Childbirth classes - which one?

aimlessone

I see they have childbirth classes at both St Davids and Seton.  The one at St David's is 4 classes  2 1/2 hours each and the one at Seton (Essentials of Childbirth) is 3 classes, 2 1/2 hours each.  These are the two classes I've narrowed it down to due to scheduling conflicts.  Anyone have an opinion on either one?  The one at St. David's does throw in the baby care and breastfeeding classes in for free (each one day 2 hours each), but it costs almost twice as much.  Thanks.

Mrs.Purdue

does your OB offer a class?  I go to Renaissance Women's Group and took their class.  It was 2 days, about 2.5/3 hours each class.  It was definitely plenty of information.  I could have easily done without the class if I had to, so I would go with the shorter one.  The staff will give you all the information you need and the breathing techniques that were taught only took about 20 minutes of one class.  DH got a lot out of it though, so I'm still glad we took one. 

 

kiarox2002

Are you planning an unmedicated birth?  We took Bradley classes and while we were ultimately unsuccessful in having an unmedicated birth I loved the classes and got a lot out of them.  

Barring that, I would go with the one that included info on breastfeeding if you are planning to breastfeed.  I knew most of the info, but it was super helpful for DH to hear.

Mrs.Talala

I took the esentials of childbirth class at Seton Main.  The nurse who teaches the class is very nice and enthusiastic.  The class teaches the basics about signs of labor, stages of labor and potential medical interventions (epideral, c-section etc). She also teaches some very basic breathing techniques (lamaze type breathing).  She did give us a tour of seton, so if you are delivering there that is nice.  To be honest with you I didn't get awhole lot out of the class.  But I took the class close to my due date and was still working full time.  I was just exhausted and wishing I was home relaxing so that may cloud my views!  

I took a breast feeding class at Special Addition and got a lot more out of that class.  It was taught by the LC cheryl and was one evening for a couple of hours.  If you plan to breastfeed I highly recommend.   

CollieJade

If you have the chance to take a class that includes the baby and breastfeeding classes, I would go for it.  Those things we opted out of, and I wished that we'd done them once DD arrived.

aimlessone

Thanks for the replies!  I also use RWG, but my work schedule conflicts with their class schedule =(.   I was hoping on no drugs and I looked at the Bradley class schedule, but unfortunately, work gets in the way of that as well.  I did buy the book, hoping that will give me enough insight.  But if my husband gets his way, it'll be an epidural for me anyways.  

ssinca

we took the 1 day course at st. davids and, honestly, I was kind of disappointed.  looking back now, I really couldn't tell you anything that we learned!  

we did take a BF class that was super helpful - it wasn't in austin so I can't help you there, but I do recommend some kind of a class so you know what you're doing.  if you plan on BFing, that is.