chilbirth classes

banbear2

Did anyone take these at Harrisburg Hospital?  They offer a lamaze class and a childbirth class and I really am not sure about the difference between them?

GBL77

I had the same question...what the lady told me was that if I planned on having a all natural birth to take the Lamaze and if we had a more "open" mind to take the Prepared Child Birth Class which is the one we took and were very pleased.  I have a friend who is taking the Lamaze and it seems like the only difference is there are more breathing techniques taught at Lamaze.

summerbridesara

We took the Prepared Childbirth class at Harrisburg Hospital.

rlthomas7

We did the weekend "cram session" for prepared childbirth. The first poster is right - the lamaze one is for if you know you want to go natural. The prepared childbirth teaches breathing, but also other options. However, I didn't think they really focused too much on an induction, an epidural or a c-section, all of which I ended up having. So ask what's involved with those things too!

Also, if you think you might breastfeed, I can't say enough about the breastfeeding class. And don't worry about baby care basics. I thought I needed that one most since I had absolutely ZERO experience with babies (Adam was the first baby I ever held!) But the nurses at the hospital teach you everything you need to know - from bathing to feeding, clothing, cord care, etc. No need to waste money on the class when they teach you with a real live baby in the hospital for free!

rlthomas7

Forgot to add that I didn't take the baby care basics class since I was stuck in the hospital for hospital bedrest and missed it, and was on bedrest after that for two months. But I managed to learn everything I needed to know in the hospital and Adam is alive, clean and thriving!

innerpeace

I am currently taking the Prepared Childbirth class at Partners in Women's Healthcare.  I'm not sure if you can only attend that class if you are going to that practice, but I think that it has been very interesting!  She does talk a lot about natural methods for pain relief, so I was very happy about that, since I plan on a natural childbirth.  I am of course also reading as much as I can and will have the support of a doula.  The thing I really like about the class is that it is taught by a nurse who actually works in Labor and Delivery at Hbg hospital, so she is able to give lots of stories and support.  We will get a tour of the hospital on the last class too.