Child birthing classes...?

adpenner89

I'm not planning on taking them... Pros/Cons...? The reason I'm planning not to is my husband will be deployed during the birth, and for most of the pregnancy; I dont want to take the classes without him.  Thoughts?

robbins110808

I thought the birthing class was most helpful for DH.  I pretty much knew everything about the pregnancy that they taught, but did learn some details about the length of the different phases of labor.  The classes helped me feel prepared & (slightly) more at ease.  Also, they give you a tour of L&D so you don't get lost when you deliver.

If it is your first baby, I say take them.  If you think they suck, stop going

sherpa

I was really glad I took them. I learned so much about birthing, my hospital, the role of your nurse, and a lot about myself, and I plan to take a refresher with this pregnancy. If you are not taking the course and DH will be gone I would definitely hire a doula. If you have someone else that will be there with you during delivery - they should take the birthing class with you.

I would also recommend a breastfeeding class, I loved mine and never had any pain or trouble with breastfeeding.

ChristieRose16

I was super glad I took them.  Most of it I already knew, BUT it helped me feel prepared. It eased a lot of the "whats going to happen" nerves.

MNgirl326

So, you don't want to take them becasue your husband is going to be gone? But aren't you the one actually giving birth??

I highly recommend them.  I learned so much about childbirth and the various meds and prodcedures (monitoring, vaccum, etc), post partum care, basic breastfeeding, newborn baby care, breathing techniques, when to go to the hospital, etc.

I knew a lot about babies and childbirth already and I still learned a ton. 

Do you have a mom or sister or someone that can go with you? 

SpiffyTiffy

I took them and found them helpful. I remember thinking, wow- I didn't know that. You could always take a friend or family member to be with you for the classes. The tour of labor and delivery is nice, too. It gives you a feeling of what to expect it to be like.

Ruggerkitty

I am one of those people that, while I trust my doctor and caregivers, wants to know as much as possible so that I can make informed and educated decisions. If the doctor suggests rupturing your membranes or giving you pitocin, are you going to know what this means, what the risks are, and be able to say whether or not you are ok with that? If baby is facing a certain way or something is going wrong, are you going to understand what is happening and know how to deal with it? A really great childbirth program will prepare you for many common scenarios and give you the options. You do NOT have to be completely at the mercy of the hospital staff. Keep in mind that in some circumstances, your own doctor may not even make it on time, and you will be with a doctor who doesn't even know you. I highly recommend getting as much education on the birthing process as possible, otherwise you are setting yourself up for a potentially miserable and frightening experience. 

Tina272

I did not take them and regretted it for a few minutes during labor.  However the nurse was amazing and got me through it just fine.

My DH was a deer in headlights the whole time though.  He really could have used the class.

hillbillysunshine

robbins110808:

I thought the birthing class was most helpful for DH.  I pretty much knew everything about the pregnancy that they taught, but did learn some details about the length of the different phases of labor.  The classes helped me feel prepared & (slightly) more at ease.  Also, they give you a tour of L&D so you don't get lost when you deliver.

If it is your first baby, I say take them.  If you think they suck, stop going

This exactly.  Plus, I got a feel for how they did things once you were in labor (what was available at each phase, where popsicles and water were, check out the delivery rooms, info on how they set-up the 1st in-hospital peditrician exam, etc.)

I'm sorry your DH is gone for most of your pregnancy.  Thank you both for all your sacrifice.  My dad was USMC for 26 years, but he only had to do Saudi; long before 9/11.  I pray he comes home safely to you soon!

jf198400

I think it depends on the class, mine was pretty worthless to me.  I had read everything already in my pregnancy books.  DH got more out of the class b/c he wasn't informed about all the things that can happen during labor.  I think if you educate yourself then classes are unnecessary.  I 100% recommend taking a hospital tour though, it will help you know where you're going when the time comes, and feel more prepared.  If you are planning on having a family member or friend with you for delivery then you could take them to childbirth class with you.  I wouldn't want to go alone either.

mben1119

Buy a birthing class DVD, that's what DH and I are doing. Laugh & Learn Childbirth class, we got it on amazon for like $30 bucks, so we get to watch it on our own pace, at home, and are learning alot. My husband actually likes it.

metzy144

We didn't take the standard birthing classes, but we took a hypnobabies class. I am so glad we did it. It helped a ton. Our instructor just met with us privately which I like a lot. I wouldn't like doing it in a big class. Maybe you can find a private class so you don't feel alone with a bunch of couples?