After having gone through our childbirth prep class, I would definitely recommend taking one if you can! It was a LOT of information to process in just two days, but we received a lot of helpful tips about breathing and positioning during labor. They also reviewed the hospital practices regarding childbirth and I was very pleased to find out that our hospital is moving towards a lot of "baby friendly" options (such as immediate skin-to-skin following birth and not cutting the umbilical cord right away.) I almost wish we hadn't taken it so early because I feel like we will forget a lot of things before the time comes (the majority of our class had September due dates! We were one of three couples with a December due date.) Unfortunately, DH and I didn't have a lot of options when it came to our availability for taking the class. We also had a hospital tour included (which I highly recommend doing as well.) Overall I would say it was very beneficial for first-time parents.
Old thread, but I knew there was one out there so I didn't want to double up.
Next week is the last of our 4-week Childbirth Preparation class, which I have felt very helpful as a FTM. DH feels it drags on too long (it's every Tuesday for 4 weeks, 3 hours... although most weeks have been 2.5ish). But, he survives.
Tonight, I signed up for a breastfeeding class. They only have them once a month, and the one for November was the day before DH leaves for hunting, and he usually gets his stuff ready... so October it was (December's would be too close, in case I went early). It says that dads are encouraged to come. I did sign us both up, but DH isn't sure he even wants to go... and figures that there will be a lactation coach there after birth who can help at the time. I mainly want go for the information. I did tell him it was up to him, really... as I don't force him to do stuff he doesn't want to do.
My question... for the class tonight, should I give him the option of coming with me or put my foot down and force him to come? Is he really needed?
Me: 37 years old
DH: 39 years old
Married: October 17, 2014 TTC Since: November 2015 BFP: March 31, 2016 DS: November 21, 2016
December'16 December Siggy Challenge: Elf on the Shelf Fails **winner**
I went to a breastfeeding class last night, hubby stayed home. I didn't and still don't think he needed to go. However, for what it's worth, about half of the women in the class brought their guys. It's a shame because class size is really limited and they fill up so fast.
I made DH come to the childbirth class and the newborn care class with me... and he was the only partner there. (One girl brought her mom and another brought her sister.) He was very quick to point this out to me, but overall was a good sport about being there and I think with how limited his experience with babies is, it really was a good thing he was there so that all of his information doesn't have to come from me.
@Kacie209 I had my breastfeeding class Tuesday and half the people brought their partners and the other half came alone (I went alone). I don't think there is a reason for him to be there unless he just wants the info. Also, just putting this out there, I found it to be a waste of time. I've actually learned way more from this board than I did in the class.
One session of our 10 week Bradley childbirth class covers breastfeeding, so FI will be attending that since all dads come to all classes. Depending on how much information we get there, I may take another free workshop offered by my doula group. I'd probably bring FI along as well. Our thought is that it's better for both of us to have learned the same information. That way what one person forgets, hopefully the other remembers. Plus he can be much more helpful and supportive if he actually feels like he has some knowledge on the subject.
Ugh okay so I signed up for a 4 week, 2 hours each class, childbirth class, and for a 3 hour breastfeeding class. DH was all for it until it was time to go. I forced him to go to the first class. We skipped the 2nd because I was sick. We went to the first half of the third...and then left. DH argued that every time we asked a twin birth related question, the lady didn't know. Which was true. I still think that some of the information could've been useful...but I was over arguing with him about it. They did give us a book, with a bunch of online access stuff that we can get to for 6 months. So at least I have that. We didn't even make it to the breastfeeding class.....again...twins. Although I'm learning twins are more common...there just aren't many classes that are twin specific.
Right now, the class has 14 seats still available... and a max of 28 seats. So, it's not a full class and it may just default everyone who signs up bringing someone; not sure.
But I appreciate the reasons why some attended and some did not. I'll still let him decide on this one, but know that some partners may come and some may not. I'd just hate for him to be the ONLY guy... he would not be happy.
Me: 37 years old
DH: 39 years old
Married: October 17, 2014 TTC Since: November 2015 BFP: March 31, 2016 DS: November 21, 2016
December'16 December Siggy Challenge: Elf on the Shelf Fails **winner**
We did an all day class over the summer. Completely worth it! Everyone brought their support partner and we were given lots of information on different birth stories, birth plans, stages of labor, and pain management options. Near the end we all got to practice labor positions with our partners amd pilllows/yoga mats/birth balls. During that time the instructors (doulas who work with that hospital) came around and gave us one-on-one information and suggestions based on our visions for our birth. We are signed up for an all day breastfeeding/newborn care class at the end of the month. DH was very happy with the first class (so he was clued in on what to expect) and requested that we take the newborn care class so he is more prepared for when after baby arrives.
