Birth Classes Poll

ScarlettDahlia

Any FTMs going to be taking birthing classes? What are you thinking of taking? Is your SO on board?

 

If you've BTDT, have you taken a birthing class? Was it helpful for you? What did you take? 

 

My midwife gave me a list of classes that they offer at the hospital. I was perusing the list last night and looked up the schedule online. I'm debating signing up for a class because I want to try have a med-free birth. Not sure how DH would feel, though ... not that I've broached the subject with him yet. 

chicorojo

I did not, BUT I wish i would have just to learn some breathing techniques to help with the pain, I might do it this time around even if it is my third

SvedkaStoli

I am going to be taking an overview class, massage class, breastfeeding class, and a CPR class at the hospital.

HereWeGo2014

I did with my first - both the standard one (included talking about L&D, included the hospital tour, talked about relaxation, showed the epidural, etc) and took a breastfeeding class.

I did find them helpful.

Jen4033

I'm a STM. We checked out the DVD versions of the childbirth & breastfeeding classes our hospital offers. However, I thought that the LOTS of reading I did, from various sources, helped the most. I gained an understanding of pain management & positions for labor, etc.

In the end I still ended up getting the epi but at least I knew for myself I looked into my options & went with what was best for me.

PreDempsey

We are definitely doing a birthing and breast feeding class. Our hospital offers them as a package deal so I'm taking advantage of that. H is on board with them which is great because he doesn't have a choice.

I might look into some alternative classes outside of the OB offers because a med-free birth class sounds like something I'd be into.

mrsjenni

I only took a BFing class and I found it very helpful!  I did not take any birthing classes and never had a problem

jldubb0626

I took one last time that was offered at the hospital I gave birth at. It was really informative and it helped to know what to be prepared for. The breathing techniques were nice to know as well. Also, we got to tour the L&D department so we got to see the rooms, NICU, nursery and met a lot of the nurses. It turned out that the nurse that taught the class was also on rotation when my water broke so I already knew her.

OSUWifey09

I took a birthing class with my first, and the breathing techniques were really helpful. I also got to meet the nursing staff, so it was nice to be comfortable with them before actually going in.

The BF course wasn't all that helpful for me, but I was admittedly not all that into it and didn't take advantage of it [or the LC on call]. I plan to do a refresher course and the BF course again this time around, probably some time in October or November.

shakespearenluv

I took a birthing class at the hospital before I had my first son. It was strange. They just sort of assumed that everyone was going for a med-free birth and I was like, um no. Give me the epi please! And everyone in the room stared at me like a was a horrible person. It was not helpful in my case.

litzo27

I took it with my first and it was more helpful to DH than myself. I've read the books but the class gave him at least some clues as to how advise me on breathing and remind me to relax the jaw, etc. during contractions (he wasn't in the room for the pushing).

I was able to have two unmedicated births. I would say definitely take the class but also consider reading some materials on your own for a greater diversity of techniques and advice.

If you have a BF course definitely take it. And again there are some fantastic books out there like the Nursing Mother's Companion.

gingerbabe

mchacon18:

I did not, BUT I wish i would have just to learn some breathing techniques to help with the pain, I might do it this time around even if it is my third

Same here. But it's my second. I read a lot of books but didn't practice anything. Labor is not the time to try to figure out relaxation techniques for the first time, the classes will have you practice (if it's that kind of class). My H has zero interest in attending, which is a big reason I didn't take any last time.

DCrider

If you've BTDT, have you taken a birthing class? Was it helpful for you? What did you take?

We took the one day class at the hospital with DS. Don't get me wrong, it was somewhat informative and the teacher was a sweetheart. But, live and learn. We will be doing a 12wk Bradley class this time.

I didn't have a great birth experience and felt uninformed, which is partly probably mostly my fault. I am doing more research and reading this time and will be going in with solid knowledge and a plan.

ccip82

DH and I took birthing classes at our hospital where I gave birth. I did not end up using any of the techniques they taught us though since E was breech and I had to have a scheduled C/S.

