what to do...STM question

ifwisheswerefishes · July 2012

DH and i are scheduled for our hospital's sort of "birth and baby boot camp" on the 18th of August. it talks about labour, post-partum, breastfeeding, and things like that. however, we are also attempting to get away and spend some time for our 3rd wedding anniversary, which comes very quick after LO is born...and that weekend is looking like the only time we could get away.

we don't exactly know what to do. do we take the getaway and spend time together, or is the class important enough for us to give up the weekend and spend the day in classes?

can some of you STMs give some advice and insight into which is a wiser choice?

JessAndTrav · July 2012

Not an STM, but we took the classes and IMO, it was worth it. I feel more prepared than I did before.

Would you be able to do a getaway the weekend before?

mrs.kapow · July 2012

Can you go away the Fri night before or the night of the class and just do one night?

I personally think the class was worth it.

daymisty84 · July 2012

I also agree that the class was worth it and I felt more prepared after taking it.

OceanLover26 · July 2012

It depends on how you feel as a FTM. The only birthing class that ever meant anything to me was the VBAC/RCS class I took in Fort Bliss. Hubby and I went to one class together before our first was born but it really wasnt any new information for us because I sent him daily updates and new information all the time on the pregnancy and parenting and stuff. We read a LOT and talked to a lot of our friends about their experiences. We did well

So you just gotta weigh what you think is more important for you guys prep wise.

LyndseylovesHugh · July 2012

FTM here, but I feel FAR more prepared after taking the class, I would say it is well worth it.

LexiLouWho101 · July 2012

Third time mom here..... TAKE THE GET-AWAY!!! Sorry, I didn't mean to yell at you but seriously, life post children will rarely even present you the opportunity to get-away by yourselves. Take the time and opportunity while you have it. The classes are informative and helpful (most of the time anyway) but not anything that you can't live without. If you're on here talking to other moms and own a couple pregnancy/baby info books to reference, you're good. I know it's different the first time around when you haven't experienced it yet and don't know (yes, I do still remember what it was like before I had any kiddos) but it won't be any easier (ie. it will be downright difficult/somtimes impossible) to take a whole weekend just for yourselves. Do it now while you can and enjoy every minute of it! Like I always say, women were successfully having babies LONG before the existence of 'Baby Boot Camps' and 75% of the other crap people feel they MUST have/do/own before they're qualified for a baby. It's all good... enjoy your trip!

3monkeysmama · July 2012

I would take the class, and maybe do a one night getaway when the class is over. You will feel so much more prepared after the class!

mlf625 · July 2012

LexiLouWho101:
Third time mom here..... TAKE THE GET-AWAY!!! Sorry, I didn't mean to yell at you but seriously, life post children will rarely even present you the opportunity to get-away by yourselves.

Ha! I'd totally ditto that. While DH and I are fortunate to get away from time to time without the kids, it's never quite the same - I'm worrying about them, calling to check in, etc. Go take a great trip with your husband, I think that's way more valuable than any classes.

FWIW, I took the childbirth and BFing classes and was bored to tears through both. I ended up with a c/s and FFing, so really, none of the info benefited me too much! See about taking a hospital tour another time (they can usually be arranged) and I think you're good.

starrysmile18 · July 2012

Also, not a STM, but I 'd go to the classes. Especially since this is your first. They're very benificial.

Manx4 · July 2012

mlf625:
LexiLouWho101:
Third time mom here..... TAKE THE GET-AWAY!!! Sorry, I didn't mean to yell at you but seriously, life post children will rarely even present you the opportunity to get-away by yourselves.
Ha! I'd totally ditto that. While DH and I are fortunate to get away from time to time without the kids, it's never quite the same - I'm worrying about them, calling to check in, etc. Go take a great trip with your husband, I think that's way more valuable than any classes.
FWIW, I took the childbirth and BFing classes and was bored to tears through both. I ended up with a c/s and FFing, so really, none of the info benefited me too much! See about taking a hospital tour another time (they can usually be arranged) and I think you're good.

Yes I found our classes useless honestly. I'd rather have taken a trip with MH before the birth than struggle to find any interest in what we were "learning".

ilovelife · July 2012

I learned more from TB about childbirth than I did from my childbrith class. The bfing class was worth it.

Holly_1007 · July 2012

my response depends on a few things. have you and DH been actively reading about birth/labor/childcare etc? and are you both comfortable around a newborn. How prepared do you REALLY feel for labor/ delivery/ caring for baby?

my DH had zero interest in reading anything, so a class was a must for us.

personally, I didn't get a ton out of the class but I think DH did.

Also, is there a hospital tour included? If you miss it can you do a hospital tour only at a later date? I've found this to be just as informative as a class.

If you REALLY feel prepared for baby/ labor & deliver etc, then take the get away. if you haven't done any research/ reading/ educating yourself and don't even know what effacement means then take the class.

Dncr251 · July 2012

I would definitely take the weekend vaca! Take advantage of the time you have to yourselves while you still can. I didn't find the classes beneficial, but if you're really worried about things and it's going to prevent you from having a good time that weekend, then take the class.

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