Did anyone NOT take any birthing classes?

Trying to decide if we need/want/should take a Bradley method class. I already know that Lamaze isn't for me. Did anyone have a successful natural pregnancy without one of these classes?

Re: Did anyone NOT take any birthing classes?

I did not take a birthing class and delivered both of my kids naturally

Re: Did anyone NOT take any birthing classes?

I didn't and delivered my DS vaginally. I was all for the drugs

I was able to follow the nurses instructions regarding breathing and pushing the day I delivered.

Message edited 11/4/2013 12:51:17 PM.

Re: Did anyone NOT take any birthing classes?

My son came early so I did not take any classes and it was fine! I did get meds though!

Did anyone NOT take any birthing classes?

i didnt, and i delivered vaginally. Delivery was easy, the nurses tell you what to do... labor was where i would have liked some help in how to deal with.

Re: Did anyone NOT take any birthing classes?

I didn't. I honestly don't think it's necessary. When you're in the moment you go with what feels right for you.

Re: Did anyone NOT take any birthing classes?

I did not take any classes and had a drug free delivery. I did read the Bradley book and a lot of other reading and research.

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I did not take any clidbirth classes. It was suggested that I watch a video called Laugh & Learn About Childbirth. I rented it from my local library, IMO it was worth watching.

Laugh & Learn Video

Re: Did anyone NOT take any birthing classes?

i am not taking any birthing classes and planning a drug-free labor and delivery. we watched the Laugh and Learn video and i do a lot of reading. we also hired a birth doula.

i'm pretty trusting that natural instinct will guide me and the rest will be helped by the self study i've done while pregnant. I haven't read it yet, but plan to read the Bradley book and we also have The Birth Partner, which I've read but is mostly for DH to read so he can feel like he is a part of the experience and knows what's going on and how to help.

Re: Did anyone NOT take any birthing classes?

Don't count on the nurses being there for you. Everyone gave me that advice, and when the day came, the nurses were pretty much useless. So wrapped up in paperwork they messed up to worry about me having contractions. I wish I had taken a breathing class.

Did anyone NOT take any birthing classes?

I didn't and had a drug free birth. It's definitely possible, but I also had a super quick delivery, so I wonder how I would have reacted if it lasted longer than 2hr 45min

Re: Did anyone NOT take any birthing classes?

Posted by BriBri2u

I didn't and delivered my DS vaginally. I was all for the drugs

I was able to follow the nurses instructions regarding breathing and pushing the day I delivered.

Did anyone NOT take any birthing classes?

No classes. 3 vaginal births. 2 without any meds.

Re: Did anyone NOT take any birthing classes?

Did anyone NOT take any birthing classes?

At CFA, we offer a complete childbirth ed class which does not only include Lamaze, but what to expect before, during, and after labor. Speaking face to face with someone sometimes brings up questions you never thought of before. It's also a great way for your coach to become involved in the process. We even have a reunion with all the babies and many moms go on to do our New Mom's group. Give us a call 631-360-2880 or visit our website for more information. CFA childbirth classes

Message edited 11/4/2013 11:03:16 PM.

Re: Did anyone NOT take any birthing classes?

Did anyone NOT take any birthing classes?

I didn't take one. They tell you how to breathe when you are in labor, and to be honest I didn't really care about the breathing I just wanted the epidural. The nurses kept saying breathe, breathe, yes I was doing it, it helped a little, but after that epi I was a new woman. Then you just push like you've never pushed before. I was pushing for 20 min. I didn't think it was that bad to be honest.

Re: Did anyone NOT take any birthing classes?

Yep. There was no way I was going to sit through a class.
Totally not for me.
When it came time to push the nurse said- did you take a class? I said No.
She said- ok this is how you push.
And proceeded to tell me in like 3 sentences.
And what helped the most was the analogy- "you push like you are taking a huge poop!"
That worked!
And I proceeded to push my daughter out.
It really isn't rocket science.


ETA_ I had the epi the second I was allowed to have it. So all that breathing and stuff- really didn't apply to me. I wasn't in pain for long.

Message edited 11/5/2013 8:46:24 AM.

Re: Did anyone NOT take any birthing classes?

Posted by BriBri2u

I didn't and delivered my DS vaginally. I was all for the drugs

I was able to follow the nurses instructions regarding breathing and pushing the day I delivered.

Re: Did anyone NOT take any birthing classes?

Our lamaze class at the hospital was seriously maybe like 30% lamaze techniques... it was more about the process of the body going into labor including different methods of pain management, what happens when you get an epi, education on basically anything that could happe/ risks etc, and how to come up with a birth plan that works for you. Plus we got the hospital tour. It was not at all what I expected and I'm glad I took the course. We learned a little about Bradley method too and it doesn't seem too dissimilar from lamaze. I would definitely recommend taking SOME kind of class just to educate yourself, or at least read up and watch youtube videos.

Re: Did anyone NOT take any birthing classes?

Re: Did anyone NOT take any birthing classes?

Thanks everyone. This gave me so good for thought

Re: Did anyone NOT take any birthing classes?