I asked DH if he would like to take the classes again this time around and he said no...I still have a bit more time to persuade him

I thought the classes were beneficial, especially for your DHs/SOs.

firsttimemom143

I will be taking Bradley method classes. A couple of my friends swear by it. I will also be taking breastfeeding and infant massage :

twobluelines

We have registered for a birthing and parenting course that includes things like how to bathe a baby.  Hubby is very on board.. he's so nervous and wants all the help he can get. 

Piach

I did the Bradley classes with my first and it was great. Learning the stages of labor was truly helpful because when it got really bad, I knew that the end was near & not to give up. 

 I ended up with a c-section after reaching 10cm with no baby insight, but I think that I look back on my birth experience in such a positive light because I was so prepared. 

brideandbreve

We took a "Childcare Basics" class while pregnant last summer with DS.

Both DH and I got a lot out of the class, but the best part was that DH was way more sympathetic towards my 3rd trimester complaints, and he really tried to step it up and be more supportive during L&D and in the weeks after when he was home.

ChuggingWater

My exH and I took a birthing class the first time around.  I thought it was beneficial, especially for him to be more aware of what is going on.



My forever husband isn't really fond of the idea of going to a class (not that I want to again!).  

halfthetree

We will be taking a Bradley Birth Method class again, took it the first time and loved it. I also will be taking a Hypnobirthing course, as I am having a home birth so I likely will want to be left alone often

BuckeyeANG

Yes I did even though I intended to have an epidural.  I'm very glad I took the course since my epidural didn't exactly work.  Also the class offered lots of excellent info not related just to pain management.

runnergrl6675

I took a 6 week course and I did find it helpful.  The class was a broad overview of what actually happens during labor and after you give birth, i.e. contractions, bleeding and breastfeeding.   They showed us things like how the epidural goes into the back, and what to expect immediately after the birth.  I wasn't so blindsided once I actually went into labor. 

fredtheredhead2

 FTM here.

I plan on taking a combo class. It covers child birth, breastfeeding, and newborn infant care. 

 

Armyratt

I took a birthing class with my first and it helped with breathing. This is our third so I don't think we will be taking any classes.

Peepp79

My H and I took the class and I kind of thought it was a waste. We touched on all the breathing techniques. I just felt like, for myself, I didn't know how I was going to react until I got to the situation, I knew I was going to do anything possible to just get through it even if that meant forgetting all the breathing techniques. Also, I felt they didn't talk a lot about epidurals and csections. They were like four letter words to my teacher. I just wanted to be well informed about everything that could possibly happen. Also, we took a CPR class. Please, please, please everyone take this. It was so great! Also, I wished I would have taken a BFing class. I couldn't fit into the classes at the time bc it coincided with the birth class. Maybe I'll take it this time around. 

heather52904

We are planning to take the birthing class and I'll take the breast feeding class offered by my OB/hospital. I believe that's all they offer. I'd like to take first aid and infant care as well.

Deblondie1

I did not with Emme because she was so early. I had hoped to do them with this LO but if I'm on strict bed rest that'll be a no go. So I am going to buy the hypnobabies cd and book to try and prepare. And read as many books related to actual childbirth as possible. Any BTDT moms with suggestions?

Deblondie1

Jen4033:

I'm a STM. We checked out the DVD versions of the childbirth & breastfeeding classes our hospital offers. However, I thought that the LOTS of reading I did, from various sources, helped the most. I gained an understanding of pain management & positions for labor, etc.

In the end I still ended up getting the epi but at least I knew for myself I looked into my options & went with what was best for me.

What books did you read? 

July1215

I did not take a class, but wish I would have. If I were to have a vaginal  birth, I would take one this time. 

WinsyWade

4th time mom here

I took a general birth class/nb class at about 35 weeks with my first.  It was a two day weekend thing.  (Called Babies, Birth and Beyond) It was absolutely no help at all.  The instuctor briefly (ie:15 mins each) when over different ways to birth and different techniques.  Most of the first class was about pain management :-/

I had a RCS with baby #2 and didn't prep class-wise at all.

