Childbirth classes - necessary or not?

megmassey523 · August 2012

I'm a first time mom, and my question to all mothers out there, is this: Are childbirth classes worth the time and money? I asked my doctor if I should take one that was being offered in August-September (I'm due November 5th) and she said I could just wait to take another one. Well now the next class isn't offered until September 18th-October 23rd and I'm really afraid that I'm going to be really uncomfortable as I will be around 39 weeks by the last class. They're also offering a weekend course (to get it all done in two days) on September 8th-9th. Any thoughts?

Bingo1116 · August 2012

I definitely thought the classes were beneficial with my first. I learned a lot about relaxation techniques, what to expect if a c-section is necessary, hospital rules, etc. I thought it was well worth the time and money.

JessaPrimate · August 2012

I felt it was worth the money, but maybe not the time. We did the two hours a night for 6 weeks. It helped reinforce everything I've been reading.

SchroederMommy2Two · August 2012

I didn't find it very helpful at all, I think everything they talked about my midwife had discussed with me and I had read about it in the baby books. They talked about birth, and had us do relaxation methods, one of which we layed on the floor and my husband and I actually fell asleep!! LOL it was hilarious because the sound of my husband snoring woke me up and all of the other couples looked at us like we were crazy. Well, we were relaxed. But we really didn't learn anything, but hopefully the teacher/classes that you may take are more beneficial and can be a great learning experience. I would rather take the class and realize that I had already obtained that information than not take it and wonder if I missed out.

teresamartini11 · August 2012

I've only had one class so far and I liked it. It is nice to learn the relaxation techniques and meet other couples. The information is mostly stuff I already know, but it's nice to have it reinforced to make me feel more confident. I would suggest taking the earlier one. You will be full term and could give birth any time after 37 weeks. It would suck to take the class and not finish it before you give birth.

AnonnAni · August 2012

Your local hospital normally does them free of charge just an FYI. Even if its not the one your delivering at you can still register and go.

I did them with my son and honestly unless your trying for a natural birth (which I wasn't) I did not find them help full at all. It was a a lot of relaxation techniques and explanation of whats happening at particular moments etc. IMO it depends a lot on the type of labor you want natural or if you are going for a epidural etc. If going for an epidural or spinal most hospitals will give it to you at 4cm so if your are lucky then that pretty quick into the process.

If natural then I could see the point in the classes for a first time mom.

ladybugsmum · August 2012

I have only had one class so far as well. A lot of the stuff we went over I already read about but she did show us some relaxation techniques and also some exercises I can do to feel more comfortable as pregnancy goes on. I found that VERY helpful. I would recommend the classes if you are a first time mom for this reason or if you have any other concerns about pregnancy.

IdahoLakeLady · August 2012

We're springing $50, and 8am-2pm on Saturday AND Sunday this weekend, for childbirth classes. I really don't want to waste the time, but I think it's the only way I can shake DH into starting to actually THINK about what birthing a child/ newborn care will look like. I've been doing a lot of reading; he's been playing a lot of video games.... I'm using the classes as a wake up call for him.

MommyLuvsMe1210 · August 2012

AnonnAni:
Your local hospital normally does them free of charge just an FYI.

This isn't always true. Mine charges you.

skibi83 · August 2012

So I've just started lurking this board and thought I could contribute. I think I should have taken one last time. I was surprised when the epidural fell out and I had to have a second. Then my cervix stopped dilating (sorry if this is tmi). I ended up with a c-section not really planning on that. I am debating about taking a class this time; even as a second time mom.

lavet22 · August 2012

If you are having an epidural, the classes are so not necessary. Read a pregnancy book (specifically the labor/delivery section) and you are good to go. The nurses tell you everything you need to do and when you need to do it.

If you are trying for a med free birth, I would say a class in definately necessary. Find one for the specific technique you want to use and sign up.

AnonnAni · August 2012

sugar2515:
MommyLuvsMe1210:
AnonnAni:

Your local hospital normally does them free of charge just an FYI.

This isn't always true. Mine charges you.

Ditto. All of the hospitals around here charge for childbirth classes.

:-O Wow that must be a regional thing, and IMO pretty rude considering the costs associated with having a baby even after your insurance pays their potion. There are places here that charge for child birth and parenting preparation classes but all the hospitals here offer them free of charge along with breast feeding/ lactation classes and if your delivering and if under 18 delivering at a level ii hospital here its mandatory (which personally I found that little "gem of a state idea" distracting when I went to the class with my prior pregnancy with all the younger mom "ewww, gross oh my gosh" comments *smh*. Either way I think its a total rip off to be required to pay for those classes at your hospital we pay for enough.

ZoeMay06 · August 2012

I think they're always worthwhile. Even if you're planning to get an epidural, they don't always "take" and you have to wait until you're pretty far into labor to get one. If you're planning to go med-free, IMO a childbirth prep course is a must.

vcrown · August 2012

I enjoyed mine. We had 3 separate classes (labor and delivery, Childcare and breastfeeding) plus an orientation (the only free one). Ours were each only a few hours on a weekend.

