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Kaiser Members-Recommend birth class?
We're pregnant with our first and I'm wondering if the full day birth prep class is worth the $120? We were planning to just go to the 2 hour Late Pregnancy lecture but I don't want to miss out on important information.
Any other classes at KP you'd recommend? I'm def. planning to take the breast feeding class. Thanks!
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Re: Kaiser Members-Recommend birth class?
For my first, I took all of the KP classes. The late PG class talks about things to be aware of during the last few weeks and how to know when you go in. It isn't really a replacement for the birthing class. I thought the birth class was helpful, but limited. It was great in that it went over the process of what happens when you get in, your choices (pain medicine, rooming information, etc) at that hospital. My class spent very limited time on pain management techniques. I liked that it was a stepping stone for conversations about birthing options with my husband. I had done much more reading/research and this was a way for him to easily get information & ask questions. We considered taking another birthing class outside of KP (hypnobirthing), but ran out of time. I was also taking a Prenatal Yoga class that I found invaluable during labor. (It's the Whole Birth Yoga, and mine was through KP, although I know it is offered in other locations.)
I missed the Newborn class b/c my DS was born on that day. It would have been nice for my DH to go, but obviously not necessary. The nurses in the hospital can help you with any questions.
I think there's a Post Partum class at some Kaisers, I think that would be great, too. It wasn't offered for my first, and I didn't take many classes for my second.
Hope that helps. My info might be old since my DS is now 4.5 years old.
I didn't get a lot of Kaiser's pregnancy classes, very 101 stuff that felt like a waste of money and time when I was getting the same info from the OB or books. We ended up not doing the birthing class at all and looking back, I'm glad we didn't take it. The hosptial tour was probably the only useful class.
If you are at Pleasanton Kaiser, I don't recommend the breastfeeding class. It did not help or prepare me, can't recommend the LC either. I have some not-so-nice words about her. But I know its not the same at every location.
We did the six week birthing class through Kaiser, and honestly, other than making a few friends, I didn't get anything out of it. The hospital tour was really the only class that I enjoyed and got something out of. If you're looking for actual birthing prep (breathing, visualization etc) you might be better off to look at a class like Bradley.
Also, I took the breastfeeding class and it was awful (at least at my Kaiser). I learned so much more from talking with my doctor, the LC at the hospital and the nurse in DD's pedi's office.
I just wanted to add my 2 cents about the BFing class since I took that and also had to deal with Kaiser's LC department.
BFing class was good but not great. If you do take it take DH. I found taking him was helpful and everyone else brought the husband so don't worry he won't be the only guy.
LC department: We live in the east bay and I spoke on a few occasions to the LC in Antioch and in WC. If you need help, go somewhere else. Other good places are Day One in Walnut Creek, SF and then have a penisula location too. As well as John Muir in WC.
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