Birth classes - AAMC vs Birthwisdom?

madladybride

Hello ladies,

Just wondered if anyone had any experience with AAMC classes? 

I am trying to decide between a 5wk hypnobirthing class at AAMC and a private instructor from Birthwisdom

Birthwisdom

Only 2-4 couples, 6 weeks, Instructor Certified hypnobirth educator, classes held near my house cost is $375

AAMC

Max 16 participants (assuming 8 couples, but waiting for a callback), 5 wks, not particularly convenient to our house and it is where we will give birth, $200

Classes are not covered by my insurance or flexible spending. Thoughts anyone?

 

weezie825

I have no experience with either, but in general I would tend to go with using the classes from the place where you intend to give birth.  You'll probably learn a lot about the hospital's policies and procedures, you also might get a tour and be able to pre-register for your delivery.

daisyterp

If you are really interested in hypno-birthing then I would do a little more research into the different "programs" out there and which ones those classes are.  I know that there is a hypnobabies program and then just Hypnobirthing.

I would probably go with the one most convenient to my home and schedule.  

I believe that you can sign up for a basic tour of AAMC L&D and get the low down on all of their policies when you do the tour.  Also there are lots of moms on here (including myself) who have delivered @ AAMC. 

anonsouthernbell

You can get all the info about the policies and procedures by signing up for a tour of AAMC.  If your goal is to have an unmedicated birth then I would take the class outside of the hospital.  Also, if that is your goal I would definitely research the different programs.  (I personally am a huge fan of the Bradley Method.  That is the method that I used and it has a 90% success rate of couples that are able to go med free for delivery).

KathrynMD

If you want an unmedicated birth (or want to try for one) the hospital classes aren't that great - they are OK and certainly better than nothing, but they don't really focus on relaxation, labor poses, etc.  They also give a lot of overlapping information that you would get in a newborn care or BFing class.  Ditto re getting the policy information re the L&D toour and pre-registering.  (BTW - the whole preregistering thing is a bit overrated IMO - I think its just a way for them to collect marketing information for new moms and PG women).

Are you sure AAMC supports hypnobirthing? 

Also -  I'm pretty sure mine was covered by flexible spending.

daisyterp

KathrynMD:

Are you sure AAMC supports hypnobirthing? 

Since they offer a class in it they support it, also they have contact info for people who teach Bradley classes, etc.  This all being said from what I understand it totally depends on the nurse you get.  Also I would speak to your doctor about your birth plan, having freedom of movement while you labor, etc. 

KathrynMD

daisyterp:

KathrynMD:

Are you sure AAMC supports hypnobirthing? 

Since they offer a class in it they support it, also they have contact info for people who teach Bradley classes, etc.  This all being said from what I understand it totally depends on the nurse you get.  Also I would speak to your doctor about your birth plan, having freedom of movement while you labor, etc. 

LOL - durrrr - so dumb sometimes.

madladybride

Thanks! I am seeing the midwives at Bayarea and would love to birth there, but my insurance doesn't cover it. I think I will need that $1800 for childcare...