Child birth classes

sperryman · November 2009

I am a basketball coach so it is really difficult to sign up for a 5 week long child birth class. The DH and I are thinking about taking the class in one day. It's a Saturday from 9 am to 5pm. That sounds like a lot of information in a short time period. My question is how benefical is it for us take take one? If we don't is there something that we will miss that will be bad during labor and delivery? I've gotten mixed reviews from my friends that have given birth at the hospital where I will. Thanks ladies!

butterbeansmama · November 2009

Truthfully, for us, we learned more from the books that I read and my mom than the class that we took. I would have had more of a benefit if I had taken a breastfeeding class instead (since for me it took some long agonizing/stressful hours to get started).

rohansmom · November 2009

I think it is worth it.You may not learn a ton, but I learned enough with my son.

adcffaa · November 2009

I think I'd go for it, some info is better than none.

Peony81 · November 2009

butterbeansmama:
Truthfully, for us, we learned more from the books that I read and my mom than the class that we took. I would have had more of a benefit if I had taken a breastfeeding class instead (since for me it took some long agonizing/stressful hours to get started).

What are your book recommendations?

TheWerners · November 2009

Neither my DH or myself have grown up around pregnant women until this point in our life. Also, I'm adopted so I can't really get "pointers" from my mom... For us it will work out as a good choice but I can understand that it's not for everyone.

I spoke the other day with a guy from work who has a 4mo. old at home and he said while going through the class he thought it was a waste of time but the when the day came he was thankful he was prepared on all scenarios of what could happen. Since his wife had to go in for an emergency c-section he was prepared for that possibility.

l_elizabeth · November 2009

I am fairly certain we aren't. I've talked to numerous friends who said it isn't worth it, and the only benefit was feeling more prepared. Although if you want a natural birth, I'd probably do it. I have a few friends who had c-sections last minute, and they definitely didn't use the info from the class. In our area it's either 5 weeks or 2 full days- but either option is fairly expensive.

I'm hoping ladies will suggest books/videos- I'd rather go that route!