Birthing/nursing classes?

dragonfly17 · February 2012

Hey ladies! I'm dropping in from 1st tri and wanted to ask if y'all have taken any birthing or nursing classes. Are there any types you would recommend? I'm going to be delivering at a birthing center so obviously it will be a natural birth. Thanks for your input and Best of luck on your upcoming deliveries!

Natali25 · February 2012

Can't tell you how it was but we start our childbirth class next week and I start a BF class the week after. I'll try to re-post and let you know my impressions.

hewinked · February 2012

I took a birthing class with DD. I didn't go natural, but I found that most of the info I already knew from here or my own research. The most helpful for me was the breathing techniques because I tend to freak out rather than breathe through pain or fear. I'm going to a breastfeeding class this time around (I didn't nurse my other 2 children) through la leche league, one of their support groups. It's free (versus my hospital charging), and I've heard wonderful things about their groups. Good luck to you!

spunkyprincessmande · February 2012

I took both with my first pregnancy and found them both very informative. I don't know that I actually used any of the information that I learned in my birthing class, but it was still nice to know. I already knew some things from being on TB and reading books (like how good walking is for labor and different positions to try).

My nursing class was very helpful. It's not as easy as you think. There are a lot of possible complications and it was nice to know what they could be and how to troubleshoot them. I remember being in the hospital and asking my husband if I was doing it the way we learned in class--and he corrected me if I wasn't! I also went to a LaLeche meeting before I had him. It was so great to talk to other moms who were currently nursing. But my biggest piece of advice about nursing is have an LC come in you room every time you attempt to nurse. Even if you think you know what you're doing, have her check and make sure it really is all okay. And ask her to show you different positions to nurse in (especially side lying!) because you may want to try different ones to find what you like best (and it may change as baby gets older).

Team Davis · February 2012

DH and I went to a child birth class and a breast feeding class last month. As a FTM, I think it was definitely worth the time. I already knew a lot of the information in both classes, but it was nice to have extra reassurance, see demonstrations (bf positions, breathing, etc.) and ask questions. Also, it was really beneficial for my DH to be there. I have spent a lot more time reading up on these topics than he has, so just about everything was new to him. There was also a lot of info about the things he can do to be supportive during labor/delivery and for breastfeeding.

BOTB2011 · February 2012

We took a prepared childbirth class - it was a 1 day session for 7 hours - and it was really helpful. It discussed all methods of childbirth - medicated, natural, c-section, etc.

It also went into after the baby is here and the changes our bodies go through. It was great to hear and DH appreciated being able to ask questions.

salt78 · February 2012

Didn't take a childbirth class because I heard they are mostly useless, but they may be of more use to you if you are planning on no drugs (I'm planning on an epi, plus I already know how to breathe through things due to years of yoga).

I did take a breastfeeding class and it was pretty interesting. I got at least a little out of it to make the cost worth it.

bingham101 · February 2012

Does your center offer classes? I would start there, also ask the Dr. what they recommend. So far I have only taken a nursing class. It was a lot of info... so glad I took it. I know there are so many books out there but honestly it was nice to have a 2 hours class where I could just absorb info. They gave us a nice booklet that went over everything. Also, we learned about our hospitals procedures. When the lactation consultant works and how to meet with her.

sparks2987 · February 2012

I took a birthing class at 36 weeks. Honestly I did not find it all that helpful. I do alot of research and read alot, I have been "studying" up on child birth, plus I am the last of friends and family to start having babies, so I have a great support group that tells it like it is when I have questions. It was kind of repetative to that information.

I did find the hospital tour that went along with it helpful, as well as the hospital policys for when you are admitted/what to bring ect. The class did have a few things I found interesting.

The class helped DH ALOT, it helped him to understand what his role in the L&D will be and how he can help. He was worried about feeling helpless while I suffered, he is more prepared for this now. So I would take it again if only for DH's benefit, oh and they taught DH some GREAT message techniques

Take all this with a grain of salt because I am a FTM, after I give birth I might change my mind and think the class actually did help more than I thought it would

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