Childbirth Classes

I'm a little over 30wks (1st baby) and my doctor hasn't really said much about childbirth classes. Basically, the office says "take them if you want, but no matter what the baby will come out". Well, I *thought* the classes were a little more than just getting the baby out!! I have other prego friends who aren't taking them (this isn't their 1st baby) and tell me that when it comes time to push you "will just know what to do"....I'm so confused now!!! LOL

What's your opinion on the classes? Any comments are GREATLY APPRECIATED! :)

Return to Poll

36%

 (8) 

Take them! Lots of good info!

40%

 (9) 

Waste of time!

9%

 (2) 

Good info, but can do without.

13%

 (3) 

No opinion either way.

22 Members voted

[smjmekg]

I voted no opinion.I had a similar poll not too long ago because my first was a c-section, and second was vaginal. I hadn't been through the classes, and they really didn't teach me anything. It was a bunch of breathing techniques that I didn't use, and a bunch of what to do when the baby comes out, how to change a diaper, massages for in labor that I didn't use...I was monitored very closely since it was my first vaginal attempt, and I had to stay in the bed because I ended up getting an epidural because I hadn't slept in almost 24 hours when it started and it was a 22 hour labor...SO I didn't really get anything from the class...BUT I went ahead and did it anyway, just to see what it was like, for my third whenever I do get pregnant I won't be taking the classes again, because I already know the ins and outs, and have been through a c-section and vaginal birth so I've got enough experience to know what's going on.

As far as the "will just know what to do" part of pushing, I knew you breath in breath out, breath in and bear down...you won't know if you're doing it right based off yourself alone, but the nurses will let you know to push harder, if you're doing good or whatever. I had no clue until I pushed and it felt like I was pooping (sorry tmi) that it was the right push. The nurse said when you feel like you're going to poop you're pushing right, so it's all based on you when you're in the delivery room, and in my opinion no video or speech can let you know that, because it's the way you push and how much you feel.

[snagglepuss1]

Hi,

I never took any of the classes with any of my pregnancies, I just didn't feel they were for me and I have to say once true labour kicked in and I felt the urge to push I just went with what my body was telling me, didn't try and fight it, just took a deep breath, put my chin to my chest and pushed with all my might!

[Clysta]

I never took any classes with mine. I read up a bit about it prior to delivery, but due to back labour didn't go fully natural like I had hoped. My water was broken at 9cm, and immediately I progressed to 10 and my body started to push on it's own. For me I just trusted instinct and knew what to do.

[Tasia32]

I have never taken a class, I have heard they have good info but I just never thought I really needed them, good luck on making a decision.

[mamaof4410]

I took them with my first ( i was 16 and had no clue about anything to do w/ birthing) everything I learned I read about in books. It was pointless to me and I actually prefered the reading material. I have done all 3 of my births naturally. I will do it again naturally this time around as well.  Unless it's like Hypnobirthing, which you have to learn relaxation techniques, I would just do alot of researching on how the process happens. Good Luck

[NicMom]

I didn't get a chance to take classes with my first so 11 years later when I had my second I did a home dvd class thing with my husband (laugh and learn about childbirth). It was more information for him than me. If you have read any pregnancy books they pretty much cover everything in the class.

The one thing I came away with was a good breathing technique that I used while in hard labor.

[alaysha]

I never took the classes but I tried one of the at home video lessons and it just seemed silly to me. Not to mention I completely forgot everything once I was actually in the delivery room. I read somewhere that most people don't actually retain that information. I had them pretty quickly once it came to the pushing part. If you are going to go to the classes I would have your husband make flashcards he can hold up when you are in labor.

[angela418]

My husband and I attended a class for breastfeeding, lamaze and baby safety.  It was all great information and probably the best one was the breastfeeding.  The lamaze was great, too, especially the relaxation part - but I was induced and got an epidural so it really didn't end up applying to me after all.  My husband took really good notes at the classes so he remembered stuff after the baby was born that I didn't.  I mean come on, how do they expect extremely pregnant women to remember all that stuff - haha.  But, anyways, they were great classes and if it's your first child, I'd recommend them, just to feel like you are more "prepared".  Even though, truthfully, nothing can prepare you like actually having the baby there to take care of all by yourself or with your partner.  I won't take them again for this pregnancy, I am 32 weeks along, but I am certainly glad I took them the first time around.

[Ezkg]

I went for my first. I think it was mostly useful. Not sure if I'd go again. I did leave feeling a bit guilty about potentially having a c section- it was very pro natural. However, some of the benefits of going to the antenatal classes - in sone ways it's really more for the guys... They taught everything from nappies up.. And I liked my dh hearing that there was nothing strange about me being in my pjs at 5pm after a long hard day with bub, that I'd need neck rubs from bending over feeding bubs and to not be surprised if he walked in the door after wk and immediately got handed the bub amongst other things! ;)  it also brought up good discussion points for us as first time parents like did we want an extra support person on standby etc 

[sgt6852wife]

Thanks everyone for your input! Still haven't decided on childbirth or an infant care class!

[mamaof4410]

The infant care would probably be more helpful if you have never taken care of a baby. Id rather do that since you won't be in pain trying to remember everything they taught you LOL. Good Luck!

