trying to decide about birth classes....

shanlea13 · July 2010

i am having a discussion with some other mom's at my work, they are trying to talk me into going to a birth class/lamaze class...but i'm not sure if it's worth it!?!? i have a bunch of friends who are nurses on the maternity wards at different hospitals that i've been talking too, some say it's a good idea...some say it's pretty pointless. What has everyone else decided to do, or anyone who has taken the class before enjoy/recommend it? thanks!

BekW2009 · July 2010

I'm going to take the class. I figure I'd like to be prepared and know what's coming. People can tell you but until you see it in person (on a video) I figure you don't really know!

mommabear530 · July 2010

I took lamaze classes my first time around, and honestly, they were horribly boring. But I think that has a lot to do with the fact that they're 4+ hours long, you're sitting on the floor, and you're pregnant. They're informative and take you through the birthing process (if you haven't read up enough on that already).

This time around I'm going to take the class again, mostly for DH's benefit since he'll be the one helping me through labor. This way he can learn and practice some of the techniques and see what works for us.

Also if you take the class at the hospital you're delivering at, you'll likely get a tour and lots of info on the hospital's policies and procedures. That's definitely worth it.

[Deleted User] · July 2010

We're taking one. I figure, if it helps, great. If not, well the class is by some good restaurants & we'll at least get some good food out of it! LOL!

Luv*N*C-los · July 2010

Honestly the birth classes did little to help me. Of course I ended up with a c-section and everything I learned flew out the window with that, but even so I think I learned just as much by reading stuff on my own. The only part of the class I really enjoyed was the last class -- they filled us in on exactly what happens immediatley after giving birth. They described what the doctors will exam/test the baby for, what signs to look out for jaundice or other potential issues, what to expect at discharge, followup appts, tips on taking care of newborns, etc. I think it's more beneficial for people planning on having a natural birth. Our teacher tended to think having an epidural was the worst thing ever and I had every intention of getting one!

ktwilley · July 2010

I decided not to take the class. At my hospital it's an 8 hours class which consists of a power point presentation, video tour of the maternity ward, 90 minute video of birth, an hour of "spooning" with your coach and maybe some breathing exercises. All that for $200. My OB told me that it's not worth it, and tons of people on a mom's board here have said that you can learn everything you need to know in books. I do feel strange not taking a class, but my Dr. assures me that the nurses there are very good and will help us through everything.

mhazel1204 · July 2010

I don't think anyone can answer this for you. Mine are free so we're taking everything they offer. Even if we had to pay for them, we'd still do it. Knowledge can't hurt.

abovewedding · July 2010

I'm going to take the class offered by the Midwife clinic we're going to and I might sign up for a hypnobirthing class as well. I've never given birth before, and I've never seen one live so I think its a good idea.

ladipale · July 2010

We're signing up for a 12 week Bradley Method course. It is not affiliated with the hospital where we will deliver.

Adventurers · July 2010

We are taking a 4 week class. It's 4 Saturdays, 10 - 12:00, and it costs $80 per couple. I think my husband will get more out of it than I will, but maybe we'll both feel more at ease by the time November rolls around. It can't hurt to do it, plus it will get us up and out of the house on a Saturday morning. Smile

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