Pre-birthing classes?

Hi, I would love any input on whether or not to do the lamaze, or any of the pre-birthing classes? I don't even know when you are supposed to go? Thanks in advanced :)

[jifnif]

I have my first class tonite and I am 31 wks and 6 days.  I will have 4 classes total.  My insurance reimbursed for part of the class and we are excited to go and see moms and dads in the same place we are.  We dont know a lot of what to expect these days.  Our dd is 16, so its all new.  I think it helps daddy share in the pregnancy a lil bit more too!!!  He is more excited than me.  I am just tired.

[AndiJ78]

Check with your OB, they should have brochures with information on the classes offered through the hospital here you plan on delivering. I never did the lamaze or any of those, silly as my insurance covers not only pregnancy courses fro the first two trimesters, but also two types of child birth classes. I do, however, take advantage of the class called Kangaroo Capers, meant to help siblings get used to the idea of a new baby. Jonathan loved it and I plan on taking Tristan for this one.

Again, I recommend asking your OB for information or calling your local hospital for more information as well.

Andi

[Jah02e]

I AM 37 WEEKS AND I WENT TO THREE OF THE SIX CLASSES OFFERED HERE WHERE I LIVE.  PERSONALLY, I DIDN'T REALLY ENJOY GOING.  I ONLY SAY THAT BECAUSE THE ONLY CLASS THAT WAS OFFERED IN MY AREA WAS IN ANOTHER TOWN WHICH DURING THE LAST THREE MONTHS DUE TO TRAFFIC AND TOURISTS CAN TAKE ANYWHERE FROM 45 MINUTES TO AN HOUR AND A HALF JUST TO GET THERE.  AND TO TOP THAT THE CLASS WAS 2 HOURS AND THIRTY MINUTES LONG.  IT WAS ALSO SIX WEEKS LONG.  I BELIEVED THE LADY COULD HAVE TAUGHT THE CLASS IN A SHORTER PERIOD OF TIME.
SHE TALKED FOR MOST OF THE CLASS AND THEN WE LEARNED SOME EXERCISES.  I WAS TELLING MY DOCTOR AND SHE TOLD ME NOT TO GO ANYMORE, B/C SHE SAID THAT SHE WOULD BE TELLING ME WHAT TO DO AND HELPING ME AS WELL.  SO MY DH AND I DECIDED TO QUIT GOING.  IT IS UP TO YOU ABOUT GOING.  BUT I WOULD ASK YOUR DOCTOR HIS/HER OPINION AND THEN MAKE A DECISION FROM THERE!  GOOD LUCK!

[markysmom]

I went to breastfeeding class and newborn care classes before I had my son- about 7 months pregnant I started going, but did not go to lamaze because everyone that I spoke with said they are a waste of time.
I ended up with a c-section because labor would not progress, so I cannot say if lamaze would have been helpful or not. I don't think it's necessary.
I would not go to any of the classes again and if were to do it again, would pass on them.
They were extremely boring and I really didn't learn much that was beneficial.

[Loving Lydia]

Sounds like you ALL need or needed a "Childbirth" class instead of "Lamaze". They teach all about what happens to your body in the last few weeks/months of pregnancy, ways to relieve pregnancy discomforts, danger signs of pregnancy, pre-labor signs and symptoms of labor, what to expect during each of the 3 stages of labor, pain medications, hospital procedures, inductions, c-sections, what to expect postpartum, what happens to the baby right after he or she is born (all hospitals do things different), brief overview of breastfeeding and newborn care. If you have decided not to take a childbirth class then I would suggest you study up on the subject of labor and birth. You might also want to ask questions at your hospital tour.

[Jenny77]

I'm definitely going to take advantage of all the classes available. IF they end up being too boring, i'll just leave early. I'm really wanting to try the whole natural delivery thing, and a lot of people have told me that if your going to attempt the drug-free route to definitely take some type of class that teaches about breathing etc. Sometimes I think that there is so much available on the Internet and in books, that you can read up and know just as much as if you went to a class though, maybe more. My hospital is only like 15 minutes away so I can't use the Hassle excuse. I'm sure I'll go to all of mine anyway, I'm such a nervous person, I signed up for the baby care and infant CPR classes. I'm sure infant care is just changing diapers etc (who doesn't know how to do that, but oh well.)

[duehring]

Personally, the classes did nothing for me. Yeah, they teach you how to breathe, but I did labor drug free and nothing I learned in the class came back to me during labor. They will tell you how to breathe when you are going through it too. I felt like it was a waste of time for me.

It won't hurt to take it though. It is a fun date with your husband with lots of laughs while practicing the breathing and relaxing techniques.

[kellym]

Oh, great, thanks so much. I appreciate all points of view. Most of what I have heard has been don't bother but they enjoyed the hospital tour. Well, only through rumor did my doctor confirm that they may stop delivering at my inteded delivering hospital so that may be out the door also. My sister and mom were just acting apalled when I said I may skip out on the classes.

[pearl451]

With my DD I was on bedrest from 25weeks on so I was told no classes. My OB said don't worry we will walk you through it. Then He told me at 37 weeks to go next sat Sat. to take the classes just so you are prepared. I was so mad! Well needless to say I delivered at the time I should have been in class! My delivery was so easy & the nurse walked me through everything. I wouldn't dream of spending an afternoon sitting in a class now!