childbirth classes?

[purrltea]

I was wondering if anyone has had good or bad experiences with childbirth classes? Would you recommend taking them? If I don't take them, will I be totally clueless while attempting to give birth? The reason I ask is though I'm only 23 1/2 weeks along now, I have to decide whether I want to sign up within the next few days or so, or all the

Comments

[glimmeringhope]

I was planning, and had, an all natural birth, so I didn't feel like I needed the hospital offered class, because it was highly focused on medicated births. I did my own reading and talked to friends online who had natural births instead to prepare myself (and took a tour of L&D with a nurse so I could ask her any hospital-specific questions I had). But...since you may have complications and/or c-section, I would take the class. It will help you get used to the hospital and find out what to expect with a more medically managed birth. Good luck! And ADORABLE belly pic!

[ias]

Nobody can guarantee a vaginal delivery so the classes always cover c-sections as well.

We did two lots of ante-natal classes: the National Childbirth Trust classes were longer (2 full days and two evenings pus an evening on breastfeeding) and took time to go into things, a lot of which I'd covered in reading and reading various LJ communities but I think some of the stuff was new to Nick; the NHS classes at our local hospital were shorter, only three evenings (plus 1.5 hours breastfeeding for mums only) so didn't go into as much depth but were very useful for finding out practices at that hospital.

Both were also useful for social contacts as well as none of our existing nearby friends are likely to sprog any time soon, and we have had meet-ups with couples from both classes since they finished.

[mummygeorgie]

I did the ones my hospital offered, when I was pregnant with my first. They were ok, I didn't learn anything earth-shattering, but it made me feel a little more comfortable about the idea of giving birth. We also covered things like newborn care (changing nappies, bathing baby, breastfeeding) in the same classes.

[legendofthehawk]

I'd say go for the classes. We skipped some (they booked so far ahead in advance!). I didn't really miss the childbirth ones, but breastfeeding would have been *extremely* helpful as would have attending a few Le Leche League meetings before baby. So if you have trouble after birth, you already have a support network in place. This probably would have been solved with a doula, but I was concerned about money (didnt realize some are low cost/free).
As a result, we struggled.

Also because we were planning a medicated birth from the go, I thought this meant we did not need pain management classes. (bradely, Lamaze, hypnobirth). I was *wrong*. Medication is not always instant from the moment it starts, sometimes you have to wait for your cervix to dilate enough or for the person to come and do it (as often they have to be called in to do it), and sometimes it just stops working all together. in otherwords, even if you plan on an epi, those pain management classes will still be helpful!

Cute belly, btw :)

[musicalsguru]

We took an extended version of the regular class (had a day on breastfeeding included and infant care), and really enjoyed it (try to take a class on breastfeeding, it really helps!). Yes you can get the same info from book and web info, but the talking about everything with other couples, and going through it together was great. My SIL also went to a class but it was a one day intensive (vs our once a week for 8 wks) and it felt rushed and they didn't get that connection. If you have time for it I recommend it, as you can do your research after each class and ask questions the next week. Also we still keep in touch by email and talk about our kids:)
Our teacher said that often times couples drop out because they go into labor, but unless you are high risk for early birth I think you have a safe bet of making it through.