I do think we may go over some breastfeeding stuff in class next week (future classes do mention it in the covered topics, but ours did not), but I can't remember what the instructor said would be topics except for a tour of he Birthing Center. So, it could be some repetitive information - which I don't mind. I'd like to prepared.
DH... he's good at remembering stuff. There is also a New Dads class that I would love for him to take, but he is not wanting to do that. That is mainly dUe to anxiety issues and him just not feeling comfortable in some situations.
Me: 37 years old
DH: 39 years old
Married: October 17, 2014 TTC Since: November 2015 BFP: March 31, 2016 DS: November 21, 2016
December'16 December Siggy Challenge: Elf on the Shelf Fails **winner**
STM here. I have to say that I did not take a breastfeeding class when I was pregnant but did consult with the lactation consultant in the hospital. My husband was there for that consultation. His support made it possible for me to keep nursing our son when I had supply issues and a variety of other struggles that are not uncommon. Breastfeeding is hard! I would say it is totally up to you whether or not your DH or partner goes, but their support is so much more valuable than them necessarily knowing anything about breastfeeding at least in my opinion.
Wow! I'm amazed by how many class options you ladies have! Our local health department does a general childcare class which is free and then our hospital does a 3-session L&D, Breastfeeding, and Infant Care class for $30. That's pretty much it in our area!
DH and I decided to just take the hospital class, and so far we've had the newborn care class. Truthfully, I didn't find it that helpful. Most of the information I have already read on the internet. But one thing I did like was that the video AND the teacher repeatedly stressed to the fathers in the room that their job was to care for the mother after birth. According to the class, that involves doing all the chores and cooking, making sure that mom is adjusting well, and generally being as pleasant and agreeable as possible. Needless to say, all of the ladies in the room were grinning and telling their partners to take extensive notes.
We also had a class dedicated to breastfeeding in Bradley and the greatest thing about having DH there for me was understanding how important BF is, and how healthy for the baby. He will now be my biggest cheerleader and advocate!
Me: 38, DH: 36 Married Jan 2008 DD Baby Bells born Dec 2016 5 lbs, 12 oz, 18" so in love Due with #2 Baby Arya EDD February 2020
DH did not come with me last night, but he did take me out for supper before I went to class... dropped me off and picked me up actually. There were only 5 couples there (3 from our birthing class), and 4 gals there without anyone (me included).
I felt the class was very educational, as I had no knowledge of a lot of that stuff. Would DH have been good to go? Maybe, but they really emphasize that a lactation consultant (who taught the class) will be readily available whenever we need them... so that support is great. I took a lot of notes with the powerpoint presentation they printed out and gave to us all.
Afterwards, I told him about what was discussed and I just wanted his support when the time came. He agreed.
Me: 37 years old
DH: 39 years old
Married: October 17, 2014 TTC Since: November 2015 BFP: March 31, 2016 DS: November 21, 2016
December'16 December Siggy Challenge: Elf on the Shelf Fails **winner**
We have our birthing class this Saturday. It is a one day 9 am to 4 pm thing which includes the hospital tour. Did anyone go with specific questions? I feel like I should ask some, but preggo brain has got me all going blank this week.
Our Babies R Us offers many free classes. Husband and I have done a breastfeeding class (taught by a leader in the local La Leche League), Infant CPR (cost $25 for certification), and a dog class on how to deal with dogs and babies. Husband has asked so many questions during these classes, I am so glad he joined in. He has an opinion regarding what we do with the baby, so therefore; he has to go to the classes with me. Yes, I want to BF the baby, but since he keeps saying how much he wants me to, then I want him to be educated along with me. When I am on maternity leave, I am hoping to be able to go to one or two of the La Leche League meetings (Tuesdays at 10 am - so hard to go when you work).
@leksiL I hadn't heard of them before. I looked it up and the closest ones are an hour away from me. I was just discussing with a friend how much things are not made for working moms, which is very unfortunate. But then again, nothing is designed for working people in general - how many doctors offices close at 5 pm?!?
Both of the hospitals in our city offer at least 6 classes on different things free of charge. DH & I did the childbirth class last weekend and found it to be informative. A lot of it was things I already knew (from here, friends, internet, etc) but it was a comfort to me just to hear it all again from the hospital I'll be at. DH has no clue, though, and he was glad he went. We'll also be doing 'caring for your newborn' (infant care, cpr, carseat stuff...and we get a voucher for a free carseat?! We will see what the catch is), and a 'breastfeeding bootcamp' with a lactation consultant.
