Classes (infant care, breastfeeding, labor) for non-multiples useful?

Loue0709 · May 2014

Hello ladies!

I'm expecting 2 boys in late October (probably will be early) and now getting around to signing up DH and I for classes and a hospital tour.

Did any of you take infant care, breastfeeding and childbirth classes that weren't specific to multiples? I already signed up for a multiples class that covers all these topics at a nearby hospital. It's a 4.5 hour session for a day. Also looked up regular non-multiples classes and they are 3 separate classes, spanning 16 hours! I know multiples specific class will be useful but can't imagine they'd discuss everything a 16 hour class would in 4.5 hours. If you took any classes, were they useful, even if they weren't specifically multiples related?

These classes aren't cheap and it's a lot of time for two full-time working couple so I want to make sure it'd be useful before we sign up. Thanks for your help!

DoublePortion · May 2014

So far I've taken the infant care and breastfeeding classes and felt they were helpful even though they weren't multiples specific. Plus, once the instructors found out I am having twins they made an effort to give additional info and offered to stay after class to answer any questions I may have.

lks18 · May 2014

I took the three classes you mentioned, not specific to multiples, and I thought they were very helpful. I think whatever they cover in the 4.5 hour class would just be bonus, multiple specific info. A lot of the baby basics apply whether you have one or more babies.

twinmom1121 · May 2014

I just took a non-multiples childbirth class that went over all the stages of labor and what to expect. Also we went over different breathing techniques and things like that. I thought the class was fun and informative and I learned a lot, except I ended up scheduling a c-section (because of a tranverse baby

and never even went into labor! So I never ended up using anything that I learned in the class! HA! The only thing I learned was what the c-section would be like. It was a little expensive but I guess now I'll know what to expect for my next baby! I say if you are trying for a natural delivery, then maybe take one of the classes.

chickaboo1974 · May 2014

I took the breastfeeding class and DH and I took the infant care class together. It was not a "multiples" class. But there was another couple who were having twins in the class. Infant care is the same whether it is one or more. I also took the multiples class at my hospital. It was very informative and I felt the best part was not only the tour of the L&D floor but also the tour of the NICU.

lks18 · May 2014

Also, many insurances reimburse for these classes so it may not be an OOP expense. Call your insurer to find out.

SamanthaJoD · May 2014

I also did the breastfeeding and child care classes and I'm glad I did! I did not do any childbirth classes though. I wanted to but I waited too long! I don't feel I missed too much though, I just did my own research so I knew what to expect. I found that you're not as in control of your birth experience when you have twins anyway...the doctors want to keep you hooked up to monitors a lot of the time and there's always the possibility of a C section. The "When You're Expecting Twins, Triplets, or Quads" book had a great chapter on birthing multiples that you might find handy if you decide to forgo the childbirth classes.

eandk18 · June 2014

I did a non multiples birthing class and I found it incredibly useful. We only focused on breathing through contractions, etc for about 15 minutes and the rest was about what to expect during labor, what to expect postpartum, how to care for baby, etc. We also got a tour of the hospital. I was really glad we did, I didn't go into labor without knowing what was going on.

As PP have said, labor with multiples is a little different than singletons and there's not much control. I ended up with a c-section but the class was still worth it.

Loue0709 · June 2014

Thanks so much ladies! We ended up signing up for all the classes plus the multiples class. Might as well get the info and then not use it later if it's not useful but didn't want to miss out.

BeesKnees181 · June 2014

We took a baby care class, but most of what was covered in that class was covered at the tail end of our childbirth preparation class. In retrospect, I would not have done the baby care class and would have done an infant CPR class instead. We did the baby care class because my husband wanted to learn more about feeding and diapering newborns. It was cheap, so no harm no foul in taking the additional class - other than spending an evening in class. I was also signed up for a breastfeeding class, but was induced 3 days before the class. I was refunded and actually had one on one time with the class instructor while in my postpartum room and working on feeding the girls. The instructor also brought me handouts from the class and the goodie bag she handed out, since I was waiting to be discharged on the day of that class. If your hospital is like mine and has on hand lactation consultants to work with you on breastfeeding, then I would say the breastfeeding class was not necessary. For me, it is mostly trial and error and learning as you go with breastfeeding multiples.

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