FTM's is anyone not taking any birthing classes? We just want to go with the flow and the dr.'s and nurses to let us know what is best for me and the baby. (Deep down I think that I will be having an early c-section, but that's just a gut instinct.) If you aren't taking any classes are you doing a hospital tour?
Also, how do I pre-register? Do I have to call my hospital?
Re: FTM's Birthing Classes?
I'm not doing any birthing classes. DH and I did a hospital tour when I was 8 weeks during a baby fair they had. They are having their Fall baby fair next week so I signed up again. This time I'm going with my mom since DH has to work.
As far a pre-reg, My OB gave me the paperwork for pre-reg at my 1st appt.
Breastfeeding and pregnant!
I did do a childbirth class, but if you aren't doing one in person BabyCenter has a free one you can take online.
https://www.babycenter.com/childbirth-class
I have decided not to take a class (but yes to the hospital tour!)....but I will be taking this online one with my hubby so we have some idea of what to expect. I also watched a few birth-related movies (on my own...hubby not interested in seeing a bunch of random ladies give birth LOL)
?Little Love of my Life?
We did our Childbirth Prep class last Saturday, but honestly, we didn't get much out of it. It was all day, from 9am to 3:30 and when it was all done, DH and I both agreed that we got maybe an hour of useful info out of the class. The instructor was alright, but the majority of the class was spent talking about the science and physiology of pregnancy, as opposed to the actual birthing process, pain management, etc, which is what I thought it would be.
All in all, it was kind of a waste of $90 and a free Saturday, but the hubby and I still had fun spending the day together. Best part of the class, hands down, was the couple sitting next to us, who quite clearly hated each others guts-- it was epic- they fought and bitched at each other the entire time, and both of them spent the rest of the time playing games on their cell phones. Made us both feel pretty lucky to not be in a relationship like that!
We are taking the hospital tour next week
We did the birthing class with our hospital and really liked it. We thought we were going to be bored out of minds since we have done so much reading and our siblings have already gone through birthing. But we still learned things, especially what our hospital protocols are and the different choices we will have when giving in labor. A hospital tour was included in the class.
Our hospital has a very informative website. And it is on that site that we had to pre-register.
We also plan on doing what is best for the baby and me in terms of labor and birthing, however, the doctors and nurses will not make decisions for you. You are better off being informed and making your own decisions and taking their suggestions if they make any, into consideration.
My OB gave me my preregistration paperwork at my last appointment (about 25 weeks) so maybe they just wait until you are a little closer so you don't worry about it earlier.