Besides a class, how did you prepare/inform yourself about labor?

MissyNWill · January 2014

Lurking from April: We have a one day birthing class next month. Besides that, are there any books I can read that are helpful? I want to know what "equipment" options there are, like balls and bars, and their pros and cons. I also want a resource that discusses natural vs medicated birth in a fair, balanced way and doesn't try to sway you toward natural. I want to know what to tell DH to do to help me, even though I have no idea what will be helpful myself. I was set on a medicated birth knowing my pain tolerance is low and im highly anxious but now Im second guessing myself. I'm overwhelmed.

I know that the birth will be what it will be and even the most prepared couples get thrown for a loop. I just feel like I should be doing more to prepare but I don't know what

funny bunny · January 2014

Most birthing classes will go over med/non-med delivery options. If you also take a hospital tour you can see what options they offer in terms if dealing with pain and delivering. Otherwise, the internet is full of info, and there are many books available that talk equally about both options (like what to expect for example). Relax and enjoy your pregnancy. When the time comes to deliver no one can make you do things you don't want to and there is no RIGHT way to deliver. You need to listen to your body and baby will be born one way or another

marriott09 · January 2014

Check out where you will be delivering as pp said. I did that then used google and Pinterest to decide what I wanted to try and what I want to steer away from as long as all goes well.

inluv4life2 · January 2014

I looked up different birth methods and philosophies and read up on them, watch some natural birth documentaries, and talked to other moms I know. There is also a great locally owned lactation/cloth diaper store here that offers info classes on lots of different topics. The hospital is a great place to start your research as their policies may dictate some of your options. All the best!

BzeetyD · January 2014

Doing a hospital tour will help ease your mind. It's not too early to be doing one and a lot of your questions or concerns might be answered.

For example our hospital offers birthing balls and a tub to labor in (not a water birth, just a tub). It is also certified as being breastfeeding friendly so there are specific things they must do (skin to skin, no pacifiers or supplementation) that a lot of people put on their birth "plan" but in our case aren't necessary to worry about because it's standard procedure. That was all really nice to know a few months ahead.

If you do a tour you'll find out similar things and don't be shy about asking questions.

Our birthing class was pretty fair and balanced and we both got a lot out of it, also reading labor stories (all kinds, with all kinds of scenarios/outcomes) helped me to understand the process and steps that happen in different situations.

Talking to friends and family about their experiences is also helpful. They may have opinions or suggestions on what worked well for them or what to expect.

Best of luck!

ahare2009 · January 2014

I know some felt that their birthing class was a waste, but I really got a lot out of mine. It was 2 days (Saturday & Sunday). We talked about the stages of labor and what each one was. We discussed various types of births. We went over breathing methods and laboring positions. The instructor has 5 kids of her own and was very knowledgeable. She gave us great pointers. One of the best advice she gave was not to go in with 1 plan, things can change very quickly.

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Besides a class, how did you prepare/inform yourself about labor?

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