Lamaze/Childbirth classes-worth the money or not-with poll

We are thinking about doing childbirth/lamaze classes which go for $200 for 5 classes with Anne Lucas..for those who have done these...would you say they are worth the money or should we just get a video? Any reviews of Anne Lucas' classes would be appreciated as well. Thanks!

Re: Lamaze/Childbirth classes-worth the money or not-with poll

This is a good post. I was debating this one myself. Currently I'm leaning toward renting a video, but I'm still very far from delivery. So my feelings may change.

Re: Lamaze/Childbirth classes-worth the money or not-with poll

Save the money and rent the Laugh and Learn about Childbirth video.

You can make better use of the $200 on baby necessities...

Good luck!

Re: Lamaze/Childbirth classes-worth the money or not-with poll

We took the New Baby Belly class that is advertised on here. It was a lot of fun, we learned a lot and it was very intimate---just us and one other couple.

I also felt they were really "real" with us about what to expect, our rights in the hospital, different options during childbirth, focusing techniques, etc.

I also attended their free Baby Basics class last night which I felt was helpful too.

www.newbabybelly.com

Re: Lamaze/Childbirth classes-worth the money or not-with poll

childbirth class did nothing for me because my labor went so quickly that all the "skills" i learned went out the window

but there's no way of knowing what your labor will be like - you might be the person who would benefit.

so i would not spend the money on the class, but maybe rent the video?

Re: Lamaze/Childbirth classes-worth the money or not-with poll

I say if your definitely getting an EPI, wing it. I did just fine, its not brain surgery ya know??!! Push as hard as you can and thats about it

Re: Lamaze/Childbirth classes-worth the money or not-with poll

My actual labor was shorter than the Laugh and Learn childbirth video (so much DH likes to remind me for torturing him ).

In all honesty, it was a waste to even watch it. When it came to breathing the L&D nurses help you through.

Re: Lamaze/Childbirth classes-worth the money or not-with poll

we got the laugh & learn dvd from the library - have yet to watch it - but check with your library - see if you can borrow instead of buy!

Re: Lamaze/Childbirth classes-worth the money or not-with poll

We signed up for a class, went to the first one. The teacher sucked, so we decided to drop it and get the DVD and save some $$$.

The DVD so far seems a lot more informative, but I would have preferred a real class. I really blame the class sucking on the terrible teacher-- but, I think you can really get by on the DVD.

I am going to take a breast feeding class though-- I hope the teacher is different!

Re: Lamaze/Childbirth classes-worth the money or not-with poll

I got the Laugh and Learn DVD with DS. It was very informative. We could do at our own pace.

Our friends all told her the classes were a waste of money. So we opted out.

Message edited 11/26/2008 11:13:13 PM.

Re: Lamaze/Childbirth classes-worth the money or not-with poll

Some hospitals offer childbirth classes for no charge.

Honestly, unless you plan on breastfeeding, I wouldn't bother. Your L&D nurse will help you though labor and the maternity nurses will help you with everything else. Also, the hospital I delivered at had a class for the new moms on the maternity ward after the birth of your baby. That was helpful.