Baby number 3, I wanted a VBA2C.  I took a Bradley course.  Even though I only got 6-7 weeks of a 12 week course (before I had my baby) of instruction, it was the most helpful class I've taken.    I also had a student doula for my VBAC.   

I am having a repeat, but gentle cesarean this time around, so I won't take a Bradley course again.  Though my friend told me, her Bradley instructor lets repeat students attend classes for free.  That is a HUGE savings. 

I would highly recommend a Bradley or similar course (that you go to over 12 weeks times) and also hiring a doula with lots of experience.

 

 

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KatieBride06

i'm definitely taking infant first aid/cpr. not sure which others yet.

insertclevername

We took the infant/child CPR, the breastfeeding class, the infant care class, and the 8 hour labor prep class when I was pregnant with DS.

If you take the labor class make sure to practice breathing techniques because I forgot them when I was actually in labor. Had I been breathing and pushing correctly I probably could have pushed DS out in 20 minutes instead of 40 minutes.

brideandbreve

Peepp79:

Also, we took a CPR class. Please, please, please everyone take this. It was so great!

I second this!

When I was 37 weeks, my boss held an in-office CPR training class for everyone, so I was able to get CPR certified before DS arrived.

Knowing how to do infant CPR was a relief especially when he started having reflux issues and I was terrified of him choking. 

Galaxy8227

We did a child birth class and then an infant CPR class.  I was really glad we did the CPR class, the child birth class was ok.  I enjoyed the woman who taught the class but I probably could have got all the info from books and the internet. 

mommabird77

I took a general birthing and a breastfeeding class with my first.  The breastfeeding class was just eh, and the birthing class was a waste of time.  Probably because I had already attended births, so I knew what to expect, and my husband used to be a medic and has delivered a few babies himself.  I did not use ANY of the breathing techniques they taught, mostly because when I was deep in labor, holy cow, breathing just did not cut it for me.  I felt like the lactation consultants at the hospital helped with breastfeeding much more than the class did.

FSUNole31

I took a half day birth class that was decent, but mostly things I had already known.  I really liked the hospital tour and will probably do it again (mostly because the hospital has been remodeled and things are different).  I may also take a breast feeding class this time around to see if I can learn some ways to boost my supply since it was so low with DS. 

LittleMommaBlueHen

When I was pregnant with DS I took an early pregnancy class on nutrition, exercise, and stress management. Later in pregnancy I took a 5 week childbirth class, a onetime breastfeeding class, and the birth center required mother & infant assessment class.  The 2nd time around I took a childbirth refresher course that reviewed stages of labor and then focused on relaxation and coping techniques for labor as well as the mother infant assessment class.  I found the courses very useful.  I will retake the childbirth refresher course during this pregnancy (and hopefully this time I will not go into labor during the last class!)

Strunella

We took a birthing class, baby care, and CPR for infants/child.  They were informative, but also just fun.  I felt more comfortable understanding when to go to the hospital during labor--which turned out not to apply in my situation because my water broke and I was induced.  Watching DH diaper the doll was hilarious.  I would definitely recommend some classes.

I also took a breastfeeding class and went by myself.  I was one of two women who went to that class alone...it was all couples!   DH would have gone, but I honestly thought it was going to be all women.  Not sure how the men can help with breastfeeding. 

 

Summer889

Stephanie185:

We will be taking a Bradley Birth Method class again, took it the first time and loved it. I also will be taking a Hypnobirthing course, as I am having a home birth so I likely will want to be left alone often

I'm also really interested in taking a Hypnobirthing or Hypnobabies class.  I plan to get the books about the Bradley method too so I have a couple strategies to fall back on.  Not sure yet if I'll do a breastfeeding class or just read books.  

baby2ra

I took one with my first pregnancy. I thought it was helpful and interesting.  Some of the info I already knew because of my own research.   I think the best part was that it was run by a nurse so I could ask any questions I wanted.  I also liked touring the hospital during the last class.