Are you taking birthing classes?

minko1986 · April 2014

I'm at 35 weeks, so I was consider taking a birth class at the hospital I'll deliver. But I've been hearing so many people saying that it wasn't all that helpful - are you all taking birthing classes?

TugboatSheila · April 2014

I took a childbirth class and upcoming we have an infant CPR class and a childcare class.

My childbirth class was great and came with a tour of the hospital. I had so many questions answered about what to expect when we come in, I found it highly worth it.

chevronseven · April 2014

I am taking Bradley Method classes to prepare for med free childbirth, but they're a 12 week series so you probably don't have time for that at this point! I know Lamaze offers classes that are a one time deal, and I wouldn't see why not take the class the hospital offers if nothing else. Then you'll at least know what to expect when the big day comes!

dogsombrero · April 2014

Dh & I took both a birth class and a breastfeeding class. Was the information much more than we could've gotten doing extensive reading/research no. What we got out of the classes were lots and lots of questions answered that we hadn't even thought about and hands on experience. I felt it was well worth it to ease DH's fears and getting to see all the scary bits ahead of time. We were able to see a c-section and touch forceps, the vacuum etc. It put us on the same page in terms of a birth plan as well.

spacepotatoes · April 2014

From page 2:

https://forums.thebump.com/discussion/12317372/how-much-do-childbirthing-lamaze-classes-help

My thoughts are in there. I did find them helpful but haven't given birth yet.

cMichelle0423 · April 2014

I won't be doing any classes this time around. I didn't necessarily take classes withmy first pregnancy, but I did a lot of research and watch a ton of videos. When it came to my actual labor and delivery, I didn't remember any of what I learned. Imo, the best thing you can do for labor is have an awesome coach/team. My mom was with me when I had DS1 since DH wasn't able to make it, and she helped me through everything. She reminded me how to breathe and was there when I needed a hand to squeeze, but was also okay when I didn't want to be touched. My nurses were also amazing. So I think it's better to have an informed coach, like your SO and or whoever will be there when you're in labor.

jnnfrrose6 · April 2014

My OB's office has a childbirth class that is basically a "what to expect when it's go time" class. We did that last time around, as well as a couple's breastfeeding class and a how to care for your newborn class (most helpful for DH-diaper changing, swaddling, bathing, etc...). I appreciated all of them, but don't feel any are necessary this time around. I'm also glad we did the class with the OBs office because it went through things that were more specific to them and their practice as well.

ADC1979 · April 2014

I've done the maternity tour, and we're registered for a Newborn Care class. I'm still on the look out for Breastfeeding and Infant CPR courses that I can take that aren't full, conflict with my work, or that aren't 80 miles away. I'm undecided about a childbirth class...we're already registered for Hypnobirthing so I'm going to see if I feel I need more info after that. Reviews of the ones in my area said a lot seemed aimed at people who didn't have a lot of access to information about it.

haylo33 · April 2014

I'm only doing the BF course. I'm a nurse and did a rotation in OB, so I think I'm ok on what to expect for childbirth. It might help DH, but when the time comes, he isn't going to know what's going on anyway. My husband did ask the other day if we could tour the hospital. I was surprised he wanted to but again, I've spent time there and know what's what.

FunSizeGrl · April 2014

I did a birth class a breastfeeding class through our hospital. The birth class itself wasn't that helpful info wise. Pretty much everything said I'd read online, asked my doctor, or read in a book. BUT the class came with a L&D tour which was super helpful and they went over hospital specific routines. Those things alone made it worth going. Breastfeeding class was very helpful and taught by the lactation consultant so I got a lot out of that too.

PinkKEL9 · April 2014

My OB office has a Lamaze certified childbirth teacher on staff who offers 3 week classes. We did that and it was very informative. She walked us through everything!

jenn43 · April 2014

We took Hypnobirthing, Infant CPR, the hospital tour, Breastfeeding, and Infant Care. I found them all very helpful, even the CPR (I'm ACLS certified, but I've never done actual CPR on an infant!), and it was nice for my husband and I to go together. And even though I work at hospital where I'm delivering, it was nice to know exactly where to go to check in, which lot was the best to park in, etc.

sparklingdiamond · April 2014

We did a childbirth class through the hospital that included a hospital tour. I got a lot of great info out of it actually. We did end up missing one night of it that talked about the breathing exercises, so I really need to look those up.

nicolinab · April 2014

We're on week 3 of 5 in our childbirth class. It also included a tour which was excellent. I second what others have said, but will had that it's helped for my husband to hear the info from someone besides me. That way it's not just me being nuts, but a licensed, practicing nurse telling him!

lilnessi · April 2014

I am skipping the childbirth class. Instead I enrolled in parenting, breast feeding and infant CPR classes. I figure whatever i learn during the childbirth class will go out the window when its go time (but then again i will be FTM so i could be totally wrong!) and decided to spend my money on classes that I think would be helpful once the baby is here. If the childbirth class was offered by the hospital where I was delivering or by my OB free of charge I would definitely check it out..but not when the class costs 200 per couple!

Pepper6 · April 2014

We're taking a 3 part L&D class and a breastfeeding class. So far, we've only been to the first session of the L&D, a lot of which was information I already knew from reading up on it and posting here, but some was stuff I didn't know. It was also really helpful for DH to get him prepared for what to expect.

I anticipate I'll get more out of the breastfeeding class because that isn't something I've had a chance to look a lot into on my own. And again, I want DH to be informed about everything as well so that he'll be a good support person for me.

hollyfp · April 2014

Hypnobirthing & a Couples Childbirth class taught by my prenatal yoga instructor (who is also a midwife of 30 yrs). I am planning for a calm, med-free birth, so the more information the better for me. The classes have both been great for DH as well because as many have said, they have questions they don't even know about. The classes also helped him prepare to support me.

lilnessi · April 2014

Lissiehoya said:

@lilnessi, OMG $200 per couple???? Ours was only $70!

i know right?! and it was the same price at both hospitals that are close to me!

bewilderingstar · April 2014

We just took the birthing class at our hospital. We both are feeling a lot more confident about the whole labor process now. I would say yes if you are a first time mom.

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