I haven't taken any classes!

Bride-hilda · January 2013

I decided a month or so ago that I wanted to do this naturally, and I have a Bradley book, but I haven't taken any classes.

I'm freaking out. I'm reading natural childbirth stories and I'm freaking out. I've met some people who are like, "oh it's no big deal." But I'm starting to think these people are crazy! And I don't like my Bradley book! I don't like how it's led by my DH/coach. I can't be coached by another person like that; it doesn't calm me down; it freaks me out!

I only have a few days until my due date, and I'm feeling SOOOO under-prepared. My sister gave me an earful a few weeks ago, (and I think I might have posted something then,) but I didn't have time for classes and now it's too freaking late.

I know I brought this upon myself. So my question is... did anyone not take any classes and survive?

alanap · January 2013

I have done it twice, first 100 natural and second post term so had to be induced with pit. I have never taken any classes, only did a ton of research. Read Ina May and make sure everyone around you knows your wishes and supports you...and stay out of the hospital as long as possible.

You can do it!! :

nyki06 · January 2013

My class was more of a joke than anything. Maybe read/reread Ina May's Guide to Childbirth just to remember/think about your body being able to do this? I think that would calm me down.

andrewsmom12 · January 2013

I read one Ina May book and skipped the classes offered by my midwife. It came down to just going with the experience. Looking back, I know that no "method" could have helped me through certain aspects. But if classes will help you feel better prepared now, go for it! Natural birth is a journey and each mother has to pave her own road. Good luck!

briannabeebug · January 2013

I'm a ftm too and what I'm gathering from my natural birth reading (mostly Ina May) is attitude plays a big factor in your labor. Not letting yourself think too hard and let your body do the work it knows how to do.

Lots of good energy your way mama!

vintagejjane · January 2013

No classes here and we did just fine. Just research and know what you want, and make sure your DH/SO knows what you want to!

ReichleyMama · January 2013

Don't be so hard on yourself! People have been giving birth for thousands of years without taking any classes. Pretty much you're going to give birth whether you want to or not. Your body knows what to do! Listen to your body. REad lots of birth stories. I have never taken any classes, only read lots of birth stories. I've had 2 natural births, the first of which was a pit induction. You CAN do it! Take it one contraction at a time! Good luck!

alandals · January 2013

I didn't take a single birthing class and made it through a 40 hour unmedicated labor and delivery. I did, however, watch LOTS of videos and read as many books as I could about natural birth. I believe giving birth comes down to believing in yourself and your body's ability to birth your baby. You can do this.

Haley.Beth · January 2013

I didn't take any classes with dd, and had a pain-med-free birth (augmented by pitocin, but I avoided all other interventions). I don't plan to take classes with this baby. I was similar to you...I couldn't let anyone else coach me through it, giving birth was something I had to do on my own. My favorite book was Ina May's Guide to Childbirth, because it helped me understand what my body was going through. That understanding helped me figure out my own ways to cope as labor progressed.

Unknown · January 2013

This content has been removed.

Unknown · January 2013

This content has been removed.

HK2mom4 · January 2013

The way I read your posting is you?ve not taken the classes - well here let me say they?re not a major requirement in order to go natural. In saying this however you do need someone as a coach - it helps; but here again this is not mandatory either! You yourself have the ability to do it alone but, you must believe in this with all your heart, mind, body, and soul! It?s possible! Take those thoughts of ?freaking out? - GET RID of them!!! They?ll only hold you back. Now first and foremost be completely totally honest with yourself! Know your own body and its limitations! Then adhere strictly to this ? Your attitude, yes attitude, that?s right - I said attitude is an extremely important assets you must have - if you really, truly believe you want a tremendously successful outcome! You must truly believe whole heartily in the ability of your body to carry you on, the heart to back you up, a mind that controls pain and your own soul to follow through to that a successful conclusion which you so desperately want! That all this is in your best interest! Remember! You can do this (on your own) without interventions that will make it all come together - then making it happen for you! You need only know the above statement - stay focused on the outcome from it onset! Nothing else matters or should cloud your mind - instead be prepared for the end results! A happy, healthy, and thriving baby together with a mama that knows she has accomplished a birth miracle without any medical interventions through modern medicine ? drugs! Now you go do it! Side note: If for any reason(s) you still have any doubts, fears, anxieties, apprehensions or misgivings about you or your body doing what comes naturally; then, I strongly advise you to take the medical intervention route ? Good Luck ETA: I did this on my last three without any classes or reading books - just understood that statement on attitude and knew what I was capable of my body doing in a pinch ...

Alliebooberz · January 2013

I didn't take any classes and that did not affect my success at all! Good luck mama, you will do great!

lil fox · January 2013

When you go to the hosp, ask for a nurse that is pro-natural birth. (My hosp actually has a woman from the british isles who is a nurse, but over there she was a midwife. They try to pair her up with natural birth folks.)

I had a friend who said that during her birthing time, she heard a song and began singing it and it was pretty much how she gave birth. It wasn't anything she planned, but as soon as she heard it, she knew that if she focused on that song she would be okay.

Since it is really late to do a class, I think you could really benefit from some affirmations and calming techniques. While I'm doing hypnobabies (it is a 6 weeks course) I had downloaded a hypnobirthing thing from iTunes while I was waiting for my hypnobabies. The hypnobirthing was a very nice visualizing thing. I would suggest listening to it or an affirmation CD as you prepare to feel more prepared. (I am right there with you about the bradley method and the coaching. I want to be in charge of my own birthing and need my hypno-dad to be supportive, but I believe in my body's natural ability to know what to do during my birthing. I did not feel this way until I started listening (and repeating) my affirmations.

You may want to practice with aromatherapy while you listen to a hypnobirth (really just a calming and visualizing track) and bring that with you to the hosp. One of my coworkers didn't do any classes, but the nurse (the same one that is a midwife as well) directed the dad on how to do pressure points. She said he was pushing on her foot and it really helped.

I think, though, if you are looking to feel better and less freaked out an affirmation CD or visualizing CD will be nice.

Bride-hilda · January 2013

Oh my goodness, everyone! When I posted this I had no idea I'd receive such warm and supportive responses! Thank you so much, each and every one of you!

I'll be back to let you know how it went! (And to let you know that I totally did it, 'cause I'm totally going to! )

[Deleted User] · January 2013

allierhiana1:
I never took classes and only read one book

This. Stay calm and try to labor at home as long as possible [barring any medical complications]., GL.

Want a personalized experience?

I haven't taken any classes!

Re: I haven't taken any classes!

Choose Another Board

Search Boards