Childbirth Class - How late is too late?

troublejessy · December 2013

I'm looking at signing up for a childbirth class that is on January 18th and I'll be 34 weeks. It's a marathon 1 day class that covers Baby Care, Childbirth Preparation and Breastfeeding, so I feel like I'll be okay.... but it seems like everyone else is taking them earlier. When are you all taking yours and do you think this is too late for a FTM?

SassyFlats · December 2013

I'm taking my natural birth techniques class in mid January. Seems fine to me.

kmeyers0611 · December 2013

I am due in late March and am taking mine in Feb. also around 34 weeks. My OB said that this wasn't too late

BethRN1987 · December 2013

I have baby boot camp jan 18 th. I'll be 33 weeks then I think

bumpuser1282882 · December 2013

Our classes start in January.

amdecker1016 · December 2013

The only reason i'm taking mine dec. 14th is because i have something going on like every weekend in January. Otherwise i would have waited until then.

clo1982 · December 2013

I think that is around when I took mine last time. I think it is actually good to be closer to birth because it'll be fresh in your mind.

Mskris66 · December 2013

I just signed up for mine today, and i'm glad I did because boy did they fill up fast! I only had a few dates to choose from... Mine is the same thing (8 hour long class that covers everything) They recommended signing up in your 6 month and taking the class in your 7th or 8th month. I'm due on March 29th and signed up for a Sunday Class on January 26th.

WoodShopGirl · December 2013

Better late than never, and I am contemplating never. I ordered books today to read but for some reason I can't get the motivation to sign up for class. Maybe I am in denial?

fish8412 · December 2013

I will be 35 weeks for the labor/delivery class. My OB said to take classes no later than 36 weeks. I wish it was a little earlier, but we didn't have much of a choice between the class offerings and our schedules. The other classes (CPR, breastfeeding, bringing home baby) are earlier on.

jennybean80 · December 2013

I'd say if you've delivered, it's too late ;-)
I'm a STM but took a 'Multiples Prenatal Class' this time around because it's twins. I started the classes really early (17 weeks) because there were 6 classes over 8 weeks and since I delivered early last time I wanted to make sure we didn't miss the last classes!

ETA:correct typo

DRFleener · December 2013

I am a late march mom, but the hospital won't even let us come and do the class until at least week 28, so later must be common...

ydawg05 · December 2013

Its not too late. My girlfriend didn't go till 38 weeks and ended up going into labor the next day. That was probably too late lol.

aedillinger · December 2013

My hospital won't let you do their class until you are 7-8 months, so I won't do mine until 33 weeks. Is say say better late than never, at least it'll still be fresh in your mind when you need it!

aLsMay24 · December 2013

We took ours early with DS because they were every week for like 6 weeks. We had to pick a session that worked with DH's rotation schedule so he could make it to every one. I know some people who didn't go at all so I think 34 weeks is just fine!

bumpuser9058414 · December 2013

Totally fine. My class was like four weekly sessions and I signed up late. The last session was on my due date and I was having contractions during. 34 weeks is fine!

carrieactually · December 2013

I just signed up for mine this morning and they are all in february

craftiemommie · December 2013

We can't even sign up for any of the classes at the hospital until the new year

troublejessy · December 2013

Thanks everyone! This makes me feel so much better - I'm glad to hear that it's not too uncommon. I keep having dreams that the baby comes early (probably since my brothers and I were all preemie), so I'm getting super nervous!

mfarmer0811 · December 2013

My hospital recommends 7 or 8 months, but they only offer every other month. If we didn't do it in December, we'd be waiting until February, and I just didn't want to wait that long since they are 3 week classes!

ellajune2012 · December 2013

We're doing our Bradley classes over two Saturdays in January. I scheduled it a while ago with our doula, and she suggested waiting until then.

Ceventa · December 2013

We took ours last weekend since it worked best with our schedule. It was also a marathon class, lots of good info. Other couples there ranged from the earliest being 20 weeks to the closest to her due date was 38 weeks about to turn 39! She was having contractions the night before and during the class, so we were all keeping an eye on her. Good thing we were already at the hospital lol So don't worry, some people wait really until the last minute to take the class.