Birthing Classes

janedoe09

Do you guys recommend going to birthing classes?  We will go to a Beaumont one if we decide to go.  I'm really on the fence about this, I kind of want to go just so DH has a better idea of what can happen.  I'm no expert or anything, but I was in the room when my sister was in labor, and I'm not too nervous (yet:)

Any thoughts are appreciated, thanks!

KBabySmiles

I'm a total birthing class dropout. We signed up, went to the first one, and then decided it was dumb. 

We had already read a bunch of books and such, so we felt like it was just a waste of time. It depends on what kind of learner your DH is. If he's not one to research on his own, then it might be good for him to go.  

olechka

are you planning a natural birth? I didnt go to classes but i also had no interest on going natural.  I read a lot of birth stories on the boards as well as what to expect books and after the fact i felt prepared and didn't think the class was needed.  My mom was in the room with me and my DH had no interest in the classes or knowing what was going on, so I didn't think those would be helpful.

On the other hand, i really wish i went to breastfeeding class, I felt so overwhelmed about breastfeeding and caused my supply to drop based on ignorance.

janedoe09

I'm pretty sure I won't be going natural.  I am high risk with lots of health issues so there is a good chance it may be c-section.  Maybe I will just buy DH a delivery book for men or something  

I may do a BF class, it sounds like it is more complicated than one might think.

bll530

DH and I went to the classes and I don't think I learned anything that I didn't read in a book.  We stuck it out because we paid $75 and I'm glad we went because if we hadn't I would have thought I was missing something, but I really wouldn't have.  I did take a BF class and am really glad I did that.

KarlsSweetie05

We went to our hospital's class (St. John) and found it helpful... but NOT for actual birthing tips. 

Rather, the class helped us to understand the hospital's policies and expectations for expecting parents.  We also had a tour of the L&D floor and peek at nursery. 

One important thing we learned is that laboring mothers can NOT walk around the floor during labor at St. John's. You are confined to your room.  You can move within your room, but you can't go out in the hallway.  That was very shocking to learn and I'm glad I know it ahead of time and have time to process.  I would have been very upset to learn about that restriction while in labor.

 The birth video was helpful for DH and helped him to learn about that process. I had seen graphic birthing videos before, but that was first time for him. 

If you wanted to go "natural", then I would recommend taking an actual Lamaze class or Birthing From Within class (or something similar). There you will learn about birth and birthing techniques in depth.