Are Birthing classes really necessary?

Question

I plan on having an epidural so i wasn't sure if you actually need them. Also my husband will be working so he'd have to take alot of time off of work for them.

my husband is in the military and they only have the classes once a month.

Answer 1

No. but they are helpfull and a fun part of pregnancy. good luck and congrats.

Answer 2

They're nice for giving you information and making you feel like you're not just at the mercy of your body. It helps keep you calm during the birth.

I also took this class while my husband was in the military. They don't just give info about breathing exercises; they also teach you about the instruments they may have to use, including the vacuum (which replaced the tongs), the one used to burst your water, the monitors they'll stick on your belly, and the fetal heart monitor they may have to insert into you if the exterior monitor doesn't read. They'll also teach you about common problems your newborn may have, including jaundice, rashes, types of birthmarks, etc.

So even if you don't think your husband can take all the time off, you should still ask if there is a class you can take by yourself so that they can explain all these things to you.

Answer 3

No they aren't necessary but they can be helpful. . I ended up needing a c-section so the things I learned weren't useful to me. However, what I took away from the classes were some really close friendships. I now have weekly playgroups with some new really close friends who all have children the same age as my daughter. For that it was well worth it!!!! You can also take maternity swimming classes or exercise classes. I strongly recommend doing some form of class. If it's hard for your husband to take time off try a class that he doesn't have to go to. It's really helpful knowing women in the same boat as you. You will definitely want the connections later on. Best of luck and congrats!!!

Answer 4

I honestly don't think they are. Even before I got my epidural--I did what felt right for me and that worked. Breathing (which is mostly taught) is natural. It's all about being calm and not screaming which many woman have a hard time doing. The lady next to me had just gone into labor and was screaming! Natural birth or epidural birth either way I think it's a waste of money.

My husband was deployed during my pregnancy and birth. That's part of the reason I didn't take the classes. It's something I feel is special to do together. Trust me--they aren't necessary, while, they might help if you have a hard time going then just skip it.

Answer 5

my health insurance covered them, so i took em, and it helped alot because they teach you what the side effects for the epidurals are.. and when my hubby worked, i just brought a close girl friend with me.. it wasnt a big deal, and mine were at night from 6 to 7:30 or something.. they also teach u how to diaper a baby and feed and things like that.. i learned alot of stuff, even though i've been around babies my whole life..they also teach u how to focus on a focal point and study that one point when ur having a contraction.. also..

epidurals dont always work, mine only worked for an hour. and then it stopped, and then they have to restick u in ur back again to make sure its in right, and yea.. they did and it didnt do anything

Answer 6

Personally I didn't take birthing classes. I ordered a video. That way you can go at your own pace, plus try getting my husband to sit in a room and pay attention, yeah right. You can order and actual class in the form of the video, it's the same thing. It's up to you, good luck. As far as the epidural goes, You know no matter what labor is going to hurt, and I don't remember being told about a trophy for doing it without pain meds. I'm getting one, and looking forward to it. Good luck with everything :)

Answer 7

not necessary get some videos there is a lady called Sheri baily
or something like that the series is Laugh learn about child birth. it is everything that they cover in the class. It helps with the early labor and to know when to go to the hospital. Do that and you and hubby can watch at home. they are like five hours we got hours from the libray and watched over a couple of days and went to child birth classs. the tape is just like class

Answer 8

I never went to them birthing classes. I just read alot of pregnancy books like what to expect . I also got alot of information from my friends and family. Now with my second i went in to one class about the epidural b/c i was having another c-section and i didn't really remember to much about my first c-section since it was emergency one. But if you think that you need to go it dont hurt. Once you have your baby your mommy instinct will come in you will know what todo and all the nurses will tell you more before you go home from the hospital. .

Answer 9

I thought ours was a HUGE help! I am SO thankful I enrolled us in the class we took. Ours was a full childbirth class, and it covered everything from stages of labor, medications that can be used, inducing labor, instruments that could be used, complications that could arise, relaxation, procedures and even everything on c-section. It was nice to go into the hospital and know what (nearly exactly) was coming. Ours wasn't just "breathing", infact they don't even teach lamaze anymore because studies show it's a waste of time! A lot of things can happen and go wrong, and it's nice to know what it all means if it does. I am even taking the class again as a refresher with this child.

P.S.
A lot of women in our class were married, but with other people (ie friend, mom, mom-in-law, etc). Some of them worked, one was even in Iraq, and one was actually in jail lol. But it's better for someone to have all the knowledge rather than no one!!

Answer 10

To tell u the truth.. If it's ur first child then they are good to take. I am glad I did. I kinda new what was going on during the birth and after this way. It kinda helps u to understand more of what is going on with ur body and the babies if u do take the classes.. I would recommend them but they are not necessary.

Answer 11

Although not necessary, they are informative. There are all sorts of on-line things you can look at www.pregnancy.about.com is where I did my on-line class. Even though you're planning on an epidural, it's good to get the info - you'll be dealing with contractions before you get anaesthetic....