Anyone NOT going to birthing classes?

starswinger · January 2012

I had a few people tell me that they did not even get to do much from the classes and can be a waste of money.

Hubby and I are not able to take another night out of the week to attend expensive classes if they are not going to help.

I am thinking instead of an infant CPR class for myself (hubby works at the hospital so already has training) and maybe a newborn class.

salt78 · January 2012

We are taking a newborn class and I'm going to a breastfeeding class and that's it. No birthing classes for me. I want an epidural anyway.

Penguinb83 · January 2012

Planned C-Section here for DD #2 (No VBAC aloud for me). My Doc even said the class would be a waist of time for us.

CAMbaby · January 2012

I didn't take any classes with DD and am not taking any this time. I did attend a 1 hour breast feeding class at the hospital after DD was born and it was somewhat helpful but I felt like I knew most of it already.

OregonPachey · January 2012

We didn't take any birthing classes the last time or this time. They wouldn't have helped anyways as I needed a c-section and had an epi.

mkarns · January 2012

Personal Experience Only: We took a birthing class from one of the local hospitals and it was worthless. It was an all-day class and we left halfway through. It was just awful.

revolution_breeze · January 2012

I'm not taking one this time around, but I did with DD. It was just 1 Saturday for a few hours - more of an overview of what to expect during labor and how to take care or a newborn followed by a hospital tour. I learned some, but not a ton. For the most part, it just relieved some anxiety I had the first time around. The class was only $50, so not too bad.

Ivana_Stolichnaya · January 2012

I took one when I was pregnant with #1. I barely got anything out of it then, no need for it now.

LilyPotter218 · January 2012

We are taking a newborn first aid class and that is all.

I have talked to too many people who say they are a waste of time, especially if you are planning an EPI (which I am).

I've been doing research online about what to REALLY expect.

hey_little_bird · January 2012

i had every intention of taking classes (parenting and breastfeeding, not birthing) but i seem to be running out of time.

ideally i'd like to still find a breastfeeding class, but the hospital i'm delivering at has several staff lactation consultants, plus all their nurses are trained in breastfeeding.

i took a regular CPR class about 8 years ago, so i kind of remember a little of the infant CPR, but i think that would e a really good thing for me (and hubby) to learn.

now if i can just find the time and money...

Moneypenny424 · January 2012

I'm debating taking a class. I don't want to waste 7 hours (and $150) if it isn't going to tell me anything of use. I'm having an epi, but am still interested in breathing/pain management before I have the epi. I don't know, I might just read more and see what I can find on line.

PhysChic7685 · January 2012

My last hospital required a 1 hour class that talked about the pain management options I had available to me, but even that didn't give me anything I couldn't already get online (except for the few bits of info that were somewhat specific to the hospital). I never took a birthing class or any other class though and I have no intention of taking one this time either. It's better to just read about everything you want to know about and talk to fellow bumpies about your concerns than waste money and time sitting through a class that MAYBE has 25% stuff you actually didn't know.

sunnyday016 · January 2012

I didn't take one before I had DD and I feel like I handled my labor well. I'm not taking a class this time because I feel like I know what to expect. Even though all labors are different, I'm really not too worried about it. The nurses at my hospital were very helpful and supportive. I don't think I'd get anything out of a class.

allisons1014 · January 2012

I just went to my first of a five class series last night and DH and I really enjoyed it. The instructor was really good and I think we will enjoy it. She did talk about lots of excersizes/positions to try and help baby drop into the right position. While I fully expect to have an epi, I would like to do what I can now to help make delivery as easy as possible. I am sure it really depends on how good of an instructor you get.

GreeneyesP · January 2012

I'm not taking the class. I'm taking a breastfeeding class for free through a local maternity store. I did do a hospital tour just so I could ask what things the hospital will provide so I had a better idea of what to pack.

hmt7 · January 2012

We took newborn classes with our first. The way i look at it, the baby is coming out no matter what, so what do you really need to know about the birth itself?!

skibunny59 · January 2012

We are taking a childbirth class that is taught by two doulas in the area and it is not affiliated with our hospital. I am planning a med-free birth so I think it is helpful and especially since my DH will be my labor coach/partner I think the classes would be really helpful for him too.

Lawren · January 2012

We're not taking any classes at all. I have 11 nieces and nephews. I'm good. If I need anything, I have plenty of people that I can call or help me.

susan451 · January 2012

I'm not taking a class but this is baby #3 for me.

With DS#1, we took a 1-day class at the hospital and it wasn't very helpful (except for the tour.)

With DS#2, we took a hypnobirthing class because I wanted to be more prepared with relaxation techniques. It definitely was worthwhile. Even though I planned to have an epi I was able to stay at home longer & stayed relaxed much longer which made it a much quicker & easier birth.

With #3, I'm not taking a childbirth class, but I've been doing prenatal yoga which has provided a lot of relaxation and breathing techniques I plan on using.

irish4jan1 · January 2012

This is exactly our situation. We are taking a Bradley class and find it VERY interesting and helpful. I plan to have a doula and go natural.

wildermom · January 2012

salt78:
We are taking a newborn class and I'm going to a breastfeeding class and that's it. No birthing classes for me. I want an epidural anyway.

This exactly.

Except I'm also taking my DH to the breastfeeding class too. He doesn't mind going, though it could potentially be weird/awkward. But they recommend the support person to come. And I think in the end it'll help him be more comfortable with the entire situation. Boys are weird about stuff sometimes...

Plus the hospital I'm delivering at offers all of their classes for free (as a way to show off their facilities, I think, compared to the other larger hospital). And I happen to love "free!"

frasey · January 2012

We took the prenatal classes and a BF class. They were only $50 for 6 2 hr classes, so not a big deal. They did cover a lot of stuff other than just L&D - they talked about PPD, car seats, newborn care, etc.

That said, while I didnt feel that I learned a ton, Im glad that I went. I feel like this because I think if I hadnt gone, I would feel like I was missing out on something, but now I know Im not.

I think if youve done your reading and you feel ready, then Id say skip it.

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Anyone NOT going to birthing classes?

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