How many mommies took a birthing class?
My husband and I took the childbirth class and feel that we benefited from it. Many of the things they talked about I was already aware of but it was good to hear again. I think it was more important for my husband to learn about what was going to happen and how he could help me. It was nice that we were both on the same page while I was in labor. Your partner is the only person who will be there the entire time. The doctor is only there for a little while and nurses come and go. I also liked the class because it was taught by a labor and delivery nurse in the hospital I delivered at. She was able to give more ‘insider’ information like “Dr Smith prefers to use the vaccuum over forceps if it is absolutely necessary.” I felt much more comfortable with the entire process after taking the class even though the information presented wasn’t a surprise.
I was supposed to get a C section and therefore didnt feel the need to go to birthing classes – however, decided to go just to get familiar with what to do when I first go into labour. As it turns out – there is far more they teach you rather than just how to get through the labour and birth. It teaches you how to ease your pain before you are allowed an epidural – this will not be offered to you until well into the labour – you have a fair bit to go before that point! also, if your a first time Mum then they show you lots and lots of little hints and tips for when the baby first arrives which I found enormously helpful. I would go as you will definately pick up lots of advice and you wont panic as lots of people do when your water breaks or when you get the first signs of being in labour – as it turns out – I went 6 weeks early – delivered by forcepts rather than the planned C-section and didnt get the epidural iuntil 1 hour before I gave birth – I was in labour for 30 hours and am ve
I didn’t go, I read one book, by the Mayo Clinic called A Guide to a Healthy Pregnancy. I did make a birth plan though, I didn’t even know what one was until two weeks before I was due. If you don’t know it’s a plan/request of what you would like or not like during delivery, you can Google it and it will give you examples. I didn’t take Lamaze or any of that other stuff, I had a epidural and just winged it. I don’t think any amount of class could have prepared me for it anyways. But a book is good, just so your semi familiar with what might happen, or what tools they might use. But as for the breathing stuff, I did fine without any classes. I would do at least a little research on childbirth just so you know.
I didn’t take any birthing classes with either of my children… and with my first I didn’t have an epidural, but I had pain meds. Also I did have a midwife with both of my children and they are only there when you need to get checked and when it is time to push. Anyway I don’t think if I did have birthing class with would have made the process any easier.
My step mother took it and i got my baby brother days ago. Her water broke before we got to the hospital and it was a long labor. She tried to follow the directions from the birthing class but, as she and my father recalled the main direction was “stand up and walk around as much as possible, it will speed the process up”. But she was just in too much pain to walk. But when she did, it really did work. I really don’t think it’s necessary. Just concentrate on getting up IFF you can, dont push it too far. Good Luck and Congrats!
