Childbirth class?

Mouseygail · February 2010

Let me just start by saying...I have no desire to do this naturally...modern medicine and pain relief are my BFF's. Given that, would you recommend doing a childbirth class?

If so, what kind of method and why? I mean, clearly, something may happen and I may not get to have my wish of an epidural...so I guess it would be good to be prepared for how to manage labor without it... I'm very confused.

Thanks!!

madhatter2003 · February 2010

definitely go. Even if you want medications, it can be a LONG time before you get them. Or the epi may not work (BOTH happened to me...grrr).

Plus there are other medications beside an epi that you may want/be offered, etc. And they covered a ton of stuff in our class....baby care, postpartum care for mom, what happens in case of a c/s, etc.

lilmel6 · February 2010

We took a prepared parenthood / childbirth class through our hospital. They went over everything from relaxing techniques to giving your newborn bath. Most of the stuff I was already aware of and new how to do, from either reading or babysitting. However, DH loved the class. He said it helped him a lot for when that moment actually happened. He was glad that he knew what was happening and what to expect next.

sasa625 · February 2010

DH and I took a class... I had every intention of having the epidural, but we figured it was just something we should do. I ended up getting to the hospital at 4 cm and jumped to 10 pretty quickly (but they still gave me my drugs!!)... all the breathing techniques I learned went out the window at that point. DH and the nurse tried to help, but all I wanted was the epi

So for us, it was kind of a waste of time and money. The only good part was that we took it through our hospital, so we got an idea of what to expect during the process (but we got that from our free tour as well). My friend recently delivered without taking a class (at my recommendation) and she said she doesn't regret not taking one.

gringa78 · February 2010

DH and I are going to take a class just in case I don't have the drug option. I'm with ya, I'll have them shoot me up with whatever pain meds they have, but just in case I want to be a little prepared. I think DH could use a little orientation to the whole childbirth/baby thing too.

AlissaCell701 · February 2010

I was going to ask the EXACT same question!!

DH and I had a discussion about this last night. And he doesn't seem to think that the child birth/caring classes are necessary..But I don't think he even knows how to change a diper! And quite frankly I am freaked out about child birth.

I will interested in what others have to say!!

ladychicago · February 2010

we are going to do the class offered by the hospital... mostly because it'll introduce us to that hospital's way of doing things and the options we'll be presented with. the hospital class covers comfort measures with natural child birth, but also discusses your various pain management options and what to expect with a c-section. i want to know about all of that, and not just one method or another, you know?

Mouseygail · February 2010

ladychicago:
we are going to do the class offered by the hospital... mostly because it'll introduce us to that hospital's way of doing things and the options we'll be presented with. the hospital class covers comfort measures with natural child birth, but also discusses your various pain management options and what to expect with a c-section. i want to know about all of that, and not just one method or another, you know?

Yeah, the one that I am looking at is pretty broad ranging too...I think i am less interested in breathing techniques in detail than getting an overview of what to expect! eeek!!

Marc's Mrs. · February 2010

We took a basic one day course offered by the hospital. Every hospital has different procedures so it was helpful to hear their policies, what to expect when we get to triage & then L&D, etc. They also covered what would happen if you were induced or went in for c/s, getting the epi or other drugs, who and how many are allowed in the delivery room (including medical personnel) and security policies. I'm glad we took it but also glad we didn't sign up for the 6 wk course.

superned · February 2010

ladychicago:
we are going to do the class offered by the hospital... mostly because it'll introduce us to that hospital's way of doing things and the options we'll be presented with. the hospital class covers comfort measures with natural child birth, but also discusses your various pain management options and what to expect with a c-section. i want to know about all of that, and not just one method or another, you know?

This is my feeling too. I want to try and go without medication, but even still I really feel like I'd like to know what's in store for me from the moment I walk in the door, you know?

I also think it's going to be a big eye-opener for DH. I think he tends to get overwhelmed in hospitals, so having some idea of what to expect will be helpful for him too.

qtpa2t · February 2010

We just took a general class offered by our OBs office, not a particular method. Sounds like something like that, maybe offered by the hospital, might be a good choice for you.

yogisunam · February 2010

I am planning on going natural, but even if I wasn't I'd take the basic class that gives an overview to bridge the gap between what I've read/heard to what's specific to my hospital/area. It's also a chance for DH to get involved as well. Sure, he "listens" to everything I tell him, but he'd actually remember what we learned in a class.

In my area there are two basic classes for everyone...Prepared Childbirth and Newborn Basics. For those planning on natural, there's another specific to that. And there's also a cesearian preparation class as well.

Mouseygail · February 2010

Thanks ladies!! So much to digest!

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