Child Birth/Lamaze classes etc

So I had no intention of taking any of these classes.
My DH would totally not want to do it, his schedule does not permit, but besides all of that- I really didn't think I'd get much out of it.

I plan on having the LEAST natural child birth that I can POSSIBLY have. I want every pain killer offered to me, and I want an epidural as soon as humanly possible.
In short- I want this to be as easy and comfortable as possible. I have NO intentions of "trying" to go natural, etc.
If I could be knocked out completely and wake up to my baby I'd be fine with that. That's just me.

I also don't think that anything i learn in a class a month or so before the birth- will help me when I'm in the thick of things.
I have heard from some ladies on here that they felt the class was a waste etc.

Having said all of this- everyone I speak to is APPALLED that I am not taking the class. They say I won't be able to get through the birth, won't know what to do, that my DH will "sh!t is pants" in the delivery room if he hasn't had the class, etc.
All I can think of his how women got through it in the olden days- BEFORE these classes existed.

But now I'm scared that if I don't take the class I'll be screwed when I have to deliver and be like the unprepared student who didn't study for the test!

What do you think? Are you taking a class?
Any BTDT moms who took it or didn't take it and can offer their opinions on how important it is or isnt?

Now I'm so torn!!!

Re: Child Birth/Lamaze classes etc

I am taking a Bradley Class --I'm the total opoposite and want the MOST natural birth possible LOL! That being said though, regardless, KNOWING what is going on in my body when I am experiencing an contraction, and WATCHING an actual birth, was very interesting to both me and my DH--and he is not the curious type.

Have you rented any of the videos some ladies on here have mentioned--I think one is called "laugh and learn"--for me, just understanding what is going on, was beneficial--even if I end up taking an epidural, I like knowing what is going on and I just feel more prepared for whatever the heck is going to happen in the delivery room.

I think no matter what though--nothing is going to prepare you. Don't let people make you feel like you're making the wrong decision-I don't think taking a lamaze class will suddenly propel you into great readiness!

Re: Child Birth/Lamaze classes etc

We've signed up for a lamaze class which we'll be taking this Sunday. I know the whole breathing thing is not really going to be useful for me but I'm hoping I get something else out of it. I'm not sure yet what kind of birth I want to have. My mom did it without drugs because she basically had no choice. MIL had two C-Sections. So I'm hoping this will help me decide.

We're also taking a Baby Care Basics class. DH and I haven't really held a baby since our cousins were infants over 20 years ago. I notice when I've held friends' babies I'm totally nervous. Maybe because I'm afraid I'll do something wrong but I don't even want to move. I want to feel more comfortable with it.

I've debated taking a BF class but a lactation consultant told me they're a waste of time since it's not a real world experience (i.e. using a doll instead of a kid) but I know some people on here have found them to be valuable. We'll see.

Re: Child Birth/Lamaze classes etc

I would take some sort of a class that teaches you what to expect. I think the worst part of childbirth is the "not knowing" part. Regardless of whether you want paid medication or not, knowledge is a good thing.

Re: Child Birth/Lamaze classes etc

Don't let people freak you out. Your body was designed to give birth. Your instincts will take over. You will be surrounded by a team of pros who will help you know what you need to do. I think most of what you learn in the classes goes out the window in the thick of labor anyway. Like my DH says "Oh my how has anyone ever had a baby without taking a class?" You will be fine! If your worried I would rent the laugh & learn dvd on childbirth. I got it more for DH than anything. We have been watching it in parts. It is really freaking long! I was more concerned about knowing when I was in labor, and what to do then before we got to the hospital. I plan to go without pain meds that is my goal, and we are not taking a class. We are just watching the dvd. The classes were only offered on the weekends, and DH works so that wasn't going to work for us.

Re: Child Birth/Lamaze classes etc

We weren't going to take classes either, but my doctor said she recommended it because its our first.....DH wants to take the class so I just signed us up for Lamaze yesterday, its 3 sessions and starts in 2 weeks....we'll see, it better be informative!

Re: Child Birth/Lamaze classes etc

I had a class scheduled but I got a horrible migraine that day and couldn't go, I am 33 weeks and couldn't find a one shot deal that would work w/my schedule to make up for it..

We decided to get the laugh and learn DVD, I feel like if its the same info why would it matter if I was w/the teacher in person? I think this will be fine

Re: Child Birth/Lamaze classes etc

I don't think the classes are a must, and I don't think anyone should criticize if you choose not to take them. That being said, we chose to take them because this is our first and I just want to see what they have to say. I don't think it can hurt in the least, so why not? Also, I would love DH to get some knowledge too. I know he knows wayyyy less than i do.

Re: Child Birth/Lamaze classes etc

we are taking a childbirth/Lamaze class since i figured it wouldn't hurt to hear some info and we are required to take a c-section class at our hospital

don't let people pressure you to do what THEY want...do what works for you! and if you want, you can always just watch a DVD at home too

Message edited 4/7/2010 1:31:34 PM.

Re: Child Birth/Lamaze classes etc

Honestly, I want the total opposite experience as you do and I am STILL not taking a class.

DH and I are working our behinds off, and he works weekends so it would be too stressful to schedule. Plus, we are incredibly immature and will probably laugh through the whole thing.

I am getting the Laugh and Learn DVDs from Netflix and going with that.

Re: Child Birth/Lamaze classes etc

Posted by Tilde

Plus, we are incredibly immature and will probably laugh through the whole thing.

I am getting the Laugh and Learn DVDs from Netflix and going with that.

Re: Child Birth/Lamaze classes etc

I'm somewhere in the middle. I'd like an epidural...anyway...I didn't take any classes. I bought some books and I watched a DVD. I am getting nervous, but I think that the classes would make me more nervous!!!

Re: Child Birth/Lamaze classes etc

I took Lamaze knowing full well that I'd get the drugs too. Abby was also breech until the very last week of the class so I knew that the odds of a c-section were also pretty strong. abby turned, I went into labor - emergency c-section.

This is what you tell people - S T F U.

Re: Child Birth/Lamaze classes etc

DH and I took the Lamaze class. It offered some good bits of informaton on what to expect etc. But honestly....I did not find that the breathing techniques helped me. I had the plan of going with an epi, but I wanted to see how long I could hold out for. Well it turned out not to be that long and in that short time I couldn't even remember the correct breathing techniques. The nurse tried to help me....but IMO I think alot of it is just a distraction technique :) I ended up getting the epi at 5cm and it was the best thing I ever did!!

Re: Child Birth/Lamaze classes etc

Also just doing the Laugh & Learn DVD. Netflix doesn't have the Childbirth one so I bought one real cheap on Ebay. Got the childcare one from Netflix and it was good but won't remember a thing when I'm supposed to give the baby his/her first sponge bath!

Re: Child Birth/Lamaze classes etc

Our reasons are not the same, but I am not taking a class. I would like to have as natural a birth as possible (but we'll see what happens lol). I am the kind of person that the more I learn, the more freaked out I tend to get. So my goal is to know as little about childbirth as humanly possible (which isn't that easy when everybody and their mother wants to tell you their birth story). I talked to my doctor about it and he said it is fine...he said lots of women don't take classes, and just told me to go into it with an open mind.