birth classes at Winchester Hospital?

soon to be Mrs. Connolly

Has anyone taking the all day birth class at Winchester Hospital?  What should we expect at the class?  Did they give you are tour of the hospital and what not?  Did you find it worth it?  We are signed up to take it in March.

marissabourgeois

I just took the care of the newborn class and am registered for the all day class as well. I'm really hoping the all day class is a lot more informative than the newborn class because unfortunately it was AWFUL and a total waste of money. My OB just informed me that I'll most likely need a c-section and if that's the case I'm going to ask for a refund. I also don't think they do a hospital tour during the class, but they do have one on the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of every month at 6pm. 

alegaga4u

We took the all day class-it was a lot about the birth process and they taught a few relaxation techniques.  I found it informative, but NOT worth $200.  They do provide a tour during the class which was nice.  After speaking to my OBGYN some of the stats they gave in the class seemed off for their rates of c-section, episiotomy,etc... I think your experience depends on the instructor as well.  The instructor we had was super nice but one of the instructors in training/professional observers seemed a bit snarky (huge natural birth promoter, stuck in her ways). GL!

marissabourgeois

alegaga4u:

We took the all day class-it was a lot about the birth process and they taught a few relaxation techniques.  I found it informative, but NOT worth $200.  They do provide a tour during the class which was nice.  After speaking to my OBGYN some of the stats they gave in the class seemed off for their rates of c-section, episiotomy,etc... I think your experience depends on the instructor as well.  The instructor we had was super nice but one of the instructors in training/professional observers seemed a bit snarky (huge natural birth promoter, stuck in her ways). GL!

 

Who was your instructor? 

nifferberry

I am signed up for one of the all day classes in April and the description online said it included a tour.

shar0805

I thought the class was helpful but it is pricey.  Check with your health insurer; they might reimburse you for a portion of it.

alegaga4u

marissabourgeois:

alegaga4u:

We took the all day class-it was a lot about the birth process and they taught a few relaxation techniques.  I found it informative, but NOT worth $200.  They do provide a tour during the class which was nice.  After speaking to my OBGYN some of the stats they gave in the class seemed off for their rates of c-section, episiotomy,etc... I think your experience depends on the instructor as well.  The instructor we had was super nice but one of the instructors in training/professional observers seemed a bit snarky (huge natural birth promoter, stuck in her ways). GL!

 

Who was your instructor? 

 

I can't remember her name- I think it was Kathy or Karen, or somethign with a K... She is teh primary instructor and also the person that called me to confirm our attendance.  She was really nice.  The one I did not care for was simply an observer who is eventually going to try to become an instructor-not certain of her name unfortunately   Ultimately, we decided not to deliver at Winchester due to certain policies they were not flexible about combined with our increasing lack of confidence in our OB/GYN.  We switched practices which switched our hospital.  We would not have known about some of these things had we not taken the class though...

cvl105

I'm happy I stumbled upon this thread. Now I'm concerned as to whether to sign up for these classes or not.

I was planning on signing up for the full day class, the newborn class, and the breastfeeding.  Should I skip them all? Only take one or two of them? I can't believe how expensive they are!