Parenting Classes

hi ladies. just a quick question for everyone. how many of you took parenting classes your first time around? if you did was it through the hospital or private, etc? what can i expect from a parenting class and do you recommend taking one?

any help you be appreciated.

thanks!

[Harley-girl]

This is my first pregnancy and next Sat I am taking a 6 hour class through the hosp birthing unit that goes over what to expect during the delivery process. I am not taking any other type of parenting class though.

[DollChina]

Just went to a prenatal class on Sat but not a parenting class.  I went to the my network hospital and it's free.  It was from 8:00-4:30

[anxiousmomtobe?]

I say the more info the better.  In the end you will decide how to birth and parent your child.  But you can always learn from the so-called experts.  And then you have an out when bossy MIL try to tell you what to do.  (My MIL is a doll, I have had words with my own mother many times though)

[cugirl]

I watched the DVD Laugh and Learn about Childbirth instead of taking a Lamaze class.  Hubby wansnt thrilled about sitting for 3 and 1/2 hours for 6 nights and breathing with a bunch of preggos...plus we would have barely made it to class on time with his work schedule.  The DVD was very informative. There is also a breastfeeding and newborn care dvd (but I did not get those).  Other than the DVD Im not doing any other classes.  Ive been around babies all my life...Im the oldest out of all my cousins and I baby sat all the time.  So I pretty much know the basics.  But one of my friends she was never around babies and when she had her baby she was like what do I do?  So Im sure the class would of helped her.

[tam2girls]

To all the ladies out there who are on to baby No2 I would suggest a brief follow up course. You may think that you know everything but I had my second 3 years after my first and I was suprised at how much things had changed. Same hospital but different routine and ideas. A friend of mine had a baby 18 months after my last and I was so suprised when she told me the new strerilisation rules. Apparently in Australia it is now recdommended that sterilising baby bottles only every 2 or 3 uses. Go Figure. Its because to sterile an environment is not good for newborns. Also they are feeding premmie babies Milo in thier formula as it is full of iron and good for them. Surprise I was always told it was full of sugar and not good for anyone.

[deanne11]

I didn't take a parenting class until my kid was 2...LOL

That sounds funny... I knew what to do when she was a baby...that kinda of was instinct

Trust me it will be there even if you don't think it will.

I'm taking one thru my church now - "growing kids god's way'

Good class...but there are some things that are hard to swallow for me.  Anyway- wait till the terrible 2's...I think every mother needs some class to cope with that....or just to get out of the house 1 night a week

LOL

[jackiemoo]

I registered for a class that I am going to take on the 16th of December. I am hoping it will ease my anxieties about labor this second time around. Also, I have tendencies to fight pain, so I hope this class will help me relax and that with breathing techniques I will be able to have a shorter labor. Just positive thinking! It may not help at all. I also believe strongly in the placebo effect as well! HA!

[toyml99]

i took classes the best part was meeting other preggo's we went for three hours one night a week for four weeks.  nothing that i learned helped me during labor.  but it was fun meeting new people.

[mamajen]

Hi. Yes, i took them privately with my first pregnancy.  And it was a lot of fun...informative depending upon how much information you already know.  Great fun just sharing and learning together...would deinately recommend..although some classes are better than others...Mine was given by 2 midwives, which i loved...much more personal than others...good luck!
Was also so much fun gathering for a reunion months after the class had ended.