Birth class necessity

HairBossMama · April 2014

Hey ladies
I am taking a hospital tour and a breast feeding class. With DH's work schedule and mine, it's not possible to go to a childbirth class. I'm a FTM and just wondering did the class really make a difference? I'm not focused on one type of birth plan. Im pretty laid back about the whole thing. I would like to see if I can go with out meds but not against getting it. I've done a lot research myself on what to expect and different relaxation techniques.

Up to this point I have had a healthy no complication pregnancy, so anything the ob tells me is just general knowledge. I'm obviously not a doctor. I just feel like I'Ve read about everything she lists off to me. I'm wondering if this will be what a child birth class will be like?

Tell me what do you think? Will not taking a class make a world of difference?

INmommy871278 · April 2014

Honestly, when I was in labor everything I learned in the class went out the window. I was in so much pain and so tired that I couldn't remember most of what they taught us. So in short, no you're not missing out on the class. The research you have done should cover anything you want to know.

Big+Lil · April 2014

I didn't take one, it was fine and I felt prepared from research.

Kohler2009 · April 2014

INmommy871278 said:
Honestly, when I was in labor everything I learned in the class went out the window. I was in so much pain and so tired that I couldn't remember most of what they taught us. So in short, no you're not missing out on the class. The research you have done should cover anything you want to know.

My thoughts exactly!!

livkight · April 2014

Thanks for asking this, OP! I'm in the same boat and had the same feelings about going to a birthing class! I'll probably pass.

TurtleMonsters · April 2014

The only thing I appreciated about the birth class is the tour of the hosp, knowing their thoughts on things how they work a little, the teacher was a nurse there. My labor was strange, I didn't know I was even in active labor, I wasn't on any drugs. it was like any other proceedure- things happened based on what was happening to me, could have been any doc at any hospital for any procedure, if that makes sense. I had read everything I could find about birthing, like you, it seems.

You seem to have a bit of familiarity with the hospital, I think you'd be fine:)

TugboatSheila · April 2014

I loved my birth class. Even if the information leaves my head when labor starts there were a few things I took away from it that I will never forget.

For example, I learned what to do in case your cord, for some reason, starts to come out first and got to see our hospital tour. The cord coming first is very rare but it's one of those pieces of information that my brain clung to for future referencfe.

honeybee434 · April 2014

I'm not taking any classes offered by the hospital, mainly because of mine and DH's schedule conflicts. Most of my friends never took the classes, so I'm not too worried about it. I feel between being on these message boards, info I've read and advice from those around me, I know what to expect in most "normal" birth situations. Honestly anything "abnormal" I would rather just go with the hospital and delivering Dr's flow.

seells · April 2014

Nope. But our class was basically like telling you how to know it's labor, when to go to the hospital, what happens during labor, blah blah blah. It wasn't techniques. We also did breastfeeding as part of the class. And post partum care and some basic baby care stuff. (Like how to swaddle and change a diaper.)

RJHarmon · April 2014

I never took a single class. Everything was fine.

bewilderingstar · April 2014

I found the birthing class extremely helpful in both calming my anxiety and showing DH that he can be the supportive partner that I always knew he could be. It was totally worth the money and time.

That being said, I'm sure you could find helpful guides online that would be beneficial for you and your husband. Youtube is amazeballs.

kwh33ls · April 2014

I'm signed up for one mainly because my mom (was a MW and L&D nurse for 20+ years before that) taught them for so long. I doubt there's any critical information I'll get from the classes, but for me it's almost a mental preparation that yes, indeed, there is a baby coming rather soon...and it makes me feel a little calmer about it to have something scheduled dealing with just that event.

HairBossMama · April 2014

Thanks everybody I feel better about not being able to take a childbirth class. I really do want to take one, it just isn't possible. I feel comfortable without any childcare classes. Been around and cared for little babies for years

thanks for all the input!

Morgieloo · April 2014

The best part of our class was the tour and since you're doing that I wouldn't worry about it. I felt like a lot of our class could be covered in an hour of online research. You'll be fine!

AKB090609 · April 2014

I didn't take a class and DD was born just fine. I did need an emergency c-section, but there was nothing that any birth class could have done to change that.

Dutch Apple Pie · April 2014

Meh, it is nice to know other moms who have babies but if you have that already *shrug*
If you want to know some stuff you can always get some books and watch Youtube videos for free. I would say it is nice to do but not a need.

mrscutforth · April 2014

I didn't do the classes the first time around. My doctor told me that I could take the classes if I wanted to do so but I decided against it. She told me that the classes are great but be prepared to let everything go out of the window once you are in labor. I didn't want to 'waste' my time, as I had been asking every question to known to man about pregnancy with my doc. I ended up having a emergency csection anyway. I won't take them this time either; RCS.

pipeTsquared · April 2014

I really didnt want to do one, but did because that is what people do here (NHS run ones and NCT ones). People use it to meet a 'group' that live close by, have babies the same age and are all on Mat leave at the same time (so may make a friend or have people to go to a cafe with once or twice) That is the only reason I signed up

shanaynerz · April 2014

My birth class really helped. I read things, too, but this way DH knew what to worry about. Like I would be having contractions and freaking out, and he'd stay calm and tell me to time then and then we'll see, and he really knew what was happening. It helped to learn what interventions were exactly and why avoiding them was ideal, for example. DH would never have read any books, so him coming to most of the classes was super helpful.

Of course in the end whatever happens happens, but going in feeling as prepared as possible really kept me calm. Also, meeting the other expecting couples was helpful and seeing them and the babies after the births was fun, and sharing all our birth stories!

Birdymamma · April 2014

I teach those classes from my
Home for mothers.

HairBossMama · April 2014

Birdymamma said:
I teach those classes from my
Home for mothers.

Do your cats help with those?

aimeepigott · April 2014

With my first I did not take a class. I just did my yoga breathing during contractions. I work in the medical field so I know the obvious...keep calm when your in pain. I had no issues with my labor and delivery!

INmommy871278 · April 2014

@shanaynerz‌ my DH was the complete opposite. I was induced and lost my shit when my water broke, all he managed to do was to tell me to breath which at that moment the pain was so intense breathing was not an option.

shanaynerz · April 2014

@INmommy871278 Oh no I'm sorry to hear that! My DH was a bit unsure of what to do when I needed the emergency episiotomy, but our doula helped him then thankfully. Everybody's different, but it can't hurt having him armed with that knowledge at least!

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