Anyone NOT taking birthing classes?

Nicole0012 · August 2010

I really wanted to take them, but a neighbor of ours who is also pregnant recommended we take a birthing class DVD out from the library and watch it in the comfort of our own homes. She insisted that it was a live class being taught at a hospital, but you simply get to watch it from home.

As soon as DH heard this, he thought it was a GREAT idea and, being the money saver he is, insists we go this route... WDYT?

AmberLoryn2629 · August 2010

I had wanted to take the birthing classes offered at my hospital but recent scheduling conflicts are making it impossible - to know that this is an option makes me feel much better and it's probably something I will do, since I can't be there in person.

bubbles231211 · August 2010

I originally wasn't going to take them in order to save the 120 bucks it was. But my doc and parents (MIL works at a hospital) talked me into. They said not only will you learn important birthing methods, but being able to meet the hospital staff and have a tour of the L&D unit would help ease your stress (as I am NOT a fan of hospitals!)

JJBaby2009 · August 2010

I'm not.

babyonthebrain2010 · August 2010

my hospital offers some free ones and I'm still thinking about going, but I'd either go by myself or with my mom... and I don't particularly wanna go with my mom even tho she'll be the one in the delivery room with me :sigh: I still dunno.. I was thinking a bout getting some dvds tho! couldn't hurt and netflix has some to choose from!

Dana86 · August 2010

I wont be taking any

So Long Astoria · August 2010

**raising hand**

Didn't take one last time either.

That kid is coming out no matter what kind of breathing or moving I do. I'm of the camp of "shoot me up with drugs and get it over with" planning. Worked like a charm last time, so that's my plan.

minimonstersmum · August 2010

i never even thought of it as being optional lol but my DH works at the hospital and so we get all of our fees waived and will take them all... personally i think infant cpr is a must! and they also offer a breastfeeding course which i'll need and even tho i've been around and taken care of babies my whole life, i still feel unprepared plus DH has NO CLUE so we are taking the newborn care course and then of course the birthing b/c i plan on doing it all natural but we will see how that goes... and ours offers the tour of l&d also (i've already been on one but i like knowing exactly where we will be and what's going on so)

kingandprincess · August 2010

I don't think so. Talking about my cervix with complete strangers is NMS. We are both very private people.

I think because my husband is totally freaked out by the whole idea of me pushing a person out my hoo-hoo (we don't even pee in front of eachother, oy!) we are going to hire a doula to be the key support person for me in labour. Doula = $600 and she comes twice beforehand to meet you, talk about how it's all going to go, expectations, questions etc. I think she can answer most of my questions that the classes would for $300.

I was worried about not meeting other moms and missing the opportunity, but friends have assured me that the moms you meet will be after birth at different activities/groups.

Sonadora · August 2010

I'm just taking a bfing class and a tour of L&D.

I'm not a class type person by nature and generally just get annoyed and start rolling my eyes and making snide comments. Seems like a waste to me!

Cheekers2010 · August 2010

I'm taking a class mostly for my DH. I am a doula so I'm very familiar with the birth process, but he isn't! Plus I think it will be a good bonding experience for us and a great way for my DH to experience this pregnancy in a more direct way.

IMO breathing techniques, etc. aren't necessarily the most valuable part of a class-especially because many women don't need to use them (although it's possible to end up not having time for meds!). I think the things that are extremely valuable when you're talking birthing classes are getting familiar with your hospital and their rules & regs, having a chance to have your questions answered, breastfeeding info and help and newborn care. These are things that aren't as easy to get from a video. On the other hand, if you are comfortable and confident about your choices and your hospital you might be fine!

Maybe rent the video and watch it and if you don't feel like all your questions were answered, then sign up for a class.

chpswife · August 2010

I want to but due to DH's and my work schedules it may not work......We'll see. I've heard yes and no from various friends where we live....

OregonMommy · August 2010

I'm not. I've heard they are helpful if you are going natural but not if you plan on getting an epidural. A DVD might be a good idea but I think it would probably just freak me out about labor so I won't be watching one! Stick out tongue

Germangirl86 · August 2010

I am going to take them because even if my plan is epidural, I could always have to do it natual. I just want something in place to calm my nerves! I am reallly scared of L&D...But I think a DVD should work just a well as classes.

lderea · August 2010

Kellog+1:
Maybe rent the video and watch it and if you don't feel like all your questions were answered, then sign up for a class.

I think this is good advice. I have a few friends who like to know everything about everything and LOVED the childbirth classes. I have other friends who never took them because "the baby is coming out either way" and were fine with that. I think it's up to you and your comfort level.

BoomerMunchkin · August 2010

I am not taking any classes myself... like others have said, since I have no intention of going natural, I think it's not really 100% necessary. I watched a DVD with my hubby about the entire pregnancy process (discovery health documentary of 4 women's experiences) and births, but that'll be it for me. I have been doing better with the "deal with it as it comes" progress of pregnancy, and so I am thinking labor will be the same way so the anxiety doesn't get too ridiculous!

rsmith1175 · August 2010

This is my 4th pregnancy so I wont be taking any. I have taken them twice and dont feel like I need them. Maybe I will rent a video like you are doing just to brush up on the info. Good Luck to you!!!!!!

Rebe cca

jenvalet · August 2010

Check out Destination Maternity, if you have one near you. They offer free classes, so we're taking that. If we don't get what we want out of it, we make take something else. We are doing a separate hospital tour, so we're not missing out on that.

MrsTechie · August 2010

I'm probably not taking one. L&D doesn't scare me and I've got enough research invested that I feel comfortable with the process. I dislike being lectured on a topic that I'm already familiar with so it makes the idea of a class less appealing. I plan to attend some LLL meetings and I would like to take an infant safety course which includes CPR.

I'm also one of those women that doesn't have a birth plan. My plan is to have a healthy baby and do as little damage to my body as possible. My risk factors mean that my doctors may change everything from my type of delivery to the meds I can take to my delivery day. With so much in the air, the best thing I can do for my sanity (and Mr Techie's) is to roll with it.

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