Anyone Not take childbirth classes???

Nikosmom · May 2009

Just wondering what you ladies did. ?I called my hospital but I can see spending $175 on the classes. I am also afraid they are going to make me more anxious about chidbirth. ?DH is on board with whatever I decide. Not sure what to do!?

LittleMamaB · May 2009

I never did. I honestly think it's mostly instincts...I knew what to do, and really don't think that any class would've helped me do "better".

rockchalkbride · May 2009

Wow that is ridiculously expensive! I think we paid $60 for a 5 week course. I really did feel much more "at ease" after taking the course, but I don't think it is an absolute MUST if you've read up on L&D and tour the hospital you will deliver at.

jolis_petits_bijoux · May 2009

That is about what we paid, and for me, it was worth it.

Starlette1983 · May 2009

I'm not taking the classes at the hospital. I have been reading about L&D a lot though, and I ordered a DVD from Amazon called Laugh and Learn about Childbirth which is supposed to be really good. I haven't watched it yet though, it just came in the mail yesterday!

Nikosmom · May 2009

I can definitely get in and get a tour. Which I am planning on doing!?

DonnysBride09 · May 2009

my insurance paid 100%. even if they wouldnt have, we would have still taken them. i was really happy with the class..

Kendall13 · May 2009

We didn't either. I'm having an epidural, so I didn't feel like we needed it. Besides, we have watched a ton of birth videos, so it's not like I'll have no idea what will happen in there.

Personally, I'd save the money and get a LC instead (if you plan to BF).

grace&ricky · May 2009

I've been on bedrest since 24 weeks so we watched a DVD instead. DVD was informational but I don't know if any of it will help when the time actually comes. It was just good for early labor symptoms and more information on natural birth vs. epidural.

grace&ricky · May 2009

Starlette1983:
I ordered a DVD from Amazon called Laugh and Learn about Childbirth which is supposed to be really good. I haven't watched it yet though, it just came in the mail yesterday!

That's the one we watched!

DonnysBride09 · May 2009

Kendall13:

We didn't either. I'm having an epidural, so I didn't feel like we needed it. Besides, we have watched a ton of birth videos, so it's not like I'll have no idea what will happen in there.

Personally, I'd save the money and get a LC instead (if you plan to BF).

Childbirth class, is different than lamaze. it goes over everything. epis, csection, natural birth etc.. its all in one. it was really good info.

what if you get to the hospital and its too late for epi? or it doesnt work. ya know..

nicoleandadam · May 2009

We took a 4 week class and I didn't use any of the "skills" we learned during labor & delivery. All you really need is a good nurse. She coached me through breathing and pushing, and it was completely different than what they taught in our class.

Nikosmom · May 2009

Kendall13:
Personally, I'd save the money and get a LC instead (if you plan to BF).

This is extra? Not covered by insurance? Dumb question I know.........?

marcandjen · May 2009

Starlette1983:
I'm not taking the classes at the hospital.? I have been reading about L&D a lot though, and I ordered a DVD from Amazon called Laugh and Learn about Childbirth which is supposed to be really good.? I haven't watched it yet though, it just came in the mail yesterday!

We watched this DVD and it told us as much, if not more, about what to expect than the class that we took. I recommend anyone who is trying to save cash to just Netflix this bad boy!! The only really worthwhile part of our class was the tour- everything else we'd covered watching the DVD.

(Oh- and the teacher on the DVD looks like a real life Lois Griffin from Family Guy- too funny.)

ForForever · May 2009

$175?! Holy cow. The classes here are $45.

We haved signed up for the class, but it's not for another couple weeks. Some friends of ours told us it wasn't worth it, but I will feel better knowing we went.

Mrs.EMommy · May 2009

I didn't take a class...my MIL tried to teach me some breathing once I went into labor. It made it hurt worse...you'll just know what to do instictually.

HeyyRed · May 2009

I didn't want to either.

rockchalkbride · May 2009

Very little of our class time was spent on "techniques". We watched a lot of videos, covered all of the possible medical interventions and learned about what our bodies do in to prepare for and during labor, also postpartum.

jolis_petits_bijoux · May 2009

shawnakress:
Kendall13:

We didn't either. I'm having an epidural, so I didn't feel like we needed it. Besides, we have watched a ton of birth videos, so it's not like I'll have no idea what will happen in there.

Personally, I'd save the money and get a LC instead (if you plan to BF).

Childbirth class, is different than lamaze. it goes over everything. epis, csection, natural birth etc.. its all in one. it was really good info.

what if you get to the hospital and its too late for epi? or it doesnt work. ya know..

I agree... plus, the other reason I'm glad we took it is that at our hospital, in case of C-section, the dad/birth coach is not allowed in OR if s/he hasn't taken the childbirth prep class. Yikes! I'm not planning on having a c/s or anything, but if it should happen to be needed, I can't imagine having it without my DH right by my side!

That would be something to look into. I would want to know about that before I decided not to take the class.

jolis_petits_bijoux · May 2009

Nikosmom:
Kendall13:

Personally, I'd save the money and get a LC instead (if you plan to BF).

This is extra? Not covered by insurance? Dumb question I know.........

I think it depends on your insurance. I just checked mine, and they'll only pay if your doctor writes an Rx for it - kind of like physical therapy. It would still be somewhat expensive for me because of copays, but if I needed an LC, I'd definitely get one.

Yet, my insurance won't pay for a $150 childbirth prep class required by the hospital... ::scratches head::

kkenner · May 2009

I don't plan on taking the class....

