Childbirth Prep Classes

jaimejean22 · October 2015

I am wondering how beneficial these classes actually are? I am a FTM, so I am assuming it would be good to do but we have a busy schedule and I want to make sure it is worth it if I am adding another night activity into our schedule. Thanks!

cedixon2 · October 2015

I never did them and this is my 4th pregnancy. I did read What to Expect cover to cover though and many of the Baby Story shows on tv though, so I wasn't flying blind.

RSB1982 · October 2015

I'm a FTM too. Our hospital offers a childbirth express class on some Saturday's. We are going this weekend actually. It's a 6+ hour class that includes a tour of the hospital birthing center. This fit better with our schedules. I'll have to let you know on Sunday if it was actually beneficial or not, but I figure it can't hurt. I'm also taking a breastfeeding class in a few weeks but it only meets once.

grkgdss00 · October 2015

RSB1982 said:

I'm a FTM too. Our hospital offers a childbirth express class on some Saturday's. We are going this weekend actually. It's a 6+ hour class that includes a tour of the hospital birthing center. This fit better with our schedules. I'll have to let you know on Sunday if it was actually beneficial or not, but I figure it can't hurt. I'm also taking a breastfeeding class in a few weeks but it only meets once.

This is what i'm doing too, including the breastfeeding class. I'm also reading a ton of natural childbirth books like Expecting Better and Guide to Childbirth.

blended10 · October 2015

I think it's worth it for the tour & to be able to ask any questions you may have specifically about labor & delivery (like- do I have my own fridge? Can I bring Italian ice for when I can't "eat" but need something?) I'm a stm so I already did those, plus a bf class & I think they are def worth it.

colsen4 · October 2015

I had my class last weekend. While there was a lot I already knew and more I could have learned just from reading books I do feel more prepared. I also knew it was the only way I was going to get an information to my bf. He does not like to read and it was easier then me trying to communicate to him what is important. The tour of the hospital and having the opportunity to ask questions was also worth the time. My hospital offers a four week course, 1 hour a week at night, or a Saturday 4 hour course. See if you have a one day option.

GardenMama116 · October 2015

We went to a 3-hour Simply Natural Class and a 6-hour Marathon Labor & Delivery Class (called Marathon not because L&D is a marathon, but because it was one long class). These were free at our hospital and included a booklet with additional information and a code to access even more online, including a chart to help track contractions. Although there was some overlap between the two classes, I'm really happy we attended both. The Simply Natural Class included some floor time where we practiced breathing and positioning techniques to use during labor. The Marathon class passed around some of the items used in the hospital like the fetal monitor & straps as well as the epidural catheter. We also toured the hospital and learned about some of the things they have implemented to keep you and baby safe while there. The Simply Natural Class was after work and made for a long day...the Marathon Class went 9a-3:30pm on a Saturday and we both had to take a nap when we got home...it was like both of our bodies knew it was Saturday and a resting day, l0l! I plan to take a breastfeeding class later this month. We were interested in the Infant CPR one too, but it is only offered downtown and the only offering is at 7:30p on a week night. Doesn't really fit with our schedule unfortunately.

I would recommend the classes to FTMs as the knowledge certainly doesn't hurt prior to the big day!

mbecca11 · October 2015

I'm a FTM and I'm currently doing childbirth classes at the hospital I will deliver at. So far I definitely think they are worth it. I've learned a lot about the whole labor process, breast feeding, epidurals and other pain management techniques, learning your baby's cues, and gotten a tour of the whole maternity floor. Next week we're going through a practice run of the whole labor process apparently. I don't know how that will work but it sounds like it could be interesting. Then the last week of classes we'll learn about C-sections. It's also nice to be able to ask questions of someone who actually works on the L&D floor I'll be having a baby on so I know what to expect (because every hosptial's practices and equipment are different) and so I don't have to Google all the little things. I definitely feel more prepared to have my little girl and to take care of her.

I also think it's beneficial not just for all the information learn, but also to meet other mommy's to be in your area that are most likely going through a lot of the same things you are. It's nice to be able to have someone who gets you and someone you can complain to who won't just say, "Oh you're pregnant, blah blah blah."

Oh and they usually give out snacks and drinks, and hey what pregnant woman is gonna turn down free food?

breezypip · October 2015

Our hospital offers a bunch of classes, and I just signed up for a Birthing Basics/Hospital tour and a Baby Basics Class since neither DH or I have even ever changed a diaper.

