Birth/Lamaze Classes

I'm not sure if this would be better off on parenting... but did any first time moms skip the classes? Do you think they were helpful, or a waste? My dr. said to start thinking about taking them, and Im not sure if we should sign up or not...

Re: Birth/Lamaze Classes

I didn't take any. I was considering a Bradley Method class, but it is 12 weeks long and I just didn't havbe the time. I didn't give birth yet so I don't know how its going to go... I read a few books and watched 2 videos from the library. I feel like I know enough after that. The book "Natural Childbirth the Bradley Way" was very informative!

Re: Birth/Lamaze Classes

I took a one day Lamaze course with my first...I found it helpful because it gave me an idea of what to expect during labor, delivery, etc.. I also found the breathing helpful for the time before I chose to have the. It also gave me information about the pain medications. I also received a tour of the hospital's labor and deli epidural very floor, which eased my mind about the whole delivery process. I found it helpful and definitely think that we made the right choice for us in taking it, but I know others who got through the labor/delivery fine without it.

Re: Birth/Lamaze Classes

I wanted to take a lamaze class, but I was put on bedrest at 22 weeks, and just never made it to one. Once I was taken off bedrest, there havent been any offered. I did do a hospital tour, and I ask my dr a million questions on L&D every week.

Re: Birth/Lamaze Classes

I did not take any classes with my first (or my second.) I only did the hospital tour. I'm the type that the less I know the better. If I know too much it makes me nervous. IMO your body/instincts and the nurses/doctor will tell you exactly what to do. I did fine and didn't regret my decision.

My OB agreed and felt they weren't necessary unless it was something that was going to give me peace of mind.

Re: Birth/Lamaze Classes

I took a class at my hosital that was a total waste of time. We watched parts of a "labor for Dummies" video for most of it.

I felt so ill prepared that I rented (at the library) "Laugh and Learn Lamaze". SO informative and it was nice that we could watch it at our leisure. It was a little corny, but was very interesting and covered EVERYTHING.

The breathing techniques REALLY helped me when I was in labor.

Re: Birth/Lamaze Classes

My doctors' office suggests to take them. My feeling is that even if they are wasted, I'll never look back and wish that I did them when I didn't.

Re: Birth/Lamaze Classes

DH and I took the classes. I have not delivered yet, so I can't honestly say whether they were a waste of time.

Getting the information did make me feel better. It answered a lot of my questions and told me what to expect.

Re: Birth/Lamaze Classes

I also think it is a great way to make my DH feel more of a part of things.

Re: Birth/Lamaze Classes

I took a prenatal class (2 hours each week, 5 weeks) that covered birth and baby care. The class could have been condensed into 2 or 3 sessions IMO. I'm glad I did take the class though because the breathing exercises were useful when my epidural mysteriously wore off on the right side of my body. Also, it was nice to have someone talk about the birthing process and answer questions face-to-face. It was also good to connect with other expecting parents around my due date- half of which I ran into in L&D or at the doctor's office!