Kendall13 · May 2009

jolis_petits_bijoux:
shawnakress:
Kendall13:

We didn't either. I'm having an epidural, so I didn't feel like we needed it. Besides, we have watched a ton of birth videos, so it's not like I'll have no idea what will happen in there.

Personally, I'd save the money and get a LC instead (if you plan to BF).

Childbirth class, is different than lamaze. it goes over everything. epis, csection, natural birth etc.. its all in one. it was really good info.

what if you get to the hospital and its too late for epi? or it doesnt work. ya know..

I agree... plus, the other reason I'm glad we took it is that at our hospital, in case of C-section, the dad/birth coach is not allowed in OR if s/he hasn't taken the childbirth prep class. Yikes! I'm not planning on having a c/s or anything, but if it should happen to be needed, I can't imagine having it without my DH right by my side!

That would be something to look into. I would want to know about that before I decided not to take the class.

Like I said, I'm not going into this blindly. We have done our research, watched our videos, and read our books. It's not like I'm hoping for someone else to just tell me what to do... I just don't think that I would personally get anything more out of taking a class. I just personally don't think that I would get anything extra out of it.

Not to mention I know plenty of women in our area who took them and wished that they had saved their money.

fallbride00 · May 2009

We just got back from our first of two weekend classes. I thought that at first I wasn't going to learn anything since I've already decided on a birth plan, mostly having an epidural. The class brought up some great points though. What if you get to the hospital and it's too late for the epidural? Plus, the breathing techniques they teach can be used prior to the epidural if you're not dilated enough for it. Basically, it prepared us for all circumstances which I thought was extremely worth it for the $89 we paid for the class. Taking the class did not make me more nervous or anxious, it actually relieved me of some of my fears. I say that they are worth it.

Mrs.Teddy · May 2009

nicoleandadam:
We took a 4 week class and I didn't use any of the "skills" we learned during labor & delivery. All you really need is a good nurse. She coached me through breathing and pushing, and it was completely different than what they taught in our class.

As a L&D nurse I 100% agree with this. I have had many pts who took the classes & many who did not, I see no difference. In fact sometimes the classes make people more anxious. You nurse will walk you thru everything, ask lots of questions. Every experience is different & every person copes differently, the classes are not personal enough. I agree $ would be better spent on a LC, they can be very helpful post partum. I am not taking the classes I told DH if he wanted to I would but he is a nurse asw ell & did some L&D training during school.

FWIW people who plan on going natural a doula would be a better investment.

thatgirlang · May 2009

We took an all day 8 hr crash course at a private place because I waited too long to sign up for the hospital classes to get in.

Sure, we could have done without it. I would have had to get the baby out somehow!

But I liked the class because it was a bondinge experience for DH and I and I think it helped HIM a lot.

curvgirl · May 2009

I am not taking them and I didn't the first time either, my body knew what to do . I had planned on a epidural the first time but my labor was too fast so I couldn't get one and that will prob happen again this time so I have lost all hope for a epidural.

cprn · May 2009

$175 seems excessive my Dear! Especially since many libraries will have DVD's/Books available (for free). Also, check docs office if they lend out any resources to you.

Only class I took was breastfeeding. I am a Nurse Practitioner and have studied the stages of labor until I am blue in the face. When it comes down to it, the nurse and DH are going to be my support system, and I am pretty good at self soothing (went through a root canal and crown without ANY pain meds during pregnancy)...not to say this will be easier, I am not sure.

Califragilistic · May 2009

I always thought I would but after reading/researching as much as I have I feel like I am prepared and know that my instincts will be what I rely on..I feel like even if I did take classes when Im in the heat of the moment Im going to fall back on what my body says/wants to do.

Juniors_Wifey0709 · May 2009

I never took any childbirth classes, but that was just personal preference.

NewMommy44691 · May 2009

I didn't take any classes and don't plan to. I was able to set up a time for DH and me to tour the L&D wing of our hospital and they gave us a protocol booklet (how many ppl in the room at a time, no videotaping, yes photos, etc.) for the wing and that was it....

MrsTeague · May 2009

Didn't take any classes. We read Natural Childbirth the Bradley way

kima76 · May 2009

Well, our classes where only $40 at a local hospital.. not where we are delivering though. We have an appt. set up with our hospital which is 30 minutes away but much much better, for our tour of the Maternity Ward.

We only went to 2 classes because they sucked. They started at 7 and lasted until 9 and the instructor, though very sweet.. was just not all there.

We watch enough TLC's baby story, plus this is my 2nd baby and the internet and books help with the education. He watched the birthing video and we feel prepared.

We also have a phenomonal Doctor!!

calex33 · May 2009

We just got back from our childbirth class. ?It cost $125 and lasted from 8:30-5 today. Both DH and I went into it thinking we probably wouldn't get much out of it because we've been doing a lot of reading, researching and talking with friends who have recently had children. ?However, we both walked out saying how informative it was. ?The instructor went through everything including how to know your in actual labor and at what point to call your OB, how to determine if your contractions are mild, moderate or severe, epidurals/other pain management techniques, inductions, unplanned c-sections, SIDS prevention, L&D tour, PPD, etc. ?I found it to be well worth our time and money. ?It put me more at ease about the process because I feel more informed and aware of everything that will be going on.

avakatesmama · May 2009

1. Where are you delivering?? I see you're in my area!?

Want a personalized experience?

Anyone Not take childbirth classes???

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