I am a first time mom and I am preparing for a natural birth. I am reading books, going to a CNM who specializes in NL, and having my husband read up on natural labor coaching. Since this is our first baby--do you recommend a birthing class? Is it really that helpful? Has anyone heard of any online videos or classes that may be beneficial? We have limited classes in my area so i am interested in other options out there.
Re: Are birthing classes beneficial for natural labor?
Yes, IMO birthing classes are beneficial! That being said I think it depends what birthing class you take. The one that the hospital offers probably isn't the best one for someone preparing for a natural birth. This board talks a lot about hypnobabies and the Bradley Method.
My experience: DH and I took Bradley courses. In the course you get a book and watch a bunch of movies dealing with natural birth. It was empowering and educational and I don't think I could have done it with that.
DS #1 born 05/25/2012
BFP#2: 06/12/2013 ---- loss
DS #2 born 4/08/2014
BPF#4: 2/1/2016 --- 2/23/2016 suspected molar pregnancy--- 3/15/2016 D&E - diagnosis MM
BFP#5 - 9/22/2016
* formally bornmommy
Natural M/c 12/13/08 at 8w5d
If you're going to skip classes, I suggest you read and read and read some more! Read Bradley books, the Birth Partner, Ina May's Guide to Childbirth, hypnobirth/babies, any natural birth stories you can find here or elsewhere.
I did take a childbirth class slanted towards intervention-free L&D and I really thought it was helpful. For me, though, the thing (other than a supportive DH) that really got me through my L&D was knowing what was in store, what was "normal", etc, and that mostly came from all the reading I did.
Good luck!
IVF # 1 ~ Antagonist ~ ER 1/27/11~ ET 1/30/11 ~ + HPT 7dp3dt
DD born med-free on 10/24/11
My home birth MW strongly suggested a natural birthing class for her FTMs. I personally found that I didn't really learn anything at mine, but I am a BIG reader. It was pretty beneficial for DH, who really wasn't interested in reading any of the books.