parenting education classes

[Rossy25]

I'm a ftm I'm 28 weeks +6 days.  And I was told I need to take some classes to prepare me for my baby, labor care and what not. However the hospital I'm getting my pregnancy care at does not have this classes. Have any of you lady's had to search elsewhere if so what do I do where do I start my search I live in New York City if anyone is from here please help with any info!!! Thanks!

[Nov7thmommy]

Uhhhh I wanna do that too

[mummainoz]

Our wasn't free either, $250AUD :-(

[mummainoz]

I had a similar experience to Rosealie23. Ours were supposed to be 2hr classes for 6wks at the hospital, we stopped going after the 2nd one. They just covered everything we had already read about and seemed to cause more fear for some ladies. I'd just buy a good book or ask your dr to recommend a good one.

[elle30]

Rosealie what kind of class did you take because mine was nothing weird like that? Lol. My l&d classes were like 12 hrs spread over 4 weeks of legitimate info, videos, breathing, what pitocin is, stages of labor, when to go/not go to hosp, stuff about epidurals and c sections and other options, etc etc. It wasnt a free class so maybe thats why but even the free babies r us class i took had useful info. That was taught by i think a nurse or doula and was only an hr but good if you don't know much about newborns. Guess it depends where you take it and the teacher giving the class.

[rosealie23]

I sat through one class and me and my husband walked to the car laughing. The woman in charge went through the whole class with a clothes pin clipped on her ear. The activity was to clip a clothes pin on your ear and she said it felt like labor pain. I am hear to tell you it felt nothing like labor pain.  I think they are a waste of time but could ease your pre-labor fears if you are nervous. You Dr or hospital should be able to give you some ideas on where to go for classes.

[Rossy25]

Oh thanks ladys I will start by calling other hospitals. And I will call babysrus.

[WaitingForOct]

If you have a planned parenthood near by, ours offers free or very cheap classes? I'm so surprised your hospital doesn't offer anything?? Have you checked other hospitals? You don't have to give birth their to attend the class.

[elle30]

Babies r us offers classes for general parenting, breastfeeding etc and are free. Just go to registry counter to sign up. The labor and delivery class (which i highly recommend and gained a lot of useful info esp. to learn to relax during birth and much more) was through my hospital, but if a different hopsital has it you can take it there (you dont have to be delivering there) or just type online labor and delivery class and your area and there should be plenty of independent places that offer it. Some private places are pricey, so i'd check other hospitals 1st.