Anyone doing Childbirth classes?

HisEarth.

I was just updating my pregnancy checklist & childbirth classes are next on the list.

I'm planning on having as many painkillers as my dr allows, so are the classes even necessary?

Thoughts?

LauraLynneC

I'll do them if hubby wants to but otherwise I'm not interested. 

And granted, things have change (a lot) in 15 years since I had my last child, but generally, I'm not sure that I got anything out of the classes back then, either.

I'll ask my doc at my next appt. what her thoughts are and let hubby chime in his opinion.  If we go, it will be mostly for the social aspect of meeting other parents-to-be. 

kikibird

I'm going to sign up for the classes run by my hospital, but other than that, I'm not sure.  Was considering Bradley method, but I'm not adamant about being med-free so not sure it's appropriate for me, though I like the concept a lot.

SFAug07

I didn't do one for DD1 and didn't miss it. We toured the hospital before birth and that was helpful. In the end, it's most important the doctor and nurse know what to do. I had a very easy fast uncomplicated delivery. We won't do one for #2.

Jennairess

i did them with my daughter 8 years ago and hubby and i basically were cracking up the whole class...i dont know im a nurse and had to learn all that stuff when i did my ob rotation so to me it was a waste of time

 I wont be doing it for this child either but to each their own i suppose

Deanne Shehane

I thought the childbirth classes were really helpful. They took you trough all types of births, all medical options, and really explained everything. They really touche don everything so you could decide what your birth plan would be like and they also had a night where we just went through infant care for the first few weeks. Mine consisted of 5 classes for 2 hours each night.

mcwhittaker

My husband and I are scheduled to do the "blitz" one day 9-5 class. 

When i asked what the class curriculum was, they told me that all birth methods are covered, natural, medicated and C section, so in the event that something unexpected happens and your birth plan has to change (i.e. you were planning on medicated vaginal birth and end up with an emergency C section) you know what to expect.

 The class we signed up for also includes the maternity/delivery ward tour, so it's a two birds one stone kind of thing for us.

 I would call the hospital you plan to deliver at and see what the class entails before making a snap judgement. I'm sure every hospital does it differently. 

Peppernut

I did 'em through the hospital where we had Margaux.  It was helpful.  Ours was run by the former head nurse for Labor and Delivery, and she'd had all four of her own kids at that hospital.  She knew about the procedures specific to the hospital and what options were available for pain.

The classes also went over basic infant first aid and newborn care, which was nice. 

misskelliecmu

This is my first child.  I did the bradley course for 13 weeks and it was wonderful.  I would like to be medication free but they are totally cool about if you need to have other options.  They are preparing you for everything.

I just got done with one of my first hospital classes and it's a joke.  Everyone is like 19, and not married.  DH and I just feel so out of place and the Bradley Method prepared us greatly that what we are learning is so basic that I want to laugh. 

Pearly609

I am only because my SO wants me to have a natural childbirth and I don't.  I have 3 kids, 2 were natural and my last was with an epidural which was heaven! He doesn't understand and thinks taking this class on something I already went through will show me something I didn't know before.