[Corinne28]

I think it depends on how much you know about childbirth in general. I took the classes as this is my first child and found them to be a waste of time. That being said, I am a pretty educated person when it comes to biology and medicine. It really depends on what you know already and what you've read. Some of the relaxation techniques seem helpful!

[chantal21]

I never took a class. My midwife just recently made it mandatory for first time moms to take a class, but I am now having my 3rd so I feel like I know what I am doing now and what things to expect (for the most part, unless an emergency were to come up) Personally, I did just fine with my first. I just did a lot of research on my own and read some books on natural birth, and honestly, it was enough for me. Everyone gets into their own groove when in labor, so it just depends. You can practice all you want before birth, but once you go into labor, you will find what works best for you, and it may be something that was never taught in a class. haha If you are wanting a natural birth, it's best to research some tips and techniques to help cope with the pain.

[JoyRenee]

I am going to become a Childbirth Educator (CBE) because I am that passionate about educating and empowering women to make choices regarding their child's birth. Yes, the baby will get out in some way but you obviously want to choose the easiest and safest route!

I'm quoting a blog here when I say this: "While birth can be unpredictable there is substantial research evidence that supports ways to minimize risks and improve health outcomes for both mothers and babies."

By taking a class in your preferred method of childbirth (Lamaze, Bradley, Hynobirthing, Natural Birth or just a standard class) you are increasing the likelihood of having a peaceful birth and reducing the risk of trauma to you and baby.

So I voted that it IS worth it. I did NOT take a class when pregnant with any of my kids and I wish I could rewind time and go back for a redo. I did take a Baby Care class and a Breastfeeding class. You TRULY learn things you would never otherwise know.

I say go! And it will be FUN!

Many places to find CBEs and here is the one I'm going to go through for my certification:
http://www.icappa.net/mc/directory/viewnarrowsearch.do

You'll select Childbirth Educator (and you can select other things that interest you, too, like a Birth Photographer or Doula, etc. Some CBEs are also doulas).

[NicMom]

The infant care class is probably offered at your hospital before you check out. You might want to call the L&D department and ask them.

[amira_zeng]

I think the classes will be helpfull. You will learn the breath technic which can help to reduce the pain and you will know what are the signs for childbirth.

[SHVEPS]

This was my 1st and my husband and I went to an infant care class. I had never changed a diaper before so it was more for my own piece of mind. The info we got was pretty much basic common sense, but it was worth the $30. Personally, I wouldn't pay more than that.

I've never taken a childbirth class, but I read through a Lamaze book, which helped me feel more confident - I knew I didn't want an epidural but everyone I talked to thought I was crazy not to get it. You probably won't really 'learn' all that much, but it could help you feel more in control. In any way, the baby IS coming out, there's no two ways about it :))) To me, the hard part is afterwards, when you're up in the middle of the night and she's fussy and restless.

[Michele, Katy, TX]

I never took any type of Lamaze classes with any of my kids.  I remember being in labor w/ #3 I believe and one of the nurses trying to tell me how to breathe.  I was in so much pain that I wanted to throw the instrument try at her.  LOL!  Focal points and breathing techniques didn't help me.  Just getting the baby out was all that was going to help me.  Ha ha!  But I am sure that some women may find it helpful.  

If it is your first baby and you really don't have any experience with infants/newborns, and/or are planning to breastfeed, I do think that taking a class on infant care would be good.  They talk about things like changing diapers, bathing an infant (which can be kind of tricky), nipple care if you are breastfeeding, and many other things that I haven't mentioned so to me, it's worth it.  Many hospitals offer this for free.  But they will probably also give you tons of reading materials and books on infant care, when you leave the hospital.  My hospitals do.

Anyway, good luck with whatever you decide!

[Spiket77]

I think it is worth it. Just choose a class that is in-line with your desired birth plan. If you are going natural...choose a technique, if you are going for a medicated birth...take the hospital's class. You have a lot of options and I feel it will empower you to know what those options are. Best of luck to you!

[amandamae1126]

I took a childbirth prep class, breastfeeding course, and a baby care class. I personally learned the most from the breastfeeding and the last day of the childbirth prep class. The prep class was 6 weeks long (2 hours once per week) and ended with speaking to a pediatrician...I got so much info from him that I didn't know I needed to know! And all the courses made me feel more comfortable with what was about to happen. This is my first baby, but I've had lots of experience with them. Still I felt it was beneficial to take the classes.

Having gestational diabeties and knowing that little Ava is not so little, my dr is preparing me for a c-section. I will be allowed to try to deliver vaginally, but she wants me to be prepared for the alternative. Even so, I found these classes to be beneficial because the class also talked about c-sections, after care and what to expect.

If you have the time and can afford them, I vote to take the class. being 30 weeks along, you really need to jump in now and do it before your time is up!! :)

[sgt6852wife]

Thanks for all of your input! I have an appt to meet with a RN to talk about them and get some more info. I'm excited, but running out of time!!!

[hopefulmom17]

Take them its part of the whole 1st baby experience and its good for your partner to go with you. Its good bonding time