Birth classes/plans?

absolutelymaybe · July 2014

Are birth classes or birth plans worth while for parents of multiples?

Our plan right now is to go in with no expectations whatsoever, but I'm not sure if these things would benefit us.

skeppler1 · July 2014

Honestly I didn't take any birthing classes. We did the free hospital tour and there was a newborn class at BRU that we took.
I think if I even did take any classes I would have forgot anything I would have learned. My labor happened so fast and all of a sudden that I was a little taken back. Once I got my epidural I was able to relax a bit before I had to start pushing, and even then the nurses told me what to do and how to do it. They would also correct me if I wasn't doing it right or effectively, so I wasn't worried. That is their job and they were definitely there for me.

I also initially was going to have a c-section since baby b was breach until about 24 weeks and then my plan changed. So I wasn't looking in to any classes to begin with.

Do what you feel is best for you and your situation. You can't go wrong either way.

Bigboneded · July 2014

I think forewarned is forearmed, so birth classes give you knowledge, usually includes more than just labor/delivery. And having a birth plan is fine, as long as you know it may go differently. Never hurts to have your druthers, and communication is always good, I think. But my OB nurse husband advises not to be inflexible. He also says the more detailed the plan the more likely a c section will throw it out the window, but nurses are superstitious that way. Several friends have had birth plans that went just fine! Good luck whatever you decide :-)

absolutelymaybe · July 2014

Thanks all. I'm honestly leaning toward a C-section (let me rephrase that: If there is any question about whether these babies are going to come out easily with a vaginal birth, I'd prefer to have a C-section and not sit around and see what happens. No attachment to a v-birth whatsoever.) I can't even really think of anything we'd need to have in a birth plan if we are doing a c-section.

DH doesn't want to cut the cord. I'm more concerned with my babies getting any medical attention they need than I am with having immediate skin to skin. I just don't even know what I would ask for.

carrotcake06 · July 2014

I would 100% take a hospital tour if nothing else. I took a birthing class w my oldest (singleton) and also a BFing class. I found them both informative but not earth shattering.

I delivered in a different hospital w the twins and that was essential - where to go, who to check in with, what to do w the car, where triage was, where the labor rooms and recovery rooms were, it was all very helpful to know what to expect.

Going in w no expectations doesn't mean going in without any knowledge. If anything bc twin births can be so uncertain, I think it's worthwhile to know ALL of your options so that you aren't forced to make a decision w little to no time to think about it.

It's my personality though - I'm a logistical worrier. I need to know as much as possible as soon as possible. I don't do well w surprises and I don't do well with sudden change.

absolutelymaybe · July 2014

@carrotcake06 - Good information! Yes, we will definitely be taking a hospital tour.

ksgsmu · July 2014

I'm having a c with my twins... I am planning on a hospital/NICU tour, baby CPR, and a breast feeding class

DivaMom22 · July 2014

So glad you asked this question!! We are taking a class but I wondered if a birth plan is necessary. I am also leaning towards c section. So I wonder what are the options if any? Can DH still cut the cords? Do I really need to spend the time creating something that might go out the window? I'm such a go with the flow type that I would rather just see what happens. Maybe that's my birth plan.

morrkim · July 2014

I took a one day class while pregnant with DD and it was somewhat helpful. I was looking for a class on multiples, but I couldn't find one. They did have one for preparing for a c-section and I was wondering if I should take that just in case I need a c-section. I also was thinking of taking a breastfeeding class, but I am currently breastfeeding DD. I just struggled in the beginning with her and I figure twins will be a lot different so I don't know how helpful the class would actually be.

auntjessy · July 2014

I took no class, made no plans, ended up with a c-section, so it was fine.

I DO second the BF class, though - I think you'll feel so much more in charge and confident, especially if you deliver early and have a NICU stay. The NICU (which my daughter was in even with no complications for 6 days, just routine for a 34 weeker under 5 lbs!) has a tendency to make you feel woefully unable to meet their caloric needs. A class would def build confidence.

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