Classes

[LaLaWalks]

I am a FTM in my 9th week. I have recently met with the nurse at my doctor's office and she provided me with a lot of information. Some of the information given could be very helpful to someone younger than myself. Being a woman I think it's silly to take classes for first time parents (I am 31 and the last of everyone I know to have kids). I have changed, bathed, fed, you name it I've done it. However I asked my husband (who I've never even seen hold a toddler, let alone infant) if he felt he needed to take any classes or if he felt we should take a labor & delivery class. He said he's never changed a diaper before (yikes!!). I know they teach you these types of things in the hospital but this was a red flag to me, what else has he not done, lol. Do you think it would benefit him for us to sit through one all day Saturday class that teaches everything we need to know? I'm not sure if I'm scared for him to be overwhelmed when the time comes and just trying to help him prepare or if I am just freaking out about it. His plan is to take care of the baby for most of the first week so I can rest. The class is a couple hundred dollars and isn't covered by our insurance so I'm hesitant to sign us up if I'm just being a worry wart. He thinks he doesn't need it but says he will take it if I decide to sign us up. Moms and aunts can only be around to help so much. In addition, has anyone taken a labor & delivery class and did you find it beneficial?

[schenner2]

I like you had babysat in my teens so had some experience. Hubby not so much.   We took a class together and while most of it was total common sense there was some natural labouring pain techniques i picked up and our class included a free car seat clinic where they test how you have your car seat installed in your car and fix it if not installed properly which i loved.  As for the practical things i found it to be a waste of a day: hubby didnt learn much as it was a 2 minute heres how you change a diaper demonstration which i could have shown him and same with the baby bathing. I felt as though the course should have been taught in highschool to prevent teen pregnancy or to teen parents. Lots of advising you how much time babies take up and how needy and expensive  they are. That was our experience anyways not to discourage you if you want to do it!

[happiMom87]

I think it depends on you.. I had my first baby at 21 never even held a baby and I really feel that your parental skills just know when to kick in lol.. I never needed much help except for maybe colic remedies or home things like that.. which I called my mom for..

[lorinewmum]

Such a good question to ask. We are given free antenatal classes here and because we will be first time parents, we decided to take it on. For me it will be to meet other new parents and share tips and just getting our mindsets right, since we are not in touch with many people with kids and this will become our world, so best get ready mentally. I have no doubt that your husband will struggle for long. Once he realises that he is responsible for the baby, he will step up. I think children change how we see ourselves and make us want to be our best, so I believe all will be well. At first everyone will struggle but you will be forced to get it right fast, lol! Best of luck to all of us first time moms!

[mrskenny87]

My husband, like yours, had never held a child let alone a newborn. We booked for an antenatal course which ended up being cancelled as the other babies arrived early! I love watching one born every minute so made him watch a couple of shows so he had some idea of what would happen. Up until that point he had wanted to eat the placenta, I was set against it! He saw a blobby mess and asked what it was, he soon changed his mind! When we delivered our little boy I was sent for a shower and he was left to dress the baby, I did check the nappy was the right way around when I got back but he did a good job! Now he's nearly 2 and my husband is an amazing dad, he's really stepped into it and I couldn't ask anymore. Classes or not I think they will find their own feet :-)

[mommalombardi]

With our first we did not take a class but my husband was in the same boat as yours.. he never even held a child or changed a diaper. He always told me he would learn when she got here. And we'll he did! I ended up having to get a csection so the nurse made sure to show him and he insisted on doing it the first couple days. He is a pro now (she is 2 so I would hope so) lol. All I'm saying is your husband will more than likely be fine without the class especially if you have some idea of what to do. You can learn and take classes but once your child is there it is totally different! ! Good luck :)