My doctor did say she didn't think the birthing classes were necessary and could be overwhelming, and that she would be happy to answer/explain things... But I'm taking it anyway. Part of me wonders if a more informed patient is a PITA for doctors... Not that I'm questioning her motive ;-)

ammnam14 · October 2015

My hospital offers free breastfeeding classes and lactation consultants so I'll definitely be doing that. As for the other classes, probably not. I'm a ftm as well but have lots of experience with babies! I did try to convince my husband go to a daddy boot camp class and he said people have been parenting for ages without classes and he'll get the hang of it. Good enough excuse for me. Lol

RSB1982 · October 2015

breezypip said:

Our hospital offers a bunch of classes, and I just signed up for a Birthing Basics/Hospital tour and a Baby Basics Class since neither DH or I have even ever changed a diaper. My doctor did say she didn't think the birthing classes were necessary and could be overwhelming, and that she would be happy to answer/explain things... But I'm taking it anyway. Part of me wonders if a more informed patient is a PITA for doctors... Not that I'm questioning her motive ;-)

I can completely relate... both me and my DH were the babies in our families. We haven't changed any diapers either. I think DH is getting a little worried that together we are going to be clueless. I just remind him that in a pinch theres always the internet and youtube videos. Surely there is a youtube video of a diaper change if we get desperate! Ha!

rockinmathchic · October 2015

My hospital offers an online course for about the same price that you can go through at your own pace on your computer. It is about the same price and covers natural and c-section births and breastfeeding. You might want to see if your hospital offers something similar online.

kelseyofanne · October 2015

I'm loving our class so far. We're with a midwife so we feel better informed (they spend much more time with each patient with lots of space for answering questions) than some of the others in the class who are with GPs or OBs. That said, the class covers slightly different topics and it is great to get to know some other families who are going through the same life changes as we are in our community!
Our class isn't a specific method, and is run by a local Doula.

Melissadmag · October 2015

Hubby and I have taken a 5 week hypnobirthing class that is one night a week for 3 hours. We have both been blown away by it and are a bit sad it's coming to an end. It has been exceptionally educational, as well as a big confidence booster. I am literally to the point where I am excited about every aspect of labor and delivery and not scared or dreading it at all anymore. We learned how to get what we want out of a birth and be intervention free and stand up for ourselves if need be. Of course we also know that there are times when intervention is necessary and how to properly question the staff to find out if what they want to do is medically necessary or just for convenience. Hubby is also feeling very involved now and feels like he has an active role and knows what his role is during labor/delivery. I could go on and on about the hypnobirthing classes and how extremely beneficial they have been but I don't want to bore you. We also plan on taking a baby basics class, probably a baby CPR class of some kind and a breastfeeding class in November. I know insurance sometimes covers these classes, so for us it's almost like why not just be as prepared as possible if they are paid for anyway?

TomekiaB · October 2015

My hospital doesn't have classes and the classes available to me would be pretty expensive. I have outstanding OBs who have answered all my questions. My insurance has to pay for up to 6 individual sessions for lactation consultants if I need them. I am probably going to continue to read and consider watching some online videos. I have a medical background so while I do not work with childbirth I am confident in my understanding of medical discussions as they are occurring. I would take them if they were affordable and convenient but since they are not and are not offered by my hospital (the tours etc seems to be what people love about the classes) I am probably going to skip the classes.

TomekiaB · October 2015

BTW I am current with infant CPR and my husband has taken it before but it was awhile ago so I quizzed him on it and he remembers the material.

carebear9703 · October 2015

I went and it really helped get DH informed. I leaned some too but I was in the delivery room with my sister so I already had a idea of how things go. He def impressed me with how many questions and into it he was. We are taking a baby basics class too but it's not until next week.

Taylovesbrad · October 2015

FYI I changed my first diaper a month ago!!!! Glad I'm not alone. We are taking classes and getting the tour. Little late tho... 3 weeks before birth day.

RSB1982 · October 2015

I wanted to provide some feedback from the childbirth class I took over the weekend. It was 6 hours and worth my time as a FTM for sure. The tour of the unit was the main reason we took the class. Now we know where to go and what to do when the time comes. I also feel more confident that I can recognize the signs of labor and know when to go to the hospital (apparently you don't want to go too early). Most of the videos they showed focused on natural childbirth (which was kind of odd since our instructor told us 90% of women choose pain management).

On a whim I decided to take a Baby Basics class a few days ago. I have successfully diapered a doll now, haha. Our instructor showed us how to swaddle too. This class focused on baby care in those first few weeks - whats normal whats not, when to call you doctor. They showed us some pictures of newborns and what they look like after birth which was actually really interesting. Apparently their genitalia can swell in the womb due to exposure to mom's hormones. I totally would not have expected that so I'm glad I know that can be normal.

Anyway, these classes are worth it in my opinion, especially if you have very little baby care experience. If you have babysat newborns or are around newborns a lot I guess these classes may be a bit of a bore.

taysun · October 2015

I'm a FTM and not taking classes. I'm confident in the information I have available through literature my hospital provides and my doctors. The classes were also not convenient for us and an expense we didn't think necessary. However, we know a lot of people who have recently delivered and have been able to get a lot of information about newborns and how babies really look after birth. We feel as prepared as possible for first time parents.
I honestly think whether or not to take classes really depends on your situation.

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