensive lamaze class we're taking because DH's schedule is also really crazy.  I would check out hospital classes if I were you.

Iheartkevi

How many of the weekly classes would you miss because of your EDD?  If it's a 6 week course and you could possibly miss two, I'd still take it if I were you.  You can read about the stages of labor and laboring techniques, but it really helps to be there, hear the information again, and practice.  You could also go late and end up with more classes than you thought!

It also depends on how comfortable you feel so far with the idea of labor.  Being at a birthing center, you probably will not have any pain medication options, but if you don't think you're mentally ready to handle the pain, the classes could really help prepare you.  Good luck!

mrstarawalsh

I didn't take classes with DS. With this one I plan to, though. Those contractions were INTENSE and I plan on going w/ an all natural VBAC this time as it will most likely have the least ammount of healing time.

star173

We read books and we did take a weekend class. Can you check some of the other hospitals- that's where we found ours and anyone could go.

If you don't take a class, just talk to your MW about what to expect and ask her for some natural pain relief methods. Also, read up on different birthing methods (bradley, hypnobirthing), and sort of take from them what you think will be the most helpful. Good luck!

kate930

Shannon11/3:

Why are hospital classes out?  There isn't usually a prerequisite that you plan on giving birth there - they don't know what your plans are.  They just offer the classes there - you usually still have to pay for them and all and they're not usually offered by hospital personnel (my friend went to one where the doula badmouthed the hospital, in fact).  The hospital by me has a one day intensive lamaze class we're taking because DH's schedule is also really crazy.  I would check out hospital classes if I were you.

My hospital doesn't offer a class that is relevant to me. It's a very small hospital and only teaches about the process at that particular hospital. I'm sure they would allow me to attend, but it wouldn't be relevant to my delivery. I have checked into it and spoken with the hospital, and they agreed it was not relevant.  

BabyLove987

Most hospitals will let you take the classes even if you aren't delivering there.  My hospital also offers an online class.  Check some of the bigger hospitals (even in other cities) to see if there is an online option offered.  The hospital could be anywhere if you are doing the class online.

georgia_peachy

Could you hire someone to give private lessons?  Our Bradley teacher is also a doula and I know that she will help you "make up a class" in your home if you have to miss.

Shannon11/3

Or, why don't you start a class before DH can attend and just go by yourself for the first class or two until he can make it to the classes?  I would think it would be better to go alone for a few weeks then not go at all...

jenkm

I really think you should do anything possible to take a class, even if dh isn't there with you.  A friend of mine planned to have an epi, took no classes.  To her surprise labor happened fast and she progressed too quickly for the drugs.  She told me she would NEVER go to give birth again without a class, it was an awful experience b/c she was so unprepared.

Not sure why your hospital classes are "out" - they usually don't mandate that you give birth there, at least not in my area.

You can look up Lamaze and Bradley certified instructors and contact them to arrange private sessions.  Many L&D nurses or doulas will do that too - start calling doulas in your area to ask around.  The economy sucks - a lot of people are looking for extra $$$ on the side!

Good luck

Enjoybirth

kate930:

I am not sure I am going to be able to fit in childbirth classes.

A great option would be the Hypnobabies Home Study!  It is a complete childbirth education program combined with the power of hypnosis. 

You can get it at Amazon.  I used it for my last birth and it was amazing.  You can see my birth video and read a lot of other birth stories of moms who used it at www.pregnancybirthandbabies.com

Enjoy your birth!