Was birthing class a waste of time? XP from PAIF

amd1982

I'm struggling to schedule birthing classes with the local hospital - bottom line is the woman is not committing to any type of schedule, and it's been pretty frustrating. I've also tried to google "birthing classes multiples NH" since I've heard there are some birthing classes specifically geared towards mothers of twins/trips. But i've not had success. Any advice here? Thanks!

Ourfamilyof5

We did a birthing class at the hospital I delivered at when I was pg with my DS. I definitely learned a few things, but for the most part, I felt like I'd already read/researched everything that was discussed. That being said, I'm still really glad that we went because it was extremely informative for my DH. I think the class gave him a better understanding of what labor would truly be like for me and he was able to be even more supportive during the process when I was actually going through it. We were in a full class and men were asking far more questions than the woman. If you can get in a class, I think it'd be worth it, but if for some reason you just can't or you run out of time, you'll be OK! The nursers will coach you through everything when you're actually in labor. GL!

Lithgirl

i don't think it helped me out at all. if anything, it was a bad choice for me since i totally expected my labor pains to feel like "a rubber band snapping around my belly". when i had pains that felt like menstrual period cramps, i figured those were braxton hicks. hours later, i realized those were real labor pains and as dh raced me to the hospital down the highway, i begged him not to stop at any red lights once we got off. was 6cm dilated by the time we got to the hospital bc i kept waiting for "rubber band-like snapping pain". DUH

anyway -  i think the class helped my husband more than me. at least he had to sit there and listen for a few hours about what i was going to experience. i don't think he would have thought twice about it otherwise.

 good luck!

 

hayleydeee

I agree with others about how it was more helpful for DH than it was for me. I'd already been researching, reading, and talking with other moms, so there wasn't really anything I didn't already know. But for DH it was a nice eye opener. He learned a lot. 

One of the first things the teacher did was fill a backpack with bags of rocks. Each bag weighed equal to the amount of a placenta, a baby, and so on. Then she had all the partners wear it on their front and carry it around for a while. They were all SO surprised at how heavy it was : ) 

Have you looked for Bradley (or other alternative) classes in your area? I've never seen anything specific to multiple births either, but a good teacher should be able to offer advice. 

tarajayne

I agree with the others.  Good for DH, pretty pointless for me.  Especially since all the birthing class went out the window when I had a C anyway.  But it was still kind of fun to meet other moms and dads.  We had 2 classes with a couple who we are now good friends with, so that was good for that I suppose.

srbmvp

We did a class before our first son was born, and I thought it was a total waste of time. Everything they talked about I had already read/researched online, and the video freaked DH out, hahaha. Neither one of us felt like we got our money's worth, and yet we both handled D-Day just fine.