Are child bearing classes worth the money?

Question

Okay, I'm 31 weeks pregnant, this is my first child. I've done alot of research and read alot of books about labor and delievery and what my options are. My doctor still wants me to take the class offered at the hospital. However, this class is 75 dollars and lasts only one weekend. How useful, for such a high cost, are these classes? I don't have extra money right now because I need so many things for baby, and I take night/ weekend classes at college plus work full time. Is taking the child bearing class worth the money and effort, when I already know about my options? (if I take the class I won't be able to take it until i'm 35 weeks pregnant)

Answer 1

If it costs that much, I say forget it! They are helpful in giving you techniques for pain and letting you know what to expect. But at that cost, you can do without it. I never took one and I did fine. Granted I was a little confused at first and one evil little old nurse treated me like a dumb little girl who went out and got knocked up( I was 19) but the rest of the nursing staff was great. They kept me informed and kept my freaked out husband calm. Trust in your choice of doctor and hospital. Maybe talk to other moms to find out what may happen. You are more than welcome to get a hold of me with any questions or concerns. Also, request a walk through of your hospital's maternity ward. This costs nothing and you'll get to see where the miracle of life will happen. Maybe even talk to some new moms while you're there. Good Luck!! Let me know if you need anything! Even stuff, I was in a tough spot with my first and a lot of people helped me! I'd love to be able to help you.

Answer 2

I took the class when i was 34 weeks. It costed 35 dallors for me and it was a total waste of my time. I still have the same thought when i came out when it comes time you will know how to breath. They handed me a booklet, showed a birth movie of the stages, did two breathing methods. It was 6 long hours.

I knew a lot of information before i went in though, and if you know about birth and braxton hicks, and the pain medications available to you, then their isnt really any need to take it. But if it is free then why not, I just regret taking it because i had to pay 35 dallors for stuff i already knew.

They also did a tour of the birth room at the hospital, but you can do that without the Lamaze class for free.

Answer 3

What is way more helpful is having a good coach through the birth. I was lucky because with my first I happened to have a great nurse on floor with us. Anyone who can help encourage and soothe you throughout will be good. You can learn many methods online without paying. Birth is really like bad constipation. It's just so tiring that by the end you'll be ready to GET DONE. It's much more along the lines of monumental work than extreme pain. If you wish to store cord blood tell your doctor or hospital now. Also if you opt for epidural say so at the beginning if you can. I waited too long with both, but everything was fine. Good luck.

Answer 4

I dont think it was worth the money or time for the class. There is nothing in that class that you cant learn from books, internet or those child birth shows that are on daily on the discovery channel health. There is also nothing from that class that helped me deliver my first baby, I dont really feel that I learned anything new in the class. Besides nothing really prepares you for child birth except experiencing it yourself. Be honest with your dr. and tell him of the books you have read and research you have done and say you dont feel you have the extra money to pay for a class. The nurse will be there for you to help you along the way and tell you what you need to do. The dr. is only in the room for the last few pushes to catch the baby and stitch you back together.

Answer 5

Well, this is my opinion:

I have had three kids, and when the time comes to have a baby, your body knows what to do. Unless you plan on having a baby in the back of a cab or on the bus, all of the deep breathing and relaxation techniques are easy to find on the 'net.

If you are worried about anything, I would ask the doctor, or even the nurse. If you are worried about caring for your baby after the birth, they can also help you with those answers. $75 is a lot of money when you are in college. I say, let nature take its course, and ask questions to the proper people. Millions of women give birth without attending these classes with no problems at all, and there are those who have problems even after attending the class.

Good luck!

Answer 6

I never took it with my first two and did just fine (i didn't even read the books) i just watched a lot of "a baby story". I'm going through it this time for my husbands sake (it's his first) but it only costs 25 dollars at my hospital for 6 sessions at 1 a week. many people don't take the classes though. i hear they're very beneficial to a new parent though for pain reducing breathing techniques- but if you're getting an epidural it might not be worth it to you. i hope i helped you some.

Answer 7

I took one that lasted 5 weeks for $65. Sounds like you're getting ripped off to me....unless it's a weekend at a hotel with meals or something. I was glad that I went because it covered c-sections and I had always skipped over that part in the books because I never dreamed I'd have to have one. Low-and-behold I had one and I was really grateful for what I had learned in that class. It also included a tour of the maternity ward at our hospital so that was kind of cool. Good luck.

Answer 8

Really it's up to you. I took the class offered at the hospital with my first pregnancy and I thought it was a colossal waste of time. It dealt with a lot of relaxation techniques to help you get through labor without pain meds and I already knew I wanted an epidural. Everything she taught in the class I had already read in my pregnancy books. If you don't want to, and really can't afford to, skip it.

Answer 9

I didn't take a class, but I doubt it would be worth the money. When you get in the delivery room you probably wouldn't remember anything you learned anyway. If there's anything you need to know during labor & delivery the doctor & nurses will tell you.

Answer 10

The one I went to was Free. We did have to pay for parking though. I did take Infant CPR, I did pay for that, it was $15 to cover the cost of the Book. Call around, you may find it cheaper or free and it be the same thing. Just have to find the right place.