Natural Birth w.o. class?

TauntyCupcake

Hi everyone. I am a first time mom and I REALLY want to do a natural birth. Only problem is there isn't anywhere in a 50 mile radius that does classes. I would have to drive almost 2 hours to get to one. Has anyone done a natural delivery without taking a class? Does anyone think it's possible to just "wing it"?

gnomely

I usually lurk, but I'll answer.

I think classes are important, but more for your husband or birth partner. They have got to be informed about what is actually going to be happening and what you're going to need (and not need). It helped my husband and all of my friend's husbands to hear it from a teacher. 

However, if you can't get to the classes I know that Hypnobabies has a home study course, Hypnobirthing modalities have multiple books, and there are many, many books and videos on natural birthing that you can watch. You also should practice breathing and coping techniques on your own.

Lastly, many midwives and doulas will give classes to you personally if you email them and ask. They might even work on a sliding scale. If you have other pregnant interested friends, you might could go in on a group rate.

cheerleader.08

Is it possible to take a hospital based class?  That is all my husband and I did, and we have had two wonderful births.  I would at least read some books together though.  Like pp said, it is nice to recognize different stages.  

moatsie

I usually lurk also....

 

Our hospital class went over every type of birth situation.  Drug free, epidural and c-section.  It did help teach my husband the stages of labor.  I would at least do this.  

superned

DH and I did the one-day class offered at the hospital and that was it for childbirth prep.  I'm in grad school and had two night classes, so anything on a week night was out for us.

I was definitely able to "wing it" in terms of not having practiced a specific method (other than prenatal yoga, which was excellent - you could do that via a DVD or YouTube I'm sure, if you can't get to a class).  Knowing the stages of labor and the risks/benefits of the various interventions is the biggest thing, along with having your partner on the same page.

Irisheyes1247

I took the hospital class, but did not use any specific "method" - just whatever worked for me at the time. I made it through and was proud of myself. I know it might not be for everyone.

maureenpoland

we took the hospital class the first time, thought it was a total joke, and didnt really listen to any of the advice. We winged it the first time around, its possible to do, but I would have rather been more preparred! This time around we are doing Hypnobirthing.

I would read some books, at the very least.

jazzyag

I just went to a plain prenatal class.  1 evening a week for 6 weeks.  I have had 2 med free births without taking any special classes of studying any one method. 

ETA: I guess you could say i just "winged it"

TMILLER45

This website has a couple of different birthing situations....go to live birth  https://www.babycenter.com/video

I was supposed to take a class but my DD came before I was able to take the class. My labor nurse gave me "lamaze 101" when it was ready to push. I really think I was fine...I watched all those shows.."Baby Story" and "One Born Every Minute" while pregnant so I feel like I sort of understood the process. I'm also a big reader so any questions I had I googled them.

chinadoll531

I didn't take any classes and had a natural birth. I did read A LOT of books, but no classes. I was really worried about that before I went into labor, but once I was in labor, my body knew what to do. And, in turn, I knew exactly how to handle it. It was amazing how it all worked out. I had awful back labor, because DD had her body turned sideways through the entire labor, but it really wasn't that bad. I just asked everyone to keep very quiet, kept the lights dimmed, had DH rubbing my back, and kept taking deep breaths. As long as I stayed focused, I was fine. 

megd06

I went natural (Bradley) w/o a class with DS, and I hope to do the same this time. I did read Susan McCutcheon's book "Natural Childbirth the Bradley Way" cover to cover 2-3x during my pregnancy, and researched natural childbirth a lot--and talked to women who had done it before.

 

tokenhoser

I didn't do classes.

I read a lot and hired a doula. 

It went well. I don't think classes would have improved my experience, and I won't be taking any in the future. I will probably hire a doula again, though.