Childbirth classes

Do you think they are necessary for first time parents? DH doesn't want to do them. I'm not sure if it's worth it.

Childbirth classes

I'm going. I'm a mess and need to mentally prepare for this! DH Is going too. We are doing the cpr and the birth class with hospital tour

Message edited 8/17/2016 9:15:34 PM.

Childbirth classes

I honestly didn't find it useful at all. We took a la maze based class. It went over the basics of birth stages, etc. And then some pain management and breathing techniques. It all went out the window the day of and I felt like I already knew a lot of what we learned about birth stages, active labor, dilation, etc.

Re: Childbirth classes

Not necessary IMO. The nurses tell you exactly what to do, how to breathe, how to push, etc. I'd read up on it a bit beforehand but beyond that you're not going to be in labor and stopping to think, now what was it I learned in that class??? Yeah it'll all go out the window as someone else said. Just my feeling on it. I'm sure the classes are helpful for some.

Re: Childbirth classes

Childbirth classes-no. I did take a breastfeeding class that I found extremely helpful. They showed us all these different positions to hold the baby. I even went back and read my handouts after I gave birth to check on a few things.

Re: Childbirth classes

I'm in the minority. I was glad I took the classes. While the nurse does talk you through everything, it was nice to see everything before hand and know the whole procedure. They showed us everything from checking, to triage, to labor and delivery. I was happy I did it. Being a first time parent, I would have been more stressed going in blind.

Childbirth classes

I didn't take a class. The nurse will tell you what to do. If you want a drug free birth, I think it could be helpful.

Re: Childbirth classes

I went and it made me feel a little better to be even slightly prepared for labor. Of course, all that went out the window- I was induced so I didn't really need to look out for signs of labor or use the tips for laboring at home or at what point to come into the hospital. And then, like others said, once you're there, the nurses walk you through everything. Would I do it again though? Probably, yeah, just for the peace of mind it brought me.

Also, this class was specific to my hospital so it talked about procedures unique to my hospital- from where to go, check in, triage, and what happens immediately after the baby was born. I found that very helpful.

On another note, my DH did not go with me to the class. We were moving into our new home the day of the class, so I went with my sister instead. It was a little weird- I was the only one there without DH and while the husbands were all massaging their wive's shoulders, my sister and I were cracking jokes. They kept referring to her as my "partner", too.

ETA: I did NOT take a breastfeeding class and I wish I had. They lactation consultant came in for all of 2 minutes in the hospital and that was at a moment when I was getting a vaccination, pain meds, and my vitals taken. So it was difficult to talk to her.

Message edited 8/18/2016 8:33:14 AM.

Re: Childbirth classes

Nope
I had no desire to take one. I knew it would be a waste.
When I was in labor the nurse asked if I had taken a class and I said no. She was like, "ok this is how you push" And told me what to do in like 5 seconds.
And then I did it

I can't imagine ,in the heat or labor and pushing, remembering my own name, much less stuff I heard is some class 3 months earlier.

Re: Childbirth classes

I took a class. I mostly wanted to see the L&D floor during the tour. Then Sandy happened and NYU was shut down, so we only got a "virtual tour." My DS was breech and I needed a c-section.

By the time I had my second - and had a VBAC - I couldn't remember any of the rules or techniques I had learned in the class nearly 3 years before. The nurses helped me with everything I needed to know.

So take a class if it will ease your mind or you don't feel educated (i.e. should I get an epidural? kind of thing). Otherwise, I think it's fine to skip it.

Re: Childbirth classes

ChildBIRTH class, No. Newborn care class, YES (or just watch the DVD's at home).

When I was pregnant with DS I didnt bother taking the childbirth classes and honestly, the nurses walked me through everything as I was in labor. It would have been a waste if I had taken them. The nurses told me exactly when to push, when to breathe, when to rest, how to position myself, etc.

I did, however, feel like I needed some sort of a course in newborn care. Even though I had experience with babies, I knew my own newborn would be different and I was nervous. But instead of taking the class at the hospital, I did it on my own time and just rented some DVDs from Netflix and watched them at home. They were GREAT and really informative.

Re: Childbirth classes

I didn't take one before DD and I wish I did. Yeah I made it through L&D ok, but I didn't feel prepared, especially with the breathing. Towards the end, I felt like I couldn't breathe and really struggled to get the last pushes out.

Even though this is my second DC, I'm going to take a class and one for breastfeeding too I think. I was able to BF for 15 months, but the beginning was such a struggle.

Re: Childbirth classes

Childbirth classes

yes.
i was worried i would pass out though (medical / mental issue) and it totally helped.
hypnobabies.

Re: Childbirth classes

We took Lamaze and hypnobirthing classes. I feel that they were both ok but not essential. I did end up with a c section. I got more out of the hypnobirthing class, just about how to relax and deal with the pain. It was more so what I personally needed.

Childbirth classes

Nope. I wish I saved my time and money.

Childbirth classes

Didn't take any and didn't feel like I was missing anything. I also had 2 inductions and experiences that a class couldn't have prepared me for.

Message edited 8/18/2016 5:19:28 PM.

Re: Childbirth classes

Childbirth classes

I didn't take anything, and I had a drug free birth.

I read some books, and watched a few documentaries/YouTube videos.

I plan on a drug free birth this time as well.

Childbirth classes

i did one because my mom knew someone who did it for free for us. I think it's only worth it if you plan on doing a drug free birth. otherwise, all those breathing exercises are useless. You'll have an epidural before you ever need to do any of that stuff.

Re: Childbirth classes

I didn't take any classes.

Re: Childbirth classes

We took a free class at the hospital. I ended up being induced and had a natural birth, no epidural, and we could have skipped the class honestly.

Message edited 8/26/2016 11:40:02 PM.

Childbirth classes

I felt like I needed to take the class because i was having my first but it really wasn't necessary for me. My husband was trying to have me use some of the breathing techniques but when I was in the moment I couldn't do it. The nurses were very helpful in telling me what was going on and what to do.