Lamaze/Birthing classes anyone?

Dani428

So i'm a first time momma to be - YAY - and I was just wondering if lamaze classes are worth taking?  I want to try my best to have an unmedicated hospital birth so i'm thinking classes will be beneficial. 

Has anyone taken them before? Anyone planning on taking them? Why or why not?

sparkymcgeee

I didn't take a class and I did just fine. Easy labor and delivery. Three pushed and she was out with minimal tearing. So I think unless you plan on going natural that it really is unnecessary. Just my opinion though. I know lots of women who loved their birthing class.
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egarvey09

I am planning on taking Lamaze and breast feeding classes. I enjoy learning about this stuff, so why not? I want to get the whole experience.

KdgTeacher

MH and I are taking an 8 week course through BirthWorks (they have places all over the US if you're interested) and a breastfeeding class.

I will say the BirthWorks classes are geared towards natural childbirth, but would certainly be useful to anyone.

macncheese0712

I am also a first time mom, but I had to go through an OB orientation class for the Naval Hospital. During the class, they explained that if you are planning to do a natural birth, you should try the Bradley Method Classes, otherwise a simple Lamaze Class would be good. They said the classes are really helpful for Dads-to-be. Helps them know what to expect and how to be helpful.

sarahpearabeara

When I was of with my first we took a hypnobirthing/Lamaze class and it was so informative! I recommend it. Although, I could have done without the videos!!!!

bobcee

We went to a class that talked both about birth/labor and newborn care.  I thought it was helpful for both me and DH and gave us more insight on what exactly to expect.  I liked knowing everything I could so I could be prepared for anything.

We also took a relaxation class which I feel helped me learn coping strategies and techniques to use to give me the med free birth I wanted.  Even if you're not planning a med free birth  and plan to get an epi or whatever else, I would recommend this type of class to help you in early labor before the meds are placed/given or because your LO may have other plans and may not give you time to get the epi you want.  It doesn't hurt to be as prepared as possible.

briannabeebug

Dani428:

So i'm a first time momma to be - YAY - and I was just wondering if lamaze classes are worth taking?  I want to try my best to have an unmedicated hospital birth so i'm thinking classes will be beneficial. 

Has anyone taken them before? Anyone planning on taking them? Why or why not?

I've heard that Bradley classes are pretty rad for having an unmedicated, natural birth.

I plan on taking the Birthing from Within class and perhaps the Bradley method and doing lots of squats in order to prepare for an unmedicated, natural home birth!  I'm also a first time mom.

The Birthing from Within class is supposed to address the psyche of the mother and partner regarding birth and to open you up to any possible psychological blocks you may unknowingly have surrounding birth--which could manifest itself in a physical way during L+D. 

I admit I haven't done a lot of research on the Bradley method--but I keep hearing it being repeated over and over in the natural birth community.

And the squats are supposed to strengthen the pelvic floor.  yeeeeeeah! pelvic floors!

new2011mommy

Mg birthing class was informative, but I am not sure I would do it again. When I got to the hospital after my water broke, they made me stay in bed because of my high blood pressure, which also caused me to have a fever. They had me hooked up to a blood pressure cuff and they had these circles all over my belly to monitor my contractions and the baby. It was a huge ordeal to unhook me just to go pee. The pain was so bad that I caved and got the epidural. As for the breastfeeding class, I had to pay and everything they reviewed I had read online. I think it is worth it if it is free, but I would not pay again. The class in the hospital that I took after having the baby was much more beneficial and informative. This class was free. I also had the lc's and nurses helping me try to get DS to latch. I found the hands on help, more beneficial then talking about the different holds in a class.

JennyLynne

I had asked my doctor today if she recommended classes that they do through the hospital. She said they were all good, but what I really need to think about is if I'm really the type that wold benefit from that kind of setting. She said if classroom settings work for you or the group of women talking together works for you, then they're totally worth it. She then followed up saying though not to worry about them until you're closer to the 3rd tri because you won't remember it all w/ pregnancy brain.

She said though if that kind of setting doesn't appeal to you, that videos are just as informative. The hospital I go to will do a free one on one with a lactation specialist as well, so that helps w/ the breast feeding thing. They also have videos available that I can check out.

Anyway, just giving you something else to consider too if you're thinking about classes. I was considering it, but after she put it into perspective I'm not sure that kind of setting is for me.