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3rd Trimester
LucyGoosey81
member
Did you take childbirth classes?
LucyGoosey81
member
We chose not to, although we did watch some videos online (not like that's the same thing). When we asked my usual OB if I should take them, she really said it was up to me and it wasn't necessary, that some people feel more comfortable taking them and some people don't have any feelings about it. So DH and I didn't take them. Today, though, another doctor in our practice asked if we took them, and when we said we didn't, he definitely acted as if we were sort of dumb not to... 
Now I'm feeling pretty dumb. I do tons and tons of research, I'm a reader, and when he told me what to expect, it was all stuff I already knew. I'm wondering if I'm in the minority of people who didn't take them.
Now I'm feeling pretty dumb. I do tons and tons of research, I'm a reader, and when he told me what to expect, it was all stuff I already knew. I'm wondering if I'm in the minority of people who didn't take them.
This discussion has been closed.
Re: Did you take childbirth classes?
We took breastfeeding and childbirth. Breastfeeding was really helpful since I was on the fence.
Childbirth was a big waste of time and money. We watched 2 videos and she walked us through the basic stuff. The only helpful thing were the breathing techniques, but she spent all of 20 min on them. I wish we hadn't gone and wasted the $50 and the 5 hrs. I didn't feel any more prepared after them.
We took them and LOVED them. Best money we spent! We're pretty clued in folk, but about childbirth..not so much! It gave both of us a lot more confidence that we knew what would be happening at all of the stages and how to handle them and it got DH really involved in the process. He now really understands what will be happening so he can participate throughout.
So I would say that it was incredibly educational and a really great bonding time for me and DH. I don't know - you don't have to take them, but if you're feeling the lack, which don't you see if there are any classes forming? Oh - we took an in-depth class - not the 1 or 2 hours the hospital offers, that's essentially a tour with some extra info attached. Look around for a class that lasts longer if you have time.
We took 4 classes, childbirth, newborn basics, breastfeeding, and infant/child CPR.
I think classes were completely worth it. It made me more comfortable with what to expect. They walked us through hospital policies and their routine care. I learned that my hospital is not like to do an episitomy but requires csections if you've previously had a csection.
FWIW, I would still sneak one in if you can. There are some that offer a one day course, which is what we took. I read a lot and I was present for my niece being born, but the classes still helped!
Yes- we took them. 4 evening sessions. We found them helpful overall. Not rocket science, but just good to know. And I liked that we were BOTH hearing the same information. I can read and research all I want - but that doesn't mean DH is getting the same info I am.
And the instructor also talked to the DH's - "this is what you're wife is going to need from you" - which was good too!
~Benjamin Franklin
DS dx with celiac disease 5/28/10
I asked my OB as well and she said I should definitely take them so I did. They were helpful and I really liked that it covered vaginal AND c/sec material since there is a good chance I will have a c/s. I personally don't think they are necesarry at all, but also couldn't hurt. I'm more informed but could have easily read all the info in a book.
I didn't take them. The only ones they offered were all on weekday afternoons. It's hard enough for me to get time off for my regular appts, let alone a childbirth course that may or may not be very valuable.
I don't feel like I'm going in unprepared.