Question from 3rd Tri Re: Childbirth Class

Jocelyn0415 · September 2009

I'm debating on whether or not the childbirth class my hospital offers is worth the time and money. It's on Saturday from 9-4 and it costs $75 dollars. I've heard from several different people that they felt the class was a waste of time because when it came time for actual labor what they learned in the class didn't really matter. I've also heard from others that they found it very helpful. I'm just curious, if you took the class, did you find it helpful during actual labor or did it not really make a difference? TIA!

christin3580 · September 2009

I watched a video.. the hospital classes were full. It was laugh and learn about child birth.. I rented it from the library. I wanted a natural delivery... didnt get it.. if your having and Epi I dont really see the point of a class cus the EPI is awesome you feel like super woman.. LOL

JCM083009 · September 2009

We took a private class (ie: not through the hospital) and yes, that was definitely worth it as I wanted to go natural and needed to prepare for it. However, if you plan to get drugs and go with the standard procedures than I can see how a class wouldn't be quite as important. I've had friends who took the hospital classes and had the standard hospital/medicated birth and said the class was a waste. I don't think you'd find someone who went natural and who took a private class (like Bradley Method, Hypnobabies, Lamaze) who feels the same though.

srw33 · September 2009

I found the class interesting when I went but not a single word from the class crossed my mind when I went into labor.

Jocelyn0415 · September 2009

I am planning on an epi, which is why I was debating on whether to take the class. Thanks for the input!!

*blondie* · September 2009

Didn't take a class and I'm glad I didn't bother. I really think that just a little online/book research, talking to your ob and mommy friends and most of all a good nurse are more than sufficient.

kit443 · September 2009

It was kind of corny - but I thought it helped to learn all of the ins and outs of the hospital.

eprofitta · September 2009

If you're well-read on childbirth and delivery, skip it. My hospital made me watch a lame video before I left that was essentially the same thing. I was NOT happy about that, especially since I took the class at the same hospital.

I think the classes are more for husbands, anyway. DH wouldn't have known what I did without the course. Rent a video from the library instead.

MrsBeckaT615 · September 2009

I didn't take a class and had an epi. I didn't need the class.

wwsurf81 · September 2009

It was kind of a waste for me because I ended up having an emergency c-section. Also, I've found that some of my teacher's advice wasn't really practical.

thatgirlang · September 2009

We took one with DS1. We didn't NEED it but it was a nice bonding experience for DH and I. And he learned some ways to help me in late pregnancy and delivery. And I did use the breathing.

grinsandgiggles · September 2009

Watch videos online or rent some. I didn't take any and I'm not sorry (my epi failed too and so I had to go natural). I also watched videos on how to breastfeed online. I would think you'd benefit more that way anyways because you actually see a mother breastfeeding/see the baby latch, etc.

ghdst1 · September 2009

our class had a lot of information on things other than just breathing. they talked about pain med options, how your body accomodates the baby coming out, ways to deal with contrax in early labor (before you are at the hosp with an epi), tests and things they do to the baby, etc. Maybe check into your class to see what material will be covered.

Kflie83 · September 2009

I took the class that our hospital gave with my DH. It was $60. Seriously, I didn't learn anything I didn't know! I think those classes are for people who don't own a computer or have the internet! Use the money for 2 miracle blankets instead!

lkich · September 2009

DH & I took the classes offered through our hospital and I thought it was very informative, but then I never got to use any of the info learned since I had to have a c-section. $75 isn't too much money for the peace of mind you may get from attending the classes.

Jocelyn0415 · September 2009

The videos sound like they would be the best option for us. I just couldn't see what I was going to learn in 7 hours that I would remember when I was actually in labor. I've read a lot of books and talked to a lot of moms on here, so I think maybe watching some videos as a refresher course would be good. The only really nice thing about the childbirth class at the hospital is that you get to take the newborn care class for free. I would definitely be interested in taking that.

grinsandgiggles · September 2009

Jocelyn0415:
The videos sound like they would be the best option for us. I just couldn't see what I was going to learn in 7 hours that I would remember when I was actually in labor. I've read a lot of books and talked to a lot of moms on here, so I think maybe watching some videos as a refresher course would be good. The only really nice thing about the childbirth class at the hospital is that you get to take the newborn care class for free. I would definitely be interested in taking that.

There's videos online for that too.

Jocelyn0415 · September 2009

grinsandgiggles:

Jocelyn0415:
The videos sound like they would be the best option for us. I just couldn't see what I was going to learn in 7 hours that I would remember when I was actually in labor. I've read a lot of books and talked to a lot of moms on here, so I think maybe watching some videos as a refresher course would be good. The only really nice thing about the childbirth class at the hospital is that you get to take the newborn care class for free. I would definitely be interested in taking that.

There's videos online for that too.

Great! Thanks!

mommy411 · September 2009

We did a private class. No help what so ever. Iearned more online.

MidwestTexan · September 2009

I didn't take a childbirth class and I had a wonderful labor! I pushed DS out within 45 minutes. The nurse coached me through the breathing on the spot. A class would not have made a difference for me, I don't think.

poopteen · September 2009

MsBeckaT615:
I didn't take a class and had an epi. I didn't need the class.

This. My nurse (and SO) were all I really needed once the epi angel came and went.

TimsMayBride · September 2009

eprofitta:

I think the classes are more for husbands, anyway. DH wouldn't have known what I did without the course.

I agree with this. I found that 90% of the stuff they told us in class I already knew but it was totally foreign to him. The instructor also really pushed how important their support is, what to say, what not to say, etc. My DH was AMAZING during labor and I think the class really prepared him well.

korinne76 · September 2009

I think it's more helpful if you have a vaginal delivery. I had an emergency c-section, so looking back, 90% of the information covered didn't really apply to my delivery experience. If you are having an epi I think the class is still helpful in being familiar with different labor scenarios - like baby position issues which may cause a c-section or instances that may make a vacuum/forceps necessary.

If you don't go to a class, definitely set up a hospital tour! That was the most helpful part of my class even with my unexpected delivery experience.

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