@AbriannaO I went with questions, for sure. - How late can I get an epidural? "As long as it's not time to push and the anesthesiologist is available, you can" - Do you provide birthing balls, bars, etc as tools during birth? Our hospital has these things on hand. - Availability of lactation consultants. - Can I eat/drink during labor? NO. You get ice chips or 1 popsicle an hour. We aren't even allowed to suck on candy. (Was a bit sad about this one....) - I plan to wear the hospital gown for labor and delivery, but what should I pack to wear after? "Our nurses generally prefer that you wear a nightgown rather than pants. It will also be easier if you need to be checked, and you will probably be more comfortable due to all of the blood after." **The RN teaching the class specifically talked about the 'designer' labor gowns, and how they are nice but some nurses do not appreciate them, and gave reasons why. This was a good thing to announce, as some of our classmates were planning to purchase them. ** - Cafeteria location & hours for dad - our cafeteria is actually in a whole other building, as women & children is separate. However, our hospital provides breakfast burritos for the new dads. Since we only toured the women/children building, it was good to know this. I would have wondered where Starbucks was! There are also good lists of questions on blogs that you can look up before your class.
We attended a 2 hour quick info course called The Joy of Parenthood that our hospital offered for $30. It was basically "baby 101" and for us it was extremely helpful. Sure, some of the info was common sense, but we did walk away more confident overall. We used a fake baby and everything to practice diaper changing, swaddling, and proper holding. We were one of maybe 7/8 couples to attend. After, we did a tour of the labor and delivery area, got to see a delivery room and the recovery/more permanent room for after, and had the chance to ask a zillion questions. Super helpful day and a fun experience for DH and I!
@aevan011 Thanks for those questions! I was thankfully in a class full of question askers, so we got a TON of information. Plus, I went on Pinterest and looked up "what to ask during hospital tour" and came up with a very lengthy list (probably 40 questions). A lot were answered through the class time and during the tour, but those that were left by the tour, I asked throughout. I am pretty sure I was the annoying question asker of the group, but I wanted to know exactly how our hospital functioned since all my friends kept giving me advice, but they all gave birth in different locations.
During the birthing class, we also received a book with suggestions on what to pack for yourself, partner, and baby. Both my DH and I feel so much more prepared after going through this class, and I am definitely more relaxed.
One person asked about bringing in her own gown to labor and deliver in. The nurse said that it was allowed, but to make sure that the arms allowed for IV and cuff access.
I think the thing that bothered me the most about our hospital is that if it's a boy and you're looking to circumcise, you are not allowed to be there for that procedure. It happens in a separate room and the baby is taken from you, then returned after. This is the only time, unless medically necessary, that the baby will be removed from you. I know that the baby wouldn't remember it happening, but it just makes me sad that it would go through that painful procedure without its parents with it.
When I get to my home computer later, I'll be sure to post my list of questions for everyone. I know I probably went a little overboard, but having no experience, I wanted to get as much information as possible!
Re: Childbirth Preperation Class
Old thread, but I knew there was one out there so I didn't want to double up.
Next week is the last of our 4-week Childbirth Preparation class, which I have felt very helpful as a FTM. DH feels it drags on too long (it's every Tuesday for 4 weeks, 3 hours... although most weeks have been 2.5ish). But, he survives.
Tonight, I signed up for a breastfeeding class. They only have them once a month, and the one for November was the day before DH leaves for hunting, and he usually gets his stuff ready... so October it was (December's would be too close, in case I went early). It says that dads are encouraged to come. I did sign us both up, but DH isn't sure he even wants to go... and figures that there will be a lactation coach there after birth who can help at the time. I mainly want go for the information. I did tell him it was up to him, really... as I don't force him to do stuff he doesn't want to do.
My question... for the class tonight, should I give him the option of coming with me or put my foot down and force him to come? Is he really needed?
TTC Since: November 2015
BFP: March 31, 2016
DS: November 21, 2016
DD- 11/2016
Right now, the class has 14 seats still available... and a max of 28 seats. So, it's not a full class and it may just default everyone who signs up bringing someone; not sure.
But I appreciate the reasons why some attended and some did not. I'll still let him decide on this one, but know that some partners may come and some may not. I'd just hate for him to be the ONLY guy... he would not be happy.
TTC Since: November 2015
BFP: March 31, 2016
DS: November 21, 2016
We are signed up for an all day breastfeeding/newborn care class at the end of the month. DH was very happy with the first class (so he was clued in on what to expect) and requested that we take the newborn care class so he is more prepared for when after baby arrives.
