Birthing Classes

Heather16578

Hi, just wondering if anyone had a birthing class they recommend?? I've been around babies my entire life - I'm the oldest of 24 grandchilden in a VERY closeknit family. So I'm trying to determine (1) IF i really need the classes (2) if there are any good ones around and (3) where do you call to sign up?

Thanks - Oh im in Bucks county if that helps region wise

HeatherWain

I am on the fence with signing up for one this time around because I had my first son at 19 without any classes and now for this time around, I see it as a waste of time, IMO. Do I think birthing classes are necessary? No, not at all. Can they be helpful? Maybe. You can def do without it though. I do know that Abington Hospital has birthing classes and St. Mary's Medical Center probably does as well since you are in Bucks.

mom2tatum

Britt@BlossomingBelliesBirth.com offers independent out of hospital childbirth prep classes in different parts of Phila, and if she is too far she'd know who to refer you to a little farther up perphaps. I definitely recommend taking hers.  You will be prepped for all the stuff the hospital doesn't (instead of them telling you what will happen TO you when you arrive, etc) - she'll go over all kinds of options, questions to ask, and it empowers you and gives you the info you need to have choices in your labor and birth that the hospital leaves out for their own convenience. Plus, you will learn more detailed info on the stages of labor and how to best manage so that you can avoid ending in a cesarean - if that is important to you.  And it promises to be fun for you and your partner!  I think they are great!  My .02

adri77

So it sounds like you don't need the infant care classes, which is different from birthing classes, which focuses on just labor/delivery for the most part.  i don't know, I can't really remember, but I don't feel like they were THAT helpful.  Unless you are going the natural route, then I would def. take a class to learn about pain management on your own!  I had an epi that didn't work, and I was TOTALLY banking on a pain free birth via EPI, so I was pretty panicky when it didn't work.  Other than that, the nurses are really the ones who instruct you on how to breath/push, they will walk you through everything.  Have fun, good luck!

Lauren9811

I had birthing classes with my first child.  I was 16 though, and figured I need them!  However, once hard labor started (induced), everything went right out the window.  I didn't use any of the techniques I learned in the classes.  I was in too much pain to think.   After the epidural, I fell alseep, woke up and got ready to push. 

It's really a personal decision.  If you think they'll be helpful, or it will give you some piece of mind, I would definately sign-up.  I'm sure there are some people who will swear by them and others who think they can be skipped.   

I'm delivering at St. Mary's and believe they offer them. 

Good luck

eaglesfan700

We took the birthing class offered at our hospital.  It included a tour of L&D..

We liked it a lot and found it very helpful.  I think it depends on your instructor.  Ours offered a lot of good breathing techniques and pain management tips.  In the middle of labor, I didn't remember any of it but my H did and it really helped.

In fact, I think it helped my H prepare a lot.  He seemed to have a better handle on what was going to happen.  I would recommend taking one.

I did not take an infant care class or BFing class and didn't miss them

cate42807

I haven't signed up yet but I will be taking them through Doylestown Hospital-  They offer some multi-day and an all day Saturday option (my DH travels so we will most likely do a Saturday!)