is it really necessary to takechildbirth classes (breathing, breastfeeding, what to do with bab y)?

Answer 1

I honestly felt like I didn't learn anything from the childbirth class that I hadn't already read in a book. it depends on your situation, if you have a partner, who is uneasy, the class is great for that...my hubby had never seen childbirth till the video in the class (he didn't tell me that until AFTER the baby was born thank goodness!) But if you want it for new information...a good book (such as "your pregnancy week by week") is sufficient. Feel out your own situation...weigh what you know already, and if you need it...you can't go back and take the class when it's all over. Best wishes :)

Answer 2

I took a childbirth education class, and while it was very interesting and I did learn a lot about how birth occurs, the different stages of labor, what's done with the baby immediately after delivery, etc., all the breathing techniques they taught us and the different positions you can get in to ease labor pains all went out the window when I started contracting. I could barely remember to breathe through my contractions, much less HOW I was supposed to breathe (three short, one long, I think it was) and the only position I wanted was to get my d@mn epidural and relax on my back in bed. LOL The class was sponsored by my hospital, so it was free and gave us something to do on Wednesday nights for a month, but if I had had to pay for it, I would have been upset.

I'm sure all women are different though. I guess what they teach you really does help many women.

Answer 3

I was in my late 20's when I was pregnant the first time and thought I knew quite a bit about everything to do with babies, pregnancy and breast feeding. I can tell you know that I didn't know near enough. I found someone that was teaching the Bradley method of child birth http://www.bradleybirth.com/
I can honestly say that I can not imagine having a baby with out having taken that course. It teaches you not only every single thing that will happen to you but also how to manage your own birth and not just follow along with what folks are telling you. It teaches you how to train your body for a fit pregnancy and really great birthing experience. This is going to be one of the most important things that you will ever do in your life, not to mention one of the most beautiful. You want to have all of the information that you can so you can make informed choices and make this everything that you want it to be. I look back now on the birth of my two children and have no regrets or wishing that I would have done something differently. Best of luck to you and yours and enjoy.

Answer 4

I am a labour and delivery nurse and I could teach a childbirth class but I still took one because
1) I didn't want to deprive my husband of learning about the birthing process, and breathing techniques and what to expect when I am in labour just because I work there.
2) It was nice to interact with other pregnant women, hear they're stories and fears
I tried to blend in with the class and hoped that no one would know that I was a L&D nurse (unfortunely there was 2 couples that I had assessed earlier with false labour in my class)

All in all it is fun to do the class, you learn things you may not have known and it really hits you that you are going to have a baby!

Answer 5

If this is your first baby, it can be really helpful. They teach you a lot more than breathing these days. If you do decide to take a class, I suggest a class taught by an independent childbirth instructor, NOT a hospital class. Hospital classes are about hwo to be a good patient. You want to learn to be a good consumer instead. Birthworks and Bradley are great classes.

Some good books for you to read to prepare:
The Birth Book by Dr. Sears
The Birth Partner by Simkin
Birthing From Within by England
Husband Coached Childbirth by Dr. Bradley
Choosing Waterbirth by Bertram (sp?)

Answer 6

Yes. You should be willing to do anything to help yourself and your baby. You may have learned it prior at some point but you may get some small detail from the class that will save you allot of grief and possibly your babies life. when my 11 yr old was less than a month old she started choking and if i hadn't taken the breastfeeding class she may have died. I say learn as much as possible , be prepared . Take all the classes you can you owe it to yourself and your baby , your life will be considerably less stressful.

Answer 7

I think so. Better to be prepared than not. Most hospitals offer them at very little if any cost.

Both my husband & I took them. He was the ONLY man at the breastfeeding class! LOL

Answer 8

I never took any classes but i would read lots of magazines and books. Im glad i didnt spend money on any classes because i learned enough from reading. And while your at the hospital the nurses will show you how to breastfeed. Also if you have any question the baby they will be able to explain it to you.

Answer 9

i had three children with out classes. thou i did have my mom and grandma. the main lesson walk alot and stay calm. the doctor will tell you what hes going to do and belive me you'll know what to do when the time comes. you push!! none of my deliverys took more than 4 hours and that was with the 3rd baby. (i had all 3 with in 22 months, all single pregnacys) my body was pooped. my first delivery i never felt but the last three contractions and he was here! labor lasted what i knew of it (cause i never felt anything) about 30-45 min. and i had a totally natural delivery NO DRUGS. i just stayed calm
my hubby was nervose enuf for both of us!

Answer 10

i don't think childbirth classes ar necessary but if you feel you need one, then go ahead. here in the philippines, iv never heard of childbirth classes.(not popular here). we rely on motherly instinct. oldies tell me you should be able to take care of your own child, that's nature.let nature take its course.i know you'd be doing just fine. i am 28 weeks pregnant and i don't worry about not having attended childbirth classes.i know i can take care of my baby.