Not doing classes - got some birthing advice to share?

Anna&Rich · February 2010

We don't want to spend the money taking a class and really just don't have the time either. I was going to buy a dvd or something, but as of right now I still haven't done that. I've read some books and things online, but since you have just been through this, do you have any birthing advice to share w/me? Breathing techniques? Anything? Thanks so much!

krissyh21 · February 2010

I didn't take classes either and I myself did fine, it was DH who needed the classes. Make sure you talk to him and that he know what to expect going in as well. I think I took for granted that H just knew or something.

Breathe how you feel comfortable breathing. While I was laboring my mother told me I was breathing wrong. It pissed me off, and then her showing me the "right way" did no good for me. I went back to how I was breathing before and all was fine.

Listen to the nurse. Ask the nurse for anything. My nurse was awesome!

Liss_37 · February 2010

I didn't take classes either, but the only advice I have for you, is be ready for everything to happen that you didn't want to happen. be prepared to throw your "perfect birth plan" out the window, because what I learned is that there was no way I could plan for what happened once I went into labor.

I'm not saying that it will happen, but it might, and has happened to many of us. (epi not working, emerg c-section, etc) so read up on those things as well!

good luck to you, wishing you a happy and pain free birth!

roxyrulz512 · February 2010

i didnt take a class, didnt buy a dvd - didnt do anything except read a little about it. I was fine with everything, and it wasnt like i was lost or didnt know what to do when the time came - everything just sort of came naturally... i wouldnt really worry about anything - the nurses and drs are there to help you through everything

LDQAM516 · February 2010

We didnt either and I dont regret...my biggest thing was staying focused when the pain got really bad...taking deep breaths in through your nose and out your mouth works great in my opinion...it is hard to do that though, especially if you are in pain towards the end and close to delivering...everyone is different though...your instinct will most likely be quick short breaths (depending on pain level)...and if you ever think you cant do it...just remember that the hareder and longer you push the quicker you will get to meeting and holding your baby.

Michele57O · February 2010

I didn't take classes either, and here is what I would pass on. Epidurals Rock!! Bring chap stick, listen to the nurse she will walk you thru everything, and try and stay as calm as possible.

ibis · February 2010

Have a good support system! Your SO should know (generally) what to expect, and if you want to go natural I highly recommend hiring a doula!

amesinholland · February 2010

Just go with the flow. Ask the nurse lots of questions along the way...they know alot. I took the class but didn't "use" anything we learned.

ms_mellor · February 2010

lisswastaken:
I didn't take classes either, but the only advice I have for you, is be ready for everything to happen that you didn't want to happen. be prepared to throw your "perfect birth plan" out the window, because what I learned is that there was no way I could plan for what happened once I went into labor.

I'm not saying that it will happen, but it might, and has happened to many of us. (epi not working, emerg c-section, etc) so read up on those things as well!

good luck to you, wishing you a happy and pain free birth!

I agree with this completely!!! DD#1's birth did not go as planned...and DD#2 was delivered by my DH on the floor of our bedroom with 911 on the phone (so obviously not as planned). All that was important to me was that I ended up with a healthy baby, and in both cases, that's what we got!!

Mrs. Erin · February 2010

lisswastaken:

I didn't take classes either, but the only advice I have for you, is be ready for everything to happen that you didn't want to happen. be prepared to throw your "perfect birth plan" out the window, because what I learned is that there was no way I could plan for what happened once I went into labor.

I'm not saying that it will happen, but it might, and has happened to many of us. (epi not working, emerg c-section, etc) so read up on those things as well!

good luck to you, wishing you a happy and pain free birth!

I second this! Go in with an open mind and just remember the end result is a healthy baby.

honeybee111 · February 2010

DH and I took all the classes, but my labor went so fast, we didn't have time to use any of the different techniques. The one thing that did help was the deep breaths and focusing during contractions and forcing my body to relax afterwards.

Married2MrWright · February 2010

I recommend the Birth the Bradley Way...you can also find different videos on YouTube. Also Active Birth and Ina May Gaskin's Guide to Birth.

Maine333 · February 2010

I agree with several posters- just be flexible. Things don't always work the way we hope or want but at the end you will have your baby and whatever you went through will be worth it.

I read the hypnobirthing book and the deep breathing worked well for me. The premise that labor should not be painful if you are doing it right, not so much!

Good luck!

kristin7701 · February 2010

Just educate yourself on the birthing process and all the possibilities. I think it's so much better if you understand what's going on and what your options are. It's not all about placing blind faith in your practitioner.

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