Anyone's childbirth class suck?

Bookelly · July 2012

DH and I have now been to 2 of 4 childbirth classes (four hours per class).

Our instructor basically reads directly from the handbook she gave us, asks us to *gasp* talk to our support people and tell them what we think we'll need during labor, shows us stupid birth stories from the 90s, and then provides us with 30ish minutes to practice breathing and meditation (during which another couple chatters loudly).

I'm seriously considering skipping the last two sessions and just reading the handbook, as I have yet to learn anything helpful. However, the rule-follower in me says to stick it out.

Has anyone else run into this problem? Is a childbirth class really necessary?

thebanich · July 2012

Didn't take any last time and don't plan on it this time. My mom gave me 3 different books to read and I just did not feel like putting the time/money/energy into having someone tell me what I could read in a book.

brideandbreve · July 2012

My DH and I chose a 2 part (3 hours each part) childbirth basics class. I'm sure there's more than enough subject material out there to justify longer classes, but we chose the shorter class because we figured it would prevent us from having some of the problems you're having.

I guess 'cause our class is so short, the first part last week was really informative. The instructor very quickly went over things, had some group conversations with us, showed us some video clips, explained some hospital policies with the L&D area, and then ended it by having the moms do a 10 minute massage on their laboring partner ("to show them how you prefer to be massaged") and then having the partners do a 20 minute massage on the moms - while we watched a video.

We're actually really looking forward to the second part of the class tonight.

Did you guys pay for your class, or is it a free thing that your hospital/birthing facility provides?

tinyhumantoe · July 2012

I am debating taking one. They offer an online version I can do at my own pace and I'm thinking I might go that route.....................especially after reading about your experience!

TAGSL710 · July 2012

I wouldn't say mine suck but I'm not getting out of them as much as I hoped. I have read about every natural childbirthing book out there and have been practicing relaxing and breathing on my own (and quite well from years of yoga). My husband is a paramedic and can give a damn good back massage for hours on end. If I could have had one class (instead of our three) of just massage techniques and the L&D tour I would have been set. The clueless-ness of the other couples though makes for great entertainment for us, though.

Bookelly · July 2012

brideandbreve:
My DH and I chose a 2 part (3 hours each part) childbirth basics class. I'm sure there's more than enough subject material out there to justify longer classes, but we chose the shorter class because we figured it would prevent us from having some of the problems you're having.
I guess 'cause our class is so short, the first part last week was really informative. The instructor very quickly went over things, had some group conversations with us, showed us some video clips, explained some hospital policies with the L&D area, and then ended it by having the moms do a 10 minute massage on their laboring partner ("to show them how you prefer to be massaged") and then having the partners do a 20 minute massage on the moms - while we watched a video.
We're actually really looking forward to the second part of the class tonight.
Did you guys pay for your class, or is it a free thing that your hospital/birthing facility provides?

We paid for it, and it was recommended. So much just seems like common sense, though. We're actually taking a separate infant care class (looking forward to that), and we did a comprehensive L&D tour which went over hospital policies.

Cejiml · July 2012

I'm kind of dissapointed in ours as well. It's a 6 week 3 hour Monday night class on newborn care, breast feeding, and childbirth. I've been to 3 so far and all were about lamaze, labor and childbirth. And the next one she said is about postpartum care. I guess I just expected/wanted more on the newborn and breast feeding. O well.. Money spent. And I like the relaxation stuff bc it's nice for me and DH.

mich2640 · July 2012

I'm glad you posted this.

We were supposed to take a private class with a friend who is an L&D nurse and teaches Lamaze but I'm not sure that's going to work out now. I was debating on taking the class our hospital offers but it's long and kind of expensive and I don't want to waste my time & money.

I think we are going to read some books on our own and call it a day.

pharmer78 · July 2012

I thought mine were lame while I was in them (and we did a crazy long 6 week course), but surprisingly used a lot of the info, including some of the breathing techniques that I mocked while we were learning them, when I was actually in labor. I was also able to figure out the things I DIDN'T want my husband to do while I was having contractions. So overall, I ended up glad that I took them all.

Dncr251 · July 2012

Mine was terrible DH fell asleep for part of it, and they wouldn't answer any of ours or another couple's questions (we both had LOs with severe medical complications) because they "didn't deem them necessary." It was a very frustrating experience.

Some people love theirs though, I really think it depends on the instructor.

PAJuly28 · July 2012

We went to one class of the 3 and didn't go back. It was bad. The questions some of these people asked were just unbelievable, (like when can I wear a thong again after birth, do i really have to wear granny panties). I think we were just too old for the group that was there. We are in our early 30's and most of the class was in there early 20's if that.