Lamaze classes

[Roz1977]

Hey girls! I am almost 5 months pregnant with my first and i have not heard much about lamaze classes. Has anyone taken them and if so were they helpful? Thank you!

[nikko*ttc]

I am starting my birth classes on the 1st of October. I didn't do them with my first child, so I was looking forward to it this time. I feel like after going through L&D, I know what it will be like. But I want to learn some techniques to help cope. I am also looking forward to DH getting a good overview of what to expect since this is his first and last, I want it to be a pleasant as possible experience.

[FEOT]

Im taking birthing classes, starting Oct 1st. They suggest to get your classes done before week 36, im finishing mine on that exact week. Its 4 nights, 2 a week. Im taking them to just learn on what to expect and what my options are. Also so hubby can help be the best way possible. Im excited and cant wait.

[LauraB78]

The ex and I did the tour of the maternity ward this past weekend. We are taking the birthing classes. I am due Jan. 15th and the way the hospital here offers the class is as follows;

We will have 7 classes throughout the month of December. I think birthing classes are typically taken at about 32-36 weeks'ish'?

The line up of classes is great, They even have 1 class totally dedicated to Dad's.. And even if my ex hadn't decided to (VERY recently) "step up" I was still planning on going to the birthing classes solo.. I think it will be great to meet other expectant Mom's/couples..

I think they just arent "trendy" right now, personally...

[krushing]

My hospital will not let you sign up for any kind of classes until you are 20 weeks.

[NLee]

Hi ladies! This forum was really helpful! I am in the VERY early stages of my pregnancy and am all over the place with what to do, when to do them and how. I am so nervous about this all and I hope by the time I'm ready for lamaze classes I can post my wonderful expercience like the rest. Question though; When is a good time to start a birthing class or Lamaze sessions?

[ovaz129]

We are going to take classes.  I think that birthing techniques are cyclical.  One decade they are "in" and another decade they are "out".  So, I don't think that lamaze is a thing of the past, rather it isn't "popular" right now.  

We plan on taking classes and our hospital fills up the classes so fast that we had to sign up in our 1st trimester!!  So, appartently they are not considered a thing of the past out here :)  We wanted to practice different techniques as well as meet people who are going through the same thing as we are.  I think taking classes is beneficial for mom, dad, and even siblings.  Have fun with them!! :)

[thisbabygrama2one]

Hi!!.. Im Sage the daughter of thisbabygrama2one..  (the one who took the lamaze class).. and contrary to the popular belief.. lamaze class isnt much about breathing, at least not anymore  we did learn about how to breathe..but we learned soooooooooo many different things.  Any question that we had was answered.. even the ones that were embarrasing to ask.. and as for the couple thing.. all of us were couples at my lamaze classes so each class is different.. you just have to decide what is best for you.  My husband and I both would highly recomend it.. and looked forward to each class.  Not only that.. I made a bunch of friends that were due within a month of me.. and we get together to walk once a week (gotta get that baby weight off..lol).. and share what new has happened with our babies..  we have recently started finding things to do other than that.. theres a local coffee shop that is dedicated to moms and their babies ..its an interactive coffee shop..they do arts and crafts  .. and we just found a place that shows movies once a week that are dedicated to parents that can bring their kids from birth to whatever...movies that are in the theatre...actually at a theatre.. and we are doing it all together.. so as you can see .. I have formed a great bond with these girls.. and am so glad I did lamaze.. I personally would highly recomend it!

[Roz1977]

awww i cant believe you were the only couple there! i hope that you benifited from the claases anyhow.
thanks girls for all the info

[kjbutcher]

I did not take the classes and had a natural birth.  I think I probably could have benefitted from them just for the keeping calm part, but my husband could have really used them.  He thought the pain started during delivery when I was pushing so he pretty much fought with me the entire time I was in a labor telling me how much I was faking and made it a horrible experience.  

[amy0013]

My hospital did not even offer lamaze class b/c, like Joy said, it is sort of a thing of the past now!  They said they hadn't had good attendance in a long time so they dropped it all together.

Roz - I hope you are able to meet some other couples.  We were also hoping to meet couples and we wound up being the ONLY couple in the class!  The other ladies were all single mommies!  :)

[Roz1977]

That is what i was hoping, to meet other girls in the same situation as me. Most of my friends are single. I appreciate all your resposes!

[pmperez]

I havent had a baby yet, but Im 28 weeks and at the end of September Im having a Doula come over to have 2 private sessions with me and my DH and B/F, I think it could be helpful, it wasnt that expensive either I think 1 on 1 would be better for us

[Keril14]

I am taking a birthing class.  not so much because I am nervous or unsure how things are going to go that day, but more to give my husband more heads up and practice.  He is a nervous person and doesn't handle stress or pressure well, so it will be great for him.  Plus, I think it is also a nice and special time the two of us can do together.

[thisbabygrama2one]

Well, just from the 'mom' of someone who did do the Lamaze classes, i wanted to say that she met some wonderful girls who now get together to walk with their babies, and share they're experiences.. It's been a wonderful, and bonding experience that she treasures.  So, for what it's worth, it gives you time with others going through the same thing as you, helps hubby  understand better what your going through, and gives you lots of other valuable info even if you dont use the 'technique'.   Just thought i'd give my thoughts... best to you what ever you decide..  

[JoyRenee]

I think Lamaze is a thing of the past. There are so many other different birth approaches. I personally never took a birthing class. I just had the support of my hubby, my MIL, and the nurses and everything went beautifully!!! I wouldn't have changed anything about it.

BUT I do recommend a Baby Care Basics course so you can ask questions and get the latest information on safety and infant care!