Birthing Classes and Personality Types

ChrissyD1203 · October 2015

I know there have been lots of discussions on birthing classes, and I'm interested in trying some, but I'm really worried that I might not have the personality for it. I would describe myself as Type A, practical, I like to follow certain a steps to get a particular outcome, impatient (yes I realize this doesn't work for labor generally or being a mom). Whenever I have tried meditation including in yoga classes, it has never worked out for me, I've gotten extremely frustrated and left really upset and way more stressed than when I went in. On the other side, when I've done cognitive behavioral therapy for anxiety in the past it has worked extremely well. Are there any birthing classes that might be better geared toward someone with my personality. I'm looking for this to be a positive experience and not another stressor before baby comes.

Krisdee123 · October 2015

Now, I realize I don't know you, but you asked. I suspect you have the type of personality that already has their mind made up about something before going into and you get caught up with stories in your head. "This is going to be uncomfortable, I'm not going to like this, etc". So unless you decide to take something at face value for what it is and try to find something to look forward to, not much is going to suit your personality, regardless of what it is. My DH is Type A to the extreme, we are going to prenatal classes and have decided that it may be some redundant stuff, but we are going to make the most of it and meet some new parents that are in the same boat as us while learning.

Also FYI, meditation is difficult and frustrating for 95% of the population that tries. That's part of the work and why it's beneficial. It gets easier with time. ;;)

Monilee1017 · October 2015

There are different type of classes. My hospital offered a class that was about 6 weeks with each week being something different. One all about c-sections, one we took a tour of L&D and asked questions, one was all the breathing. I found this to be helpful because it was very informative about a lot of different things. I had watched my SIL give birth and was with my sister all 26 hours before she had her c-section but I still found new information. I don't think the class is a need but if it is going to make you more comfortable and confident when you do go into labor it is worth it in my opinion.

ChrissyD1203 · October 2015

@krisdee123 yes everything you said about me is true. Your advice however is easier said than done. I guess I'm asking are there less meditative / spiritual / getting in touch with the inner self options available because based on my own experience and preferences, not necessarily stories of others, those might be better for me. While I agree that I need to work on my personality flaws and attitudes, with everything else going on right now, this isn't the ideal time for me to work on this inner change (maybe everyone says that and there is no good time?) and I was hoping that might be programs more geared towards me (as I am, with my faults).

@Monilee1017 that sounds great. I think we are signed up for something similar it's a labor basics class and includes a hospital tour. It's only 5 hours though so I'm hoping we are able to get a lot in in a small amount of time.

Thank you both!!

ariasbabyblog · October 2015

Our Childbirth classes were less "look within yourself" and more this is how our hospital operates and these are the things that are likely to happen during your labor. Unless you are specifically going to for hypno-birthing or something along those lines, the classes tend to be more information, less introspection.

claireloSC · October 2015

Yeah I would look for a class from a hospital or doctor rather than a Yoga studio, midwife, etc. I'm doing mine through my hospital (which my dr recommended) because I don't want to do the woo woo kind either. Maybe your doctor will have some good suggestions.

ntyravgsp · October 2015

8-} @claireloSC "woo woo kind." Lol!!
I agree OP, a hospital class would probably be the most impersonal type so if you just want information to process I'd imagine that would work fine for you.

MeghaJake · October 2015

I am very much type A. For my first birth, I read and skimmed through several books and watched some movies. Then I did a personal hospital tour. I never took the class. I get impatient with classes. I don't like to waste time.

MamaHolland · October 2015

Birthing classes aren't required so the practical thing would be not to take one. Go buy a book. There's other people who enjoy the journey, the details, without feeling impatient for an outcome. So if you truly described yourself accurately its best you stay home & read a book, or take a 1 day hospital tour because you may bring that energy with you to another type of class & others may find your anxiety & impatience quite unpleasant & distracting.

l4rk · October 2015

The main take away from what I've learned during birth advice (we don't have formal birthing classes in my town) is to find physical and mental ways to relax yourself, and to find your voice to express what you need during labour. You don't need a class to do that.

ChrissyD1203 · October 2015

Thank you!! I just signed up for a few more hospital classes and am going to try to find a book on breathing techniques to reduce pain!

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