Do u really need birthing classes???

Question

Has anyone given natural birth (w/no meds) without taking any birthing classes? If so, did u regret not taking them? For those who took classes, did they help a lot, or could you have done w/out them? My hospital says it is too late for me to take them, and I'm planning on giving birth w/no meds. What's in store for me? I'm kinda worried.

Answer 1

I took a child birth education class and ended up having an epidural (even though I wasn't planning on one) and from my experience...thank God the classes were free (through my hospital) otherwise I would have been pissed because I wasted money. When it came down to it, I was so excited/anxious/nervous...you name it...I forgot all about the breathing, the walking, the squatting...everything they tell you to do.

Answer 2

I did not have a "natural" birth. I had an epidural, and am profoundly thankful for that. It made the birthing process so much less stressful. I understand that you would rather not take the same approach.

My advice is to get to the library or a book store and sit down and read as much as you can before you go into delivery. Knowledge is power and the more you know, the less scary it will be for you. I spent a great deal of time at Barnes & Noble when I was pregnant and knew what was going on when I got there. Everything from the contractions to the doctor breaking my water to the epidural to the pushing--I knew what was expected of me and I knew how the process worked. So get some books--it's been too long, so I don't have much in the way of recommendations--and start reading. Reading up on what to do when you come home with the baby is a good idea as well, because once you're home from the hospital, you're on your own. Best of luck to you and your child. :)

Answer 3

Taking the birthing class was very helpful for me. The breathing techniques help and are mainly a way to divert your attention from the pain. Speaking of which, I too thought I was going to have my baby with no meds, and did pretty well with the breathing techniques until my water broke and I was 6.5 cm dilated. The contractions after that were unbearable (for me anyway) I thought the epidural was great, and it allows you to ENJOY your labor and delivery.

The childbirth class also teaches you how to recognize you're in labor (vs false labor), how to time your contractions, and describes the stages of labor. Generally you know you are in early labor when your contractions are about 7-10 minutes apart and last about 30 seconds. At this point you should start making sure you have everything ready that you will need at the hospital. When your contractions start to get more intense and are about 3-5 minutes apart and last about 1 minute, you want to head over to the hospital...you are now in active labor. Of course if your water breaks before or during any of this, you want to head to the hospital straight away.

I hope this helps a little.

Answer 4

I have given birth naturally and with meds. I have never taken a birthing class and do not think it will make the birthing experience negative to not have taken them. Have a person you trust there to help you and support you in your decision to not use meds. Having said that, I had my first natural and I would never do it again. Labor is different for everyone. If you find that you cannot handle the pain, the meds will be there. Regardless of the delivery, the littlle bundles of joy are worth every second it takes to get them here. Good Luck!!!!

Answer 5

No the classes did nothing for me.

I had what was called "dysfunctional labor" Basically I had contractions that lasted over an hour without stopping. But I wasn't progressing. I would only get a few minutes between each hour long contraction. That went on for 9 hours and only was dilated to 3 cm. Ended up having a C-Section. Thankfully my son was doing great during the labor process.

I'm not trying to scare you but I would recommend going in with an open mind that things may not or may go as you planned for.
And all that matters is keeping you and baby safe!

Good Luck!

Answer 6

I think if you're not good with pain, then you should take meds. I don't think birth classes help that much. I didn't take it, but I know people who did. And they said it was no different. If you have back pains that don't go away, then you shouldn't take meds. Try your best to deal with the pain, and not think about it. Have something or someone there with you, to help you concentrate on them instead of the pain. I regret taking meds, because I have lower back pains. The meds made it worse after wards.

Answer 7

I so wanted a natural birth with no meds, but my first was a week late and big so they induced. I ended up only taking one pain shot and that was enough to relax me/my body from labor to pushing. The nurses walked me through what I should be doing and when. I've now had 3 and I always started by saying no meds, but when I got too uncomfortable I took one shot. All were active and are very healthy.

You can look on line for more detail on what the stages of labor are at babycenter:
http://parentcenter.babycenter.com/refcap/177.html

And here is a suggestion list of what to bring to the hospital:
http://www.babycenter.com/refcap/pregnancy/childbirth/185.html

If you want more info you can email me.

Answer 8

You don't have to have birthing classes, but they are helpful when it comes to teaching you breathing techniques, focusing exercises...etc. I did not take a birthing class with my kids (of course I had meds) but with my son the meds wore off halfway through..and they kept telling me I was breathing wrong. There are plenty of books that can help you learn the proper techniques..It's never too late to learn about birthing. Try Amazon.com

Answer 9

Classes do help. It got me through. My sister however took the classes and they didn't even go over breathing exercises with her. I stopped in to check on her and she was falling apart and crying. I told her to start her breathing exercises , she and her husband both said they didn't teach them that they only showed videos. I ended up staying for the whole thing and doing the breathing and coaching. She said focusing on my voice and the breathing made a world of difference . She was able to calm down and quit crying . So they do help a lot . If you the instructor is good.

Answer 10

No, you don't NEED them.
It however makes you more at ease with your body and trust me when giving birth you can use all the ease you can get.

Try to get a personal coach who can give you some tips, personal body experience. Some therapists have special hours for pregnant women. Ask around, maybe your family-doctor has an idea.