Childbirth classes

What's your opinion on them? Worth the $100 or will the nurses in L&D tell you what you need to do? 

My hubby works nights and many weekends (classes are offered evenings and 1 saturday a month. SO scheduling is going to be rough. IF I do take it would it be completly inappropriate or weird to take it by myself? One of my friends suggested seeing if there was something online or does anyone know of a good book (s) that I could pick up?

Thanks ladies!

I didnt do the classes, but prepared myself by talking to my mother and reading whatever I could online. Of course I ended up with a C-section for both my kids. With my daughter my doctor thought she was going to be too big and I wasnt progressing, but ended up being that the cord was wrapped around her head. My sister in-law had no classes and did great. Plus watching Birth Day and shows like that give you an idea of what to expect. Plus your nurses really are good guides during labor.  I really think our bodies are meant for this and classes arent a must, but if you feel the $100 is worth it then give it a try.

Hi Liz,
I took the class and thought it was a waste of time everytime we went.  Then in the end, I also had to have a C-section.  So not worth it on my end. 

Just like the other person that posted, nurses know what to do and watch the shows as well.

Bambi

Is the class a "La-Maze" type class?  Like breathing?   Or just "what to expect" ?  

I didn't take a class.... my OB said that while La-Maze (I am probably spelling that wrong!) had it's place 20 years ago now days most women opt for epidurals before any serious breathing techniques would be useful. 

I was thinking of making my husband (and I) take "parenting an infant" classes that were offered, but I waited too long and my husband really didn't want to.  Instead, while I was in labor and afterwards, we watched the hospital's "baby" channel that showed how to diaper, feed, burp, bathe, etc a newborn.  LOL. 

All the babbling for me to tell you.... I had contractions for almost 24 hours before my epidural, BUT they weren't that bad and I was busy wrapping up some work stuff (gotta love wi-fi in the hospital!) and wouldn't have used any type of breathing anyway..... 

I did read TONS of birth stories from different websites so I was prepared for any scenario.... and after baby I LOVE the book "What to Expect In The First Year".  I read it every month out loud to my husband so he knows what Cooper *should* be doing.  heh heh. 

If you do take a class you'll have to tell us about it !  

Cindy

Cindy - it is a bit of a combo breathing and what to expect - it is 8 hours on a saturday! Hubby almost fell over - he said he could take maybe 2 lol. Not that he doesn't love me or the baby but he isn't a "class" kind of guy. I think I'll go the reading and researching route.

I will get the What to expect the 1st year book though.

Thanks!!!

Liz,

I highly recommend a class on technique and breathing. If I would have known how to breathe it would have made my natural birth with Nylah much better. Since I had an understanding the second time Vannah came natural as well but much easier.

Jennifer had suggested to breathe and count down from 30 so thats what I did. Can I tell you that was a relief. Since you dont know what to expect it can be very stressful. Slow deep breathes counting down from 30 and laying on my side helped me. Dont hold your breathe because thats just makes it worse. Let your body do the work and breathe with the contractions. With Vannah when I felt like I had to push I just pushed a little so that her head could ease down, with Ny I tore so badly (70 stitches) because I pushed like it was a marathon. It feels like you have to poop so its extremely uncomfortable. I have heard epidurals ease this but I cannot tell you since I never had one.

My husband and I have discussed spending the money and we spoke to our doctor... we won't be taking the classes.

I have been doing research and just from reading... its a waste of time. Labor and Delivery tell you pretty much what to do.

I didn't do a class either... My mom was there to help me plus I had my fiance' but some people need it...If you don't breath right you could hyperventilate or panic attacks  at least thats what the nurses told me... I am really tough and can handle pain so I didn't care...lol We were thinking about doing twins classes this time though so idk... It's just up to you and you hubby...lol

I have been considering taking a birthing class too, but am starting to feel that it may not be worth the money and time.  I have watched so much Discovery Birthday and other shows that I feel that I have a pretty good idea of what to expect.  However, I am definitely going to take the Infant care class.

Take care,

Kim

I'm starting them next month.  I'm a completely nervous person 24/7 and I need to know at least what's about to happen.  Although I know nothing can prepare you for childbirth completely.  My plan (hahaha) is to have the baby naturally so I think the breathing stuff is worth it for us to go.  It's also a 'what to do after the baby is born' class.  My hubby has no siblings and has never even held a baby, much less changed a diaper.  So we are deff going.  We're also taking a breastfeeding class.