Childbirth classes?

RachNRich

I'm a FTM, so I've never been to a class/classes...for those of you that have kids already, or have gone to a class---are they necessary? 

The hospital I'm giving birth at offers them for $85; I'm just trying to determine if they are worth it. 

Jeter1028

I wish mine were that cheap - I think they are like $150 at my hospital   Since it's quite possible that I might be alone during delivery, I'm definitly planning on going....

Ashleve

honestly, they were not worht it. unless you are planning to go med-free, you can totally skip it. my was a bunch of tips on how to deal with the pain.... the tip i used was "get an epi."

i wouldn't skip out on the BFing class though. lots of good info about latching and storage.

MrsDarga

Im a FTM too and I have started taking my classes already. However, mine are free threw the community college in town! Since Ive been to a few of them so far I really like them. DH rubs my back for about 15 minutes everytime so thats a plus! But Ive learned a few things and DH has learned SO MUCH! Im only about half way threw the classes so Im sure there is lots more to be learned.

Is there any other place in town that you can take them for less? As a FTM I would say that paying $85 for everything you will learn is totally worth it. IMO, you've never given birth before so you're going to need all of the skills they can teach you and your going to need your DH to know whats going on so he can help you as much as possible.

PS... I do want to try to go natural!

LAIM

I didn't find mine that extremely helpful but not entirely useless either. Ours were offered through a partnership with a local college and the hospital. I found a lot of the information was quite basic (ie. how to bath a baby: wash baby's eyes before you wash her bum) it was nothing I hadn't learned already through reading and research.  We watched a lot of birth videos which I also found a tremendous waste of time.  I did learn a few interesting techniques to use during childbirth and a few things I didn't know to expect post-partum.  It also included a tour of the childbirth program which was nice.  When all was said and done h and I both thought that we could have done without it but had no regrets either. 

ChristinaL27

Mine cost 115- it's 6 1 hour sessions on childbirth and tour of the hospital. They are given right in the hospital. I heard wonderful things about the class my hospital offers and that it's worth it.

I'm skipping out on the BF'ing classes since I'm not sure if I can BF because I had a breast reduction 4 years ago. But I heard my hospital has special teachers that go to you room after delivery and visit every day your in the hospital to help out.

ghdst1

When I was pregnant with DS my DH and I took two classes.  A baby care class (it was like $45 and one time) that went over changing diapers, bathing, burping, feeding, and basic infant first aid.  Then we also took the birthing series that was $100 and 4 classes that went over breathing, the birthing process, meds, and positions for labor. 

I thought they were helpful and informative.  Check with your insurance company because many reimburse for some of all the fee for the birthing class.  My insurance paid me back $65 of the $100.

mrsmacdouble

Ours cost $150...crazy!! We're not going to do them. They're more like Childbirth/Infant Care classes, and even though I'm a FTM, I don't really need the Infant Care part of it. It just seems so expensive to me.

christinak22

Ashleve:

honestly, they were not worht it. unless you are planning to go med-free, you can totally skip it. my was a bunch of tips on how to deal with the pain.... the tip i used was "get an epi."

i wouldn't skip out on the BFing class though. lots of good info about latching and storage.

I agree with this--BFing class was more informative and helpful than birthing class, but I'm not sure I would totally skip out on the birthing class myself.  It depends what you want your "birth experience" to look like (med-free, etc), I guess.  And infantcare info at the class is only helpful if you or DH haven't been around babies much and/or have anyone who will be helping you when you get home. 

Gem17

We took all they offered and got a lot out of them. We took the birthing, BFing, healthy baby for after birth and infant CPR. If you had to choose because of money I would recommend the birthing and BFing classes if you want to BF. People say that they didn't use the breathing etc but you learn a lot more than that. My DH came with me to all of them and especially for the BFing one insightful. He learned how to support me during a trying time. I had the whole family (grandparents are care fivers or DD) take the CPR class.

vballgirl78

My DH and I will be starting a 6 week class at the end of the month.  I think it was $100.  We also signed up for an infant CPR class which was $20/ea.  Our 6 week class covers birthing, breast feeding, and caring for your newborn.  I think it will be worth it, but I'm a first timer, so I have no experience to base this on.  I think every class is a little different, so I think some of it depends on what all your class covers.

Also- check to see if your insurance will cover any of the class.  My insurance company will reimburse me fully after we complete the classes.  It might be worth checking on that too.