Is taking childbirth preparation classes really necessary?

Question

I am now in week 32 of my pregnancy and have been having Braxton-Hicks contractions off and on for the last few weeks, and I never signed up for the childbirth preparation classes and now I'm thinking I should have.
I followed my doctor's advice, did everything I was supposed to, and had two books that I read, but are the classes really that helpful in preparing a first time mom?

Answer 1

I never took them and I had a fine time with my first pregnancy. I think they may help ease the nerves of some women but they are not necassary for all new moms. It is a personal choice and doesn't make you a better mom if you take them. Good luck, enjoy what is left of your pregnancy!

Answer 2

This Site Might Help You.

RE:
Is taking childbirth preparation classes really necessary?
I am now in week 32 of my pregnancy and have been having Braxton-Hicks contractions off and on for the last few weeks, and I never signed up for the childbirth preparation classes and now I'm thinking I should have.
I followed my doctor's advice, did everything I was supposed to, and had...

Answer 3

Most women have never had the opportunity to
take child birth classes and all those babies are born, mostly just fine. I took the classes and what I think is most important for giving birth are the relaxation and focused breathing exercises. It is helpful to have other pregnant women to talk to about pregnancy and to have
the teacher to ask about whatever may be a concern at the moment.

What I remember are the techniques to relax:
lying in a comfortable place, feel first one leg and think about having it relax. Try to feel your tension in that leg and let go. Once you have the leg relaxing, do the same routine with the next leg, then each arm and finally your torso, neck and head. Practice this often. The goal is to be able to relax yourself. In class we used a coach to help with this process. Then your husband/partner can cue you to relax. This is actually a behavior modification technique. It can be very helpful.

The other technique, which I have had other more extensive teaching for, is using your breath to relax. Again, while in a comfortable position, focus your thoughts and awareness
on your breath, just the in and out or full to empty. Keep bringing your thoughts back to your breath when it drifts into regular thinking.

Practice this often and practice both techniques together, using you breath-focussing to relax each limb and finally your entire body.

The purpose of these exercises is to be ready to relax your body during the strains of the birth process. At least for me, and from what I've seen in animals giving birth, birth is an extreme effort. Nature has made females with all we need to get through the birth, but these techniques are to make you more comfortable and have everything go the best it possibly can.

Good luck with the birth and your baby. Nothing changes a life like becoming a parent.

Answer 4

You are actually late to start classes. I started practicing when I was 20 weeks or so. There is so much to learn. I'm afraid this hospital class is all about telling you their routine procedures and trying to sell you on them so you will go along with their routine. The Bradley method of natural childbirth did help me tremendously. Your body does not know what to do naturally in labor. The Bradley method taught me how to relax and not fight the contractions. Over 90% of those who use the Bradley method do not need pain medication and their c-sec rate is only 5%. I doubt the statistics of those who attend this hospital class and those who don't are very different from each other. With the Bradley method, you are even allowed to eat during labor. Some women who have a long labor can get too weak from lack of food and need a c-sec if they don't eat.

Answer 5

I think anything you can learn helps you. I think learning how to care for your baby and breastfeeding is even more helpful. It's a lot to absorb though, when your child comes. If you are having a planned C section I don't think you need to take childbirth classes. But if you plan to have a vaginal birth; defintely do so. It can be very exciting to be an active participant. And you can be even with an epidural on board. Good luck.

Answer 6

NOTHING can prepare you for the pain you are about to epierience. I'm sorry I don't want to scare you but sweetie it's true. I took all the classes my first time and ofcourse every woman I came across tried to tell me what to expect but even with everything that I told and everything I learned from the classes and the books I had no idea what I was in for.And every woman is different so good luck to you and just remember, when it is all over you will have a little baby.

Answer 7

You might have found them to be helpful, you might not have. I took classes with my first daughter. My husband and I both thought right away it was a big joke, thank goodness it was free. The class focused a lot on getting through birth without pain medication, even though quite a few of us knew we were going to have epidurals. I even ended up hurting myself during one of the "relaxation" exercises. We didn't use anything from the class when it came time to actually have our baby. You do have inborn instincts, women have been giving birth for thousands and thousands of years, your body has some idea what it is doing. Your body will let you know when it is time to push and you'll be able to do it. Don't worry.

Answer 8

Yes - they are VERY helpful, even if you feel like you have read every book on the planet about labour and childbirth.

I am 38 weeks pregnant, and feel like I should have a PhD on the subject I have read so much, but the childbirth classes are another matter altogether, because you are hearing REAL-LIFE experiences from an expert, and you can ask questions and have discussions with other mums-to-be. (Oh, and dads-to-be benefit too...)

Its still not too late to enroll. Go for it!

Answer 9

Are Lamaze Classes Necessary

Answer 10

My husband and I signed up for a 4-week course because this is our first child and I wanted to learn as much as possible but it turned out to be a huge waste of time and money. The most important info I've learned so far has come from books, family members, other mothers, my OB-GYN, and online message boards. The classes did nothing to make me feel more prepared and I wish we would've skipped them. Our time and money could've been better spent elsewhere.