Are Lamaze or birthing classes worth it?

AmandaNacora · June 2015

I've been wondering, are the classes worth going to? I started prenatal classes, went to two of them, and found them to be a waste of time for me. Everything they talked about I've already read about. Will Birthing classes be the same? Or do they actually help?

irenejean · June 2015

We went to our first class last night, and I really liked it! I took the one offered through my clinic, we toured the labor and delivery area and she explained their normal procedures for after birth (they do skin to skin). We also got a sheet with exercises they recommend for the third trimester. I found it all very useful.

WDDCH · June 2015

Well it depends on the class and if it's the right class for you. Is Lamaze a method you connect with? Is Bradley or any other method? Yes they can be beneficial if it's a method you find important. You'll learn breathing techniques, how to focus and even relax during contractions, about pushing and many things that happen once baby is out (delayed cord clamping, skin to skin). The anatomy of birth, birthing positions and natural pain relief techniques are also topics of discussion.

You can read about these things as well but a class engages you in a different way. Practice any breathing techniques you learn. My husband's "job" in labor is to remind me to breathe because it is oh so very important to not hold your breath (which is a normal response to pain).

momofsweetps · June 2015

It's been 12 years since we took ours, but we really liked all the classes we took. We had great instructors and great classes.

BabyBugutsky · June 2015

I just finished prenatal classes and I thought they were super informative. I really enjoyed going even though I had already read about some of the topics. The most informative ones for me were birthing and postpartum. It was nice to get info from professionals and be able to ask questions and not just reading it out of a book.

chaser61 · June 2015

I just started a 6 week (2 hours a week) class that is given by two doulas and it is already worth the money. Some things I was familiar with just from my own research but I also got a lot of good information. Some things I wouldn't have even thought to research. They make the class interactive and include the Dads. Next class, they are going to address fear of labor. So besides giving tips on getting through labor, I think they will also give me a lot of confidence.

bcamasosa · June 2015

Im glad you asked this question. I was thinking of starting a thread about whether Bradley classes are worth it. They cost more than the usual lamaze classes and pre natal classes offered by the hospitals but my OB encouraged me to go for it so that I am well prepared for natural childbirth. Just wanted to hear what moms who have taken the classes think.

txmama5 · June 2015

We went to our first birthing session on Monday and I definitely think it was worth it. Since it was at my hospital, the instructor was able to give us hospital specific information and I left there feeling more prepared and less anxious. It's also a good way to get your SO involved.

charissac13 · June 2015

I am signed up for a birthing class with a doula in August and am super excited about it. Everyone in my area who has done natural birth says its the best, and honestly I think it will be really beneficial to have my husband there to hear everything also. (He won't read a book, so the lecture style will hopefully help him feel more confident too.)

AmandaNacora · June 2015

Thanks ladies. I know I plan on taking a tour of the maternity ward and pre registering at the hospital. I think I will start them, I just needed to know if they are worth it since my husband would have to request to leave work early once a week for six weeks, he doesn't like to unless it's necessary. I think prenatal class also didn't seem worth it to me because where I live they weren't going to cover labor and delivery, which is where all my questions and curiosities are. Now time for some research to see which class I want to take

JenLovesDesign · June 2015

I don't see myself or my husband being able to get through Lamaze class. If we had to practice breathing, I would probably laugh the whole way through. I can just picture all the couples being so tender and bump loving on their blankets touching the bellies....then there would be me with my husband and I sitting there checking our phones. I don't see it working well for us.

baker1jm2 · June 2015

I'm doing a 3 week childbirth class. I honestly don't know anything about labor and am freaked out about it so i know i NEED the class haha. . And they are free through my ob clinic so why not. All of my mommy friends highly recommended them. I'm also doing a breastfeeding one but skipping newborn care. I figure i can manage learning how to change a diaper and give a bath.

mdennis123 · June 2015

If it's your first baby I think it's worth it even if you have read up on a lot. With my first I went to an all day class and even though I new a lot it was a nice refresher and it was good for my husband to hear.

bmolson1 · June 2015

My dh and I took Bradley classes before Dd#1 was born and I highly highly recommend it. It's 12 week course though, so you definitely need to start soon if you're going to do it. The class helped us so much and forced us to have some good conversations about our expectations, fears, and goals for delivery. I had a fairly easy, completely natural labor and I credit the Bradley method for making it possible.

troopersmom · June 2015

I was wondering this too. Also- if I'm planning on an epidural and pain meds do I need to learn breathing techniques still? Will I need this info

DidiVaio · June 2015

@troopersmom
I was watching a webinar about birth yesterday and the midwife told us that normally they don't perform an epidural before you are 4 - 5 cm dilated. She also added that we will need breathing techniques because of that.

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