A question about labor and delivery classes?

Question

Did anyone find these classes useful, or can a natural birt be done without having attended any classes. Details on the class and your birthing experiences....Thanks 1st pregnancy

Answer 1

i didn't....they were boring and afterwards i just wanted to eat...they try tell you ways to have natural birth and it isnt that bad..well from experience it is bad be sure to get drugged lol...my first baby...the medicine didn't numb my body and it felt like i was trying to **** a brick...the 2nd time the medicine worked but i could feel a little pressure

Answer 2

The class I took was somewhat helpful. I wish mine would have focused more on breathing and relaxation and not so much on drugs and stuff. Are you planning on breastfeeding? If so, you should look into a breastfeeding class. I highly recommend that for first time nursing moms. Nursing seems so basic and natural, and it is to a certain degree, but there's definitely techniques involved that they can teach you to really help.
If you don't take a class on childbirth, at least rent a video from the library or something so you kind of know what to expect.
This site has some good info on the guide to labor, hospital birth considerations, and even post partum care - http://www.tornwing.com/peacefulbeginnings/ - make sure to check out the links at the bottom of the page too.
Good luck to you. Happy parenting!

Answer 3

Hi! i'm 1st timerer too and am doing a natural homebirth. My suggestion is that you find out what type of class you would want to take... read up on some different classes that they teach off the internet.. i.e. Lamaze or Braxton Hicks classes... And take them sooner rather then later. I found with the classes i choose that it was just a reapeat of information i had already educated my self with and there was no real pain management or relaxation techniques... it was pretty disapointing and a waste of money... So do your research as to what you think would help you the most based on what your personality and beliefs are.
Good luck!

Answer 4

I took the classes and ended up having a cesarean. I really thought the classes were not of any help anyway and I could have learn what they did in class on my own living room floor! Good-luck and don't forget the video camera!

Answer 5

I took a class and I was glad that I did because it gave me a chance to ask questions and learn what to expect during my stay in the hospital - removed my anxieties. I had natural childbirth for both my deliveries.

Answer 6

o.k. i just had my first baby almost 2 months ago, so my experience is pretty fresh:)

first, i didn't take any birthing classes. my reasoning is that i meditate and do yoga and i'm pretty in tune with my body, so i felt that they wouldn't do much for me.

second, i didn't do natural childbirth. i was undecided right up until i started getting really major contractions. plain and simple...contractions HURT!! the nurses said i was handling them really well, but i was in pain and that nice epidural just seemed like such a good idea! and it was! as soon as i got the epidural my lower half was nice and numb. my contractions were off the charts and i was sitting in my room playing cards with my husband. it didn't make me feel foggy or anything, just numb legs.
i was in labor for a little more than 12 hours and didn't feel a thing. i was 8-9 cm and calling people and talking to them while i waited to get to 10cm. once i hit 10cm the nurse asked me if i wanted to try and push and i said " SURE!". 15 minutes later i was holding my little boy. when it came time to push i felt just enough pressure that i could focus on my birth canal and i knew where i needed to push. pushing isn't easy,but i gave it my all and i bet that i wouldn't have pushed so hard if i was in pain.
once they took the epidural out, about 30 minutes later, i was up and walking around and even going to the bathroom by myself. it's all mind over matter, plus, after you have the baby you get a bit of an adrenaline rush...don't forget to rest, even if you don't feel like it!

so. try the classes, they may help, they may be a waste of time. tell your dr you're unsure of an epidural and you may want one, just so they are prepared.
this is your first baby and it's YOUR experience. it's normal to be a little scared and a little nervous. just remember that you're the momma and for the most part you are in control. take deep breaths in your nose and out your mouth. smile inbetween your contractions b/c smiling and talking to people will help you not get sucked into a bad place.
be nice to the hospital staff and they will be nice to you.

if you are breastfeeding, then once they give him, after delivery, to you ask a nurse to help you get the baby to latch on. i was pretty much clueless with this situation, but the nurses helped me and now, we're (my baby and i) a professional breastfeeding team!!

take care and you'll find your own way of delivering your baby.

Answer 7

If you plan on having a natural birth, you should take one. My class kind of helped my husband, he had no clue what was going to happen! They showed a video to prepare him.

Answer 8

Pre-natal classes can be extremely useful. They'll teach you about what to expect during labour and delivery, and give you tips on how to get through labour as comfortably as possible, and how to care for your newborn.

Answer 9

Word of advice:- Only take labor classes from someone who's been through it.

Answer 10

I didn't take one, but I wish I would have. You should take one, if it helps great, if not oh well...... Good luck:)