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Detroit Babies
September 27, 2008
Birth classes/parent classes?
How far along were you when you took your tour and classes?
So I know we want to tour the hospital (troy beaumont).
But did anyone take the birth classes? Im just not sure the birthing classes are worth it...I was there when my sister had my niece last year and when my friend had her daughter 2 years ago. H doesn't really want to go watch a birthing video. As far as breathing...Im more of an epidural girl..so is it worth it?
Then they also offer a parenting class..I was considering that because how much does H really know about a newborn? not much.
TIA!
September 27, 2008This discussion has been closed.
Re: Birth classes/parent classes?
I know there are some on here who don't think they are worth it, but I did like going to the class. It isn't much more than what you'd read in a book but it was nice to go and talk to other parents and I especially liked being able to ask questions. I delivered at Troy Beaumont and did my classes there.
The one thing I really liked was they had an anesthesiologist come in and speak, which was great to be able to ask questions and know what to expect of an epidural.
I know we're going to do the one day tour w/ overview class. Other than that I'm not sure. I might do the breastfeeding, I heard that was helpful if you plan to BB.
Our hospital only offers a one day class so we took it - 98% of the stuff they went over I had already read in books, magazines or online. What WAS nice was the hospital tour - which you can do without taking a class and the procedures the hospital does for birth in each situation.
We learned about how they do inductions - I remember tuning out at that point because I wasn't going to need one! haha. Yeah...I needed an induction. I did check out the tools they used when they passed them around so it was kind of nice to know what to expect.
My insurance paid for the class - check to see if yours will as well - but that's the only reason we went. It wasn't out of our pocket. I wouldn't do it again honestly.
Tarah, did you schedule it through www.birthingandbeyond.com?
I noticed they have a breast feeding and infant care class listed too but haven't decided on them yet.
I took a birthing class at my OB's office because RO Beaumont didn't offer the classes and I didn't want to drive to Troy or West Bloomfield (or wherever the other hospital is). I'm glad I took the class, I don't think there was any earth shattering info that I didn't get in a book, but I retain info better in a classroom setting rather than reading so I'm glad I went even though there were times during class that I was annoyed we were there.
I took a breastfeeding class which was helpful. I don't know if it made the first week or two of actual breastfeeding any easier, but I did have a better idea of what to expect.
I sort of wish I had taken a newborn care class because I had ZERO newborn experience. But who knows if that would have really helped me adjust to life after baby?
I have to say, I thought the birthing class would be a waste, but it definitely was not. It eased my fears about an Epi, labor, & delivery. A lot of the stuff I already knew, but it was great to re-learn it and have DH there to learn as well.
DH has always says to expecting parents, especially the fathers, that the birthing class was great for him. He says it taught him what to expect, how to help me, and gave him the confidence. DH is extremely squimish, and after taking the class, he did AMAZING in the delivery room. For my DH to tell someone to take a birthing class is extremely unlike him, so most of the expecting parents we talk to take that to heart.
Seeing your sister or friend in L&D is sooo different from experiencing it yourself. I learned things that I didn't know about. HTH!
BFP#2: 8/14/11 M/C 8/30/11 6w1d
BFP #3: 10/26/11
Beta #1 @11dpo: 22 Beta #2 @13dpo: 90 Beta #3 @17dpo: 480
Missed m/c 12w3d 12/28/11, d&c 12/30/11
dx Homozygous C677T MTHFR
Hi. I am also delivering at Troy Beaumont. We just completed the childbirth class last weekend and I was just shy of 32 weeks. We took the class at GP Beaumont because the Troy class was already full. If you prefer a Saturday class (two sessions, 9am-4pm) sign up early on-line to reserve your spot. If you take the class at Troy, I believe you can skip the separate hospital tour.
The first class was extremely long and some of the topics were irrelevant and off topic in my opinion. The second class was more informative. Both classes ended early. In reality, I think they could cover all important topics in one 3-4 hour class, but I am glad I went because I did learn a few things and I feel a little more informed. The class is $90 but it is a qualified expense under a Health Care Reimbursement Account.
Also, you may want to watch the 30-minute video that Beaumont offers on-line regarding your pain management options. I actually found that provided me with more detailed information than the class.
We are taking the baby care and safety class on-line. The cost for that class is $30, but it is not eligible for pre-tax dollars. I have registered and paid for the class and I believe we have 6 months to watch the video.
Hope this helps.
Yes - I would choose the BF or infant care class over the childbirth class honestly. I'm positive you will know 98% of what they'll go over in it so it's kind of a waste of time.
Liz - I delivered out of Troy, and took the tour when I was 32 weeks along. That was beneficial because I needed to know where to go and what to expect when we ended up being in labor.
I decided against the birthing classes, because I figured I read enough about it, and knew some things to expect. When things got scary in the delivery room (heart rate drops, etc) the nurses were extremely helpful at explaining and fixing the problem. I had a really rough delivery and I don't think a class would have prepared me for it. DH loves medical stuff and is not easily grossed out, and he was a champ during the whole delivery.
I didn't do the breastfeeding class, but again the nurses there know all about breast feeding, and I saw a LC a couple of times, and they were all helpful. My main problem was trying to find a comfortable position for him and me to feed, and that was worked out before we left the delivery room.
I heard the parenting classes were good, if you have never given an infant a bath or changed a diaper, things like that. My SIL had never held an infant before her daughter was born, so it was good for her and her DH.
If you have any specific Troy questions, let me know. I was there for 3 births and my own in a 6 week time frame.
Oh and make sure your DH asks for the special room...there is really good coffee and snacks for Dad's and nurses!
I am taking mine at GP Beaumont 4/30 and 5/7 and I will be 34 and 35 weeks at that point. To be honest, I haven't been reading a whole lot of books or seeking out a ton of information about delivery up until this point (and DH most definitely hasn't), so this is kind of our prep. Some of it may be duplicative, but I am sure I will get something out of them. This is the one we are taking, which includes a child care class post-birth.
I am also taking the BF class on 4/28 at GP Beaumont. I can give you my full review on 5/1
I took the after work Troy Beaumont class almost 4 years ago when I was pg with DD1. There were some "meh" parts but the breathing did help, and I had an epidural. The part I got the most out of was laboring positions, I found the most relief during labor by trying different things I'd learned in class. I didn't do a parenting class. Interestingly enough my current OB does not recommend taking the Beaumont class, she wants Moms to pay to take a class thru their office. She claims their class is outdated and isn't the same way she handles birth.
Make sure you sign up for the parenting program, if you can, after you have your child. Was totally worth it, and they cover new topics every meeting, you're with other new parents, so you have people going thru the same things and the babies socialize.
DD1, Kathleen 9/15/2007