Did you take a birthing class before you delivered?

Question

If you did how helpful was it? Would you say it was necessary? If you didn't how did labor go. I am due in 7 weeks, and am not sure whether I should take a class or not.

Answer 1

I'm due in about 5 weeks and we chose not to take the class. First of all, by the time our schedule would accomodate it, I was already too large to want to be lying around on the floor doing breathing exercises. Second, it seemed like it would be a waste of time if I planned on having an epidural. Third, women have been having babies since the dawn of time using nothing more than common sense and and pair of helping hands. I don't think I need a class to tell me what my body needs!

ETA: having open lines of communication with your obstetrician or midwife and being able to ask THEM questions about what to expect during your delivery is the most important thing. I would also suggest, if you haven't already done so, reading at least one book on the birthing process so that you're going into the situation informed, whether you take a class or not.

Answer 2

I would say for the dad it is more informative than for the mom...as mom's just have the natural instinct. I was in the dilivery room for all of my kids...I didn't take any classes but I did gain lots of knowledge by reading and talking to others. The class isn't really as important as just getting informed for the dad..especially if he's going to be in the room. I know when my son was born...I was in there and watched the machines...they show when a labor is coming on and I coached my wife (x now lol) through it.

The nurses in there complimented me a lot on the way I coached my wife in making the best of the oncoming contraction.

As I said...classes really aren't necessary...just read and gain knowledge and be there dad...this is something you don't want to miss...the miracle of birth is one thing that is truly a miracle.

Answer 3

Yes, I took a full class with my first child (now 19) a refresher course with my second (now 17) and another full class with my youngest (now 9, a full class due to alot of time passing and for my husband it was his first chid)...

I found that taking the class calmed alot of my nerves I felt as if I was doing something positive to prepare for the upcoming delivery and I was able to take parts of the course and use them in a way that helped me... The instructors I had always said not to try and use the class as a textbook of how a labor will go, each labor is different, use it as a guide to manage your individual labor using and modifying the techniques to do what fits your needs...

While taking the classes was not necessary it made me feel empowered and as if I would be more in control of my labor experience... I wouldn't just be doing what a nurse told me to do I would be using techniques I had practiced to guide my labor in a proactive manner...

While the nurses are there to help they can help in a manner you dictate for instance I wanted as little noise as possible during contractions as I wanted to concentrate... When I preregistered at the hospital I was able to speak with a maternity nurse and explain my wishes for silence as much as possible during a contraction (talk all you want in between contractions but during a contraction only when necessary)...

Through out my labor when at all possible all talking would stop when a contraction began to allow me my concentration with the nurses doing most of thier work between contractions... There were sometimes when talking was necessary during a contraction and I understood but by feeling empowered to work with the nurses rather than being directed by them I felt I had more control over my labor...

That is what the classes gave to me...

Answer 4

It was not a waste of time for me!
The class I took was very helpful explained so much more then just breathing! Even went through emergency situations, which turned out to be most helpful, since I didn't make it to the hospital! I say take a class!

Answer 5

I took them and I was glad I did. It helped my husband understand, and see what exactly was happening. Also it helped answer a ton of questions and meet people who understand where you are coming from. Alot of courses include trips to the hospital, so you can see where you will deliver. You can also get answers about pain relief and birth control after the pregnancy. Like someone else wrote, if you get something out of it great, if not oh well! What do you have to loose!? Education is something that has never done anyone wrong!

Answer 6

I took a Bradley Method of birth class and I LOVED it and found it VERY helpful.
It's too late for you to go through that particular class, but that doesn't mean you cannot become informed. Your OB has done many deliveries nad has his/her own ideas on the birth process. I went drug free and did not find it unbearably painful, just like strong cramps. But that's ME. Every woman is different and every delivery is different...
You can get infomed either through the net, or your OB or books or you can just follow the nurses and your Doc's lead.
Either way, Congrats and good luck!!

Answer 7

I didn't take a birthing class for either of my children. My labor was pretty tame, but I did get an epidural when it was about time to push, I couldn't stand the thought of that pain. Good Luck!

Answer 8

I took lamaze classes before I gave birth to my daughter but in the end I need to be induced because there wasn't enough fluid around her and I was stuck at 1 cm. I took an epidural on the third day of my induction. I was induced again six months ago with my son and took another epidural so the classes didn't help me at all but I've heard they help a lot of women.

Answer 9

I went and didn't really get much out of it outside of affirmation that I knew what I was getting into. Honestly though, it wasn't really necessary. I gave birth naturally without meds and my body told me what to do and when. The nurses and midwife or OB will fill in the gaps. I'd say go if you feel you need more information, otherwise don't waste your time.

Answer 10

I didnt get to go to my birthing class i had planned on going that saturday and then went into labor that thursday. My labor was only 5 hours..it wasnt that bad at all...i mean it hurt really bad but it wasnt no 24 hours of labor...goodluck to you!! I dont think that its required i only said one cuss word the whole time...and didnt have an epidural or anything...