Lamaze Classes, Are they worth it? Have you or Will you be taking?

I have heard mixed reviews about taking Lamaze. Most friends said it was a waste, where as our parents and family say it's a must.

What our your opinions?

Re: Lamaze Classes, Are they worth it? Have you or Will you be taking?

i took 2 out of my 3 classes already and i really am glad i took them. im taking my classes @ lij.

i feel so much more informed than i did before i went.

even if i go into labor and dont use the lamaze technique i do think the class was worth it.

the nurse that teaches it is incredible, and answers any and all questions you may have.



hth

Re: Lamaze Classes, Are they worth it? Have you or Will you be taking?

Good question! I think i'm going to take lamaze. if anything...just to get have them let me know more of what to expect during birth. I feel like women have been taking it for years and even though I want an epi I figure I should join in! lol

Re: Lamaze Classes, Are they worth it? Have you or Will you be taking?

Re: Lamaze Classes, Are they worth it? Have you or Will you be taking?

we're not taking it- we are doing the tour of the hospital though

Re: Lamaze Classes, Are they worth it? Have you or Will you be taking?

I'm going to take it. I'm hoping for a drug free birth so I'll take all the help I can get!

Re: Lamaze Classes, Are they worth it? Have you or Will you be taking?

I did it, was it worth it??? Honestly the breathing part of it I would say no, but the explaining of what is going to happen & having someone you can ask any question in the world to and she will answer it truthful was worth every penny.

Mine also included a complete tour of the L&D at Winthrop and she went though a Labor & Delivery from start to end.

The class is much more then just the breathing, but I can't say that renting a DVD or something would not benefit you as well.

Message edited 7/26/2010 4:31:37 PM.

Re: Lamaze Classes, Are they worth it? Have you or Will you be taking?

I'm taking a general labor & delivery class, not a lamaze class specifically.

I think our parents generation think it's lamaze or bust... but I'm keeping my options open.

Re: Lamaze Classes, Are they worth it? Have you or Will you be taking?

I took it even though I am NOT planning a drug free birth.
I found the class I took at South Nassau to be very informative. We learned breathing exercises and all that stuff, but the nurse who ran our class also talked about a lot of things about childbirth I had no clue about.
Everyone told me the classes would be a waste and I found them to be very good! Was worth it to me!

Re: Lamaze Classes, Are they worth it? Have you or Will you be taking?

Re: Lamaze Classes, Are they worth it? Have you or Will you be taking?

I'm not taking Lamaze, but I am taking a Bradley class. I'd like to give birth w/o drugs (though we shall see lol). My mw and yoga teacher actually recommended the same teacher, so we're signed up for a September/October class.

Bradley Class

Re: Lamaze Classes, Are they worth it? Have you or Will you be taking?

I thought the class at St. Charles was great. Out of a full day class, I'd say only an hour was spent on actual breathing techniques. She went over every aspect of the child birth process... from the symptoms and stages of labor, to pushing, to delivering the placenta, to what happens during a c-section, types of pain medication, etc. A tour of L&D was very informative too, it was great to see what the rooms look like and where everything is. I'd definitely recommend taking it!

Re: Lamaze Classes, Are they worth it? Have you or Will you be taking?

We took a Lamaze class and they did the hospital tour then too.
In my opinion- it was a waste of time.
Your hospital doesnt do a tour? If you ask if you can see the rooms maybe they will show you?

Re: Lamaze Classes, Are they worth it? Have you or Will you be taking?

My dr offers a class in his office so im going to take it. Its only 1 saturday 9-4 and they go over a bunch of stuff; even breast feeding. Its $200. i think its worth it

Re: Lamaze Classes, Are they worth it? Have you or Will you be taking?

im taking a lamaze class through baby breaths.. i believe they are a vendor on here

Re: Lamaze Classes, Are they worth it? Have you or Will you be taking?

I took them at LIJ when I was PG the first time. They were good classes given by a veteran nurse who really knew her stuff but they were useless for me even before I knew I was going to end up with a c-section. All of the breathing techniques went out the window.

Re: Lamaze Classes, Are they worth it? Have you or Will you be taking?

watched laugh and learn video (think that's the name)...

therefore, we didnt go to any of the classes and IMO it's a waste of time n money...the nurses and dr's guide u..there is no set birth plan u go with the flow...

Re: Lamaze Classes, Are they worth it? Have you or Will you be taking?

I didn't take it, and I was happy with my decision. I actually didn't want to know too much about what was going to happen during labor and delivery...I figured if I didn't know too much, I couldn't really have any set expectations, and that would make it easier to roll with the punches. That was just my convoluted thinking though lol.

Re: Lamaze Classes, Are they worth it? Have you or Will you be taking?

Re: Lamaze Classes, Are they worth it? Have you or Will you be taking?

I just registered for it. Not sure if its a must but I;d never know if there was somethign I could have used during labor that would've helped if I don't go.

Re: Lamaze Classes, Are they worth it? Have you or Will you be taking?

We took it and I thought it was very worth our while. We took the class over 3 days - 1 full day of Lamaze & childbirth, 1 evening of childcare & BFing, and 1 evening of CPR and first aid. The Lamaze portion of the class really helped to ease my concerns about labor and the CPR class was invaluable and highly recommended to everyone - regardless of whether you chose to take Lamaze or any other class! DH got a lot out of it too.

We also have the 3 Laugh and Learn DVD's (childbirth, infant care, BF-ing). Thought they cannot replace the interactions you get in a real live class, they are also helpful and informative for those who do not want to sit through a class.

Re: Lamaze Classes, Are they worth it? Have you or Will you be taking?

Thanks Everyone!

We are signing up for the Lamaze/Childbirth Preparations, Breastfeeding, Baby Care 101, & CPR!

They offer a package which includes everything at our Hospital.

Re: Lamaze Classes, Are they worth it? Have you or Will you be taking?

I am looking into Bradley classes, and toying with the idea of HypnoBirthing classes.

I am not going to do Lamaze classes bc I have heard from some that it wasn't very helpful.

Re: Lamaze Classes, Are they worth it? Have you or Will you be taking?

as BTDT mom I planned on doing it all but I didn't and I didn't and well after all as said and done I don't really think Lamaze is necessary. I was in labor for 32 hrs and delivered with no drugs. I feel that my body knew what to do to get the baby out.