I do think we may go over some breastfeeding stuff in class next week (future classes do mention it in the covered topics, but ours did not), but I can't remember what the instructor said would be topics except for a tour of he Birthing Center. So, it could be some repetitive information - which I don't mind. I'd like to prepared.
DH... he's good at remembering stuff. There is also a New Dads class that I would love for him to take, but he is not wanting to do that. That is mainly dUe to anxiety issues and him just not feeling comfortable in some situations.
TTC Since: November 2015
BFP: March 31, 2016
DS: November 21, 2016
DH and I decided to just take the hospital class, and so far we've had the newborn care class. Truthfully, I didn't find it that helpful. Most of the information I have already read on the internet. But one thing I did like was that the video AND the teacher repeatedly stressed to the fathers in the room that their job was to care for the mother after birth. According to the class, that involves doing all the chores and cooking, making sure that mom is adjusting well, and generally being as pleasant and agreeable as possible. Needless to say, all of the ladies in the room were grinning and telling their partners to take extensive notes.
Married Jan 2008
DD Baby Bells born Dec 2016 5 lbs, 12 oz, 18"
Due with #2 Baby Arya EDD February 2020
DH did not come with me last night, but he did take me out for supper before I went to class... dropped me off and picked me up actually. There were only 5 couples there (3 from our birthing class), and 4 gals there without anyone (me included).
I felt the class was very educational, as I had no knowledge of a lot of that stuff. Would DH have been good to go? Maybe, but they really emphasize that a lactation consultant (who taught the class) will be readily available whenever we need them... so that support is great. I took a lot of notes with the powerpoint presentation they printed out and gave to us all.
Afterwards, I told him about what was discussed and I just wanted his support when the time came. He agreed.
TTC Since: November 2015
BFP: March 31, 2016
DS: November 21, 2016
Our Babies R Us offers many free classes. Husband and I have done a breastfeeding class (taught by a leader in the local La Leche League), Infant CPR (cost $25 for certification), and a dog class on how to deal with dogs and babies. Husband has asked so many questions during these classes, I am so glad he joined in. He has an opinion regarding what we do with the baby, so therefore; he has to go to the classes with me. Yes, I want to BF the baby, but since he keeps saying how much he wants me to, then I want him to be educated along with me. When I am on maternity leave, I am hoping to be able to go to one or two of the La Leche League meetings (Tuesdays at 10 am - so hard to go when you work).
Married Jan 2008
DD Baby Bells born Dec 2016 5 lbs, 12 oz, 18"
Due with #2 Baby Arya EDD February 2020
@AbriannaO
I went with questions, for sure.
- How late can I get an epidural? "As long as it's not time to push and the anesthesiologist is available, you can"
- Do you provide birthing balls, bars, etc as tools during birth? Our hospital has these things on hand.
- Availability of lactation consultants.
- Can I eat/drink during labor? NO. You get ice chips or 1 popsicle an hour. We aren't even allowed to suck on candy. (Was a bit sad about this one....)
- I plan to wear the hospital gown for labor and delivery, but what should I pack to wear after? "Our nurses generally prefer that you wear a nightgown rather than pants. It will also be easier if you need to be checked, and you will probably be more comfortable due to all of the blood after."
**The RN teaching the class specifically talked about the 'designer' labor gowns, and how they are nice but some nurses do not appreciate them, and gave reasons why. This was a good thing to announce, as some of our classmates were planning to purchase them. **
- Cafeteria location & hours for dad - our cafeteria is actually in a whole other building, as women & children is separate. However, our hospital provides breakfast burritos for the new dads. Since we only toured the women/children building, it was good to know this. I would have wondered where Starbucks was!
There are also good lists of questions on blogs that you can look up before your class.
............that got really long, sorry y'all.
During the birthing class, we also received a book with suggestions on what to pack for yourself, partner, and baby. Both my DH and I feel so much more prepared after going through this class, and I am definitely more relaxed.
One person asked about bringing in her own gown to labor and deliver in. The nurse said that it was allowed, but to make sure that the arms allowed for IV and cuff access.
I think the thing that bothered me the most about our hospital is that if it's a boy and you're looking to circumcise, you are not allowed to be there for that procedure. It happens in a separate room and the baby is taken from you, then returned after. This is the only time, unless medically necessary, that the baby will be removed from you. I know that the baby wouldn't remember it happening, but it just makes me sad that it would go through that painful procedure without its parents with it.
When I get to my home computer later, I'll be sure to post my list of questions for everyone. I know I probably went a little overboard, but having no experience, I wanted to get as much information as possible!