I really liked all of them for a few reasons. First, it was where I would deliver, and I really liked getting to know their procedures and how THEY do a standard labor. It also gave me a chance to meet other moms in person and get their thoughts and ideas. Second, I was lucky and we took them with close friends who were due around the same time which made it nice. And best of all, it was exciting. It made it all seem more real.

rachael_c26 · August 2012

A PP mentioned this, but you should definitely check into the hospital you will be delivering at. Here they offer the classes at no charge if you are delivering there.

I haven't been to ours yet, so don't know how "worth it" they will be, but we aren't "paying" for ours, per se... I'm sure in the grand scheme of things, it's factored into what we are paying, but...that's a different story.

If nothing else, it should help you feel more relaxed about that hospital's protocol for things...which may be worth it in itself.

As far as the scheduling, if they are going over relaxation techniques for labor, one way to look at it could be, the bigger you are- the better! The only thing that would concern me about time is if LO comes early and you didn't even get to go to the classes... (I didn't pay attention to your due date if you had a ticker)...

leyla74 · August 2012

Our 10 week series was invaluable! Our entire perspective on birth, labor, hospitals, interventions, etc was turned upside down. I would highly recommend that you don't take classes from the hospital where you are birthing. Those classes frequently just explain hospital "policies" and preferences, and do not advocate for you or your baby. The Bradley course does a fantastic job of educating you on what your body is built to do and how to allow it to just do it! Birth is normal and natural, and NOT a medical emergency. And the more education you have, the more your mind will align with your body when it comes time to bring your baby into the world. Good luck!

benoitfan · August 2012

DH and I did the weekend Childbirth course the first time around. For me, there really wasn't much new info, but it was very helpful to DH and there were a few things that I learned. The best part was meeting a lot of ladies who were due around similar times as me and hearing about everyone else's symptoms, etc.

The course covered the following:

video of a vaginal and c/s birth, breathing exercises, various birthing options (water, pain management, midwife, doula, OB, birthing ball, postioning, etc), bottle vs breastfeeding, diaper changes, bathing and newborn care and a hospital tour (L&D floor plan, L&D suite, location of NICU and triage.

Our teacher also created a contact list so everyone could keep in touch (if they wanted) and arranged a post-birth reunion, so we could all introduce our babies and discuss our labour experience. We got a group pic of all the moms with baby, dads with baby and all the babies lined up on a couch. Those are some great pics on our sons first year scrapbook!

I think our course ran us about 100 bucks. It was worth it to me just to see dad's try to swaddle, change a diaper and bath a life like baby doll!

tsveta · August 2012

Taking childbirth classes, specifically the Bradley Method, was the best investment we have made in preparation for the birth of our baby (due September 12th). Just like you, I was very hesitant to spend $500 on a birthing class, thinking that I will be told what to do once I get to the hospital. Our doula strongly encouraged us to enroll in a class (there a few options out there). We chose Bradley because it focuses on the dad/partner playing a very active role during the birthing process. We just finished our series of classes and both of us feel empowered to make decisions and very excited rather than scared about the birthing process. Should you decide to do Bradley, you should be at least open to the idea of unmedicated birth (although that's not required in order to take the class but it does focus on preparing for natural birth). Good luck!

WendyRutan · August 2012

I HIGHLY recommend the birthing class, as well as a breat-feeding class (if you're going to breastfeed). We took the class early in my pregnancy and I am very thankful for that, my son was 5 weeks early and I was fortunate enough that my hubby remembered everything and was an amazing coach! In my opinion I would take the weekend class, you'll be more comfortable and have the knowledge for when the big day comes.

ShaunaB2004 · August 2012

We took the class offered through the hospital in which we will deliver. It was a "marathon" class (1 Saturday - 8 hours) for $75. I found it very helpful as we learned the hospital policies, toured the hospital, met some of the Labor & Delivery staff in addition to the traditional "this is what you can expect" lecture/video.

We only briefly covered relaxation and breathing rhythms as the nurse (26 yrs in L&D) stated that in her experience 85% of women naturally respond with the proper breathing. She did recommend several videos if we wanted to work more on breathing and relaxation with our partner at home.

jjgraphix · August 2012

YES YES YES!!! Definitely take advantage of this! Most hospitals, other than your typical hospital tour/registration, charge you for the classes, but it is worth every penny. Make sure you sign up for a couple, and bring your husband with you as it is just as beneficial for the man as it is for you. My husband took a "Daddy Boot Camp" class (males only), and ever since then he seems so calm and under control about swaddling, the "5 S's" and just being a dad. They even discussed in his class how to help your wife/significant other if she suffers from postpartum depression. In one of our classes, the instructor told us that less than 30% of people who give birth at the hospital actually take advantage of a class. So sad.

BluRibbonz · August 2012

Same here. and its outrageous what they charge. Only way you can get class for free is if you can somehow get into HealthyStart program, which you can only get in if they think you are going to be a "danger" to the child and "need help" ...the type that really probably shouldn't be having or keeping children. what is wrong with these places, they are so money hungry its ridiculous!!

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