Hello There... Suggestions?

enhr820

I've recently decided to have a natural birth. I had a few questions as to when I should do classes or if y'all thought the classes were helpful. 

mb314

If you can find a natural birth-focused class, I would say they are really helpful.  We did the Bradley Method classes, which are 12 weeks long and very thorough.  I got a lot out of them, and would recommend it.  Bradley focuses on husband/partner-coached childbirth so for me, it was extremely helpful in preparing DH.

If you're 23 weeks, you may have trouble finding a Bradley course.  Others on here have done Hypnobabies, and I know many cities have other natural birth classes.  There are so many unknowns with your birth, I feel like the more you can prepare the better.

aylafsu88

We did the Bradley method and loved it.  We chose it because it go H involved and taught him how to be a great coach.  It also educated him on childbirth as he is not the type to read childbirth books in his free time. I thought the class was extremely helpful, especially since I was a FTM.  IMO a support person is a great asset at your birth.  Labor is an emotional, painful, intense process.  Someone to support you (either verbally, physically, or emotionally) is a huge help and can make difference during labor. I would highly recommend a doula.  I attribute my wonderful natural birth to my H and my doula.  I could not have done it without them.

ETA: I started my Bradley classes at 24 weeks.  I went into labor at 39 weeks 4 days.  I thought the timing of the class was great. 

HarleyKins

We took a holistic class sponsored by our hospital. I also started reading the Bradley Method book but never got through it all before baby came. 

I just kept thinking positive, had a super L&D nurse and an amazing husband. I didn't need any drugs - just a positive support team!

You can do it!  

sschwege

We did Hypnobirthing and had a wonderful experience.  I started reading the book and listening to the CDs beforehand, but the actual class began when I was 30w.

Arielle27

I loved my hypnobirthing course! Truth-be-told I didn't really use the techniques during my labors, but I did find the entire 'system' to create a calmness and readiness in me that helped me through the whole pregnancy and labor... GL!