My son father feels like the first time we did good without a childbirth class, but I am afraid to tell him that he wasn't supportive as he was supposed to the 1st time in the delivery room (we were only 15 and he was only feeding me ice chip and letting me hold on his hand. Now were are 21 and expecting our 2nd child I want him very involved but he don't think we need to attend the childbirth class although it's free. He said he will do it just to make me happy. What should I do in this case?
2006-10-27 03:20:49 · 11 answers · asked by 2Hott2Touch 3 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Pregnancy
If it's free, make him go!
But be aware, many times a hospital based class will be about "how to be a good patient" and not about how to make informed decisions or support the laboring mom. If you want to take a REALLY GOOD class, I'd suggest one with an independent childbirth instructor if you can afford to pay for it.
Consider hiring a doula. She will support you and will show him ways that he can help you during labor. Sometimes a hospital will even provide a doula for free if you request one in advance.
Share the books and articles you are reading with him and talk about what you think you might like in labor.
2006-10-27 03:26:15 · answer #1 · answered by momma2mingbu 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You should let him know that techniques and other things may have changed in the past 6 years and that an update may destress the delivery for both of you!! There's new medications, processes, and even more. I took a prepared childbirth class at the hospital I was to deliver in and LOVED it. Not only did it prepare me for delivery (even when I found out I had to had a c-section I felt prepared), it destressed me. I went into the hospital without any major questions or worries. A bonus was that 2 of the nurses there taught the class, so I felt like I already had a connection to the staff that was going to be taking care of me and my son.
It can't hurt him to go with you. You'll both feel better prepared and this will be a nice time to bond as well. Childbirth classes these days aren't all about breathing and such - they teach you what to expect from labor to when you get to go home. It's nice to have that support and information.
Best of luck and CONGRATS!!
2006-10-27 03:29:48 · answer #2 · answered by mandabear3121 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You should attend the classes, but I expect that it won't make much difference in how supportive he is while you're in labor. I went through with my husband and he was useless and actually made it worse for me by commenting on how painful the next contraction looked on the monitor and just standing around sucking down soda and sandwiches.
But........... They teach about how your body works to deliver the baby, what you can expect for pain relief, how that particular hospital is set up, options for after the birth (while in the hospital), baby care, what to do in a baby emergency, etc. It's a very good overview of the whole process. They teach men too about what to do for the mother and what her emotions will likely be like and so on.
Try to get him to go with you, and maybe take a long a supportive woman, who you know will really be able to help you if you need it.
Good luck and God bless!
2006-10-27 03:28:57 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
My husband refused to take a childbirth class... because he said he knew EVERYTHING there was to do with childbirth! What?!?! :)
I told him that I needed to take it, I wanted to know everything... I put it on me, because I was the one having a baby! So after a long protest, I told him I would go without him... and he gave in....
Childbirth classes are really good, they show you everything the baby is doing inside of you, how he is growing and everything, they show the changes that your body goes through, and they show you exercises that you can do, and how to breath and take care of yourself during labor.
I did not find the during labor stuff interesting, and I didn't even use it while I was in labor! But finding out everything about what the baby looks like inside me, and all the technical names of everything was so so very interesting!
I think you will love it if you give it a try!!! But even if he won't go with you, go anyway... find a friend that will go with you. And tell him that if he won't go to the classes, then he can't be there when you are having the baby, because he needs to be your coach, someone who knows whats going on, even if he has done it before, you guys need to be on the same link.....
Good luck!
2006-10-27 03:26:46 · answer #4 · answered by mrs. ruspee 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
First of all, he sounds like a great guy and congratulations to the both of you. My husband and I took a childbirth class because this is our first baby and I thought we needed to. All-in-all the class was pretty boring and I didn't find the information very helpful, BUT, they do put a lot of focus on dad's role and how he can help mom out so I'd say it would definately be of value to you. Since its free I would take advantage of it.
2006-10-27 03:49:54 · answer #5 · answered by sks42683 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You should definitely go to the classes. They are so beneficial not only for you but for him as well. He will become more able to understand what you will be experiencing and what is actually going on in the process, what the nurses are doing, what the doctor is doing, etc. It will also go over complications and what to expect if there are any. Any new knowledge is helpful. Even if you think you know everything and just get one new thing out of the class it will be worth it.
2006-10-27 03:28:03 · answer #6 · answered by robbin m 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Go to the bradley method class...It is great. It teaches everything that you want and you'de both enjoy it! The class covers EveRything You ever wanted to know and it made our first delivery sooo smooth! I would suggest this class to anyone and everyone. It gives you a more of a natural approach to child birthing, however it doesn't suggest that you have to. It teaches you and your partner to work together and teaches you how to. Good luck!
2006-10-27 03:30:46 · answer #7 · answered by Jess 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Every childbirth is not the same as the previous one. Go to the classes. Not just for him to be more supportive but for yourself also. You will learn more and you will learn together.
2006-10-27 03:29:44 · answer #8 · answered by happykat 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You'd be surprised what you learn in those classes. Ours went over not only the techiniques but the different kinds of deliveries, other ways your husband can help you (My husband learned how to deal with back labor, which I had. IT HELPED ALOT), and how the different pain medications (should you go that route.) and their risks. I recommend those classes. they help you feel a little better prepared.
2006-10-27 03:25:15 · answer #9 · answered by Mommy 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
the one that I'm attending covers:
- pre & post partum exercises
- Relaxation techniques
- different types of breathing
- positions during labor
- breastfeeding
- prenatal stimulation
- nutrition
- Post partum for moms
- Post partum for dads
- Stem cells
That's pretty much it. Good luck,,, and get your hubby going with you...mine has liked it so far
2006-10-27 03:27:50 · answer #10 · answered by Baby Ruth habla español 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