Childbirth Class Recommendations?

mr7686b · September 2011

Hi ladies. I live in Arlington and am expecting my first baby in December. Unfortunately, we aren't able to attend any of the childbirth classes offered at the hospital where we plan to deliver, and I am having a very difficult time finding one that will work for us and that you don't have to be planning to deliver at that hospital to take. Any suggestions you all have would be very much appreciated. I am planning to have an epidural, but am not opposed to classes that teach natural childbirth methods. Thanks in advance!

LindseyJW · September 2011

sorry you aren't able to take the class at your hospital.

what is your objective in taking a class? are you looking for pain management before you get the epidural? are you looking for a general overview of what to expect during labor (and this is a two-part question - there is what to expect physiologically and what to expect in terms of standard hospital procedures before, during and after birth).

based on your answers, you might get more responses.

i teach HypnoBirthing, which is a method of natural birthing. the techniques are wonderful and can be helpful to moms planning medicated or unmedicated births (or anyone, really, they are really life skills), but the class is really focused towards unmedicated labor and birth. i imagine someone planning to have a medicated birth would be uncomfortable in the class, unless she is open to learning about unmedicated birth!

here is a link to a list of classes available in our area. you also might consider a class based at another hospital.

HTH!

erin8606 · September 2011

We couldn't find a class that worked with our schedule and my goals. I wanted to do Bradley method because the classes focus on exercises and it's a long class series so more time to prep. I'm a type A planner so this speaks to me. BUT since we couldn't get one that worked, we opted to read up on it. The other thing I am doing is using a Doula. Either of these would be options that you could use if you can't find a class that works.

cecilyandgautam · September 2011

I'm due in December too! I'm currently enrolled in a Bradley class offered at Birth Care in Alexandria, Sunday nights 6:30-8:30 but we're already 4 weeks into a 12 course so might be a little late to join in. If you're interested in Bradley classes, which may or maybe not be appealing to you since you're due in 3 months & the Bradley classes run for 3 months, here's where you can see all the instructors in our area & what classes they're offering: https://www.bradleybirth.com/Directory.aspx?Zip=22314

For a Lamaze class, which match work with your schedule better since it's only 6 weeks: https://www.lamaze.org/ExpectantParents/FindaLamazeClass/tabid/62/Default.aspx
From what I understand, Lamaze teaches relaxation but also covers pain med options.

And then there's the hospital classes at INOVA, which I don't think you need to be deliverying there to sign up for: https://www.inova.org/health-info-and-classes/classes/childbirth-education/index.jsp They have 4 week courses, an "express" 1 day course, so hopefully something will click with your schedule. I have no idea what's taught there though so can't recommend or discourage it.

And then for books & reading - I'm reading the various Bradley books since that's the method I've chosen but I also had fun just going to the relevant section of the local public library and picking a few random ones up as well.

Enjoy whatever class you take! My husband & I are having a lot of fun with our "homework."

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