I'm due in February, but didn't get to take any birthing classes, is there anything I can do to prepare?

Answer 1

I wouldn't worry. I had 2 kids and never took the birthing classes either. I suppose for some women they do help, but for others they are a waste of time. Giving birth will come naturally to you when the time comes. For me doing the breathing exercises were more annoying for me than helpful. If you really want to take the class though, its not too late. Even though most classes are split up so that you take a few, most hospitals also offer a 1 day crash course birthing class, my local hospital does, its an 8 hour class with a 1 hour lunch break. So if you really want to you could probably get a class somewhere to prepare, but you'll also be just fine without it. Good Luck and Congrats!!

Answer 2

I did take a birthing class with my first and they are very expensive (I think) and when the time came, I pretty much didn't care about anything I had learned. This time around with baby #2 I'm not taking any new classes, but think I am going to read through my material again and try it again now that I know what to expect. Usually the nurses/ midwife are really good at giving you ideas of positions to try & when to push, etc. If you don't have one, try to write up a birth plan with ideas of what you want so when that time comes, others involved know what your wishes are. There are several places online to go that basically give you questions and you just fill in the blanks. This will give you an idea too of all the different choices you have. Other than that, read, read, read all you can about different birth positions, options, choices, medications, etc so that you know what your up against. Good luck to you and hope all goes well!

Answer 3

I didn't take any classes with my first child and now pregnant with the second and haven't taken any this time. It actually comes to you naturally. Breathing is the best thing you can do when you go into labor. Every time a contraction comes breath in and out as deep as you can, it comes to you. Also having your partner there to support you like rub your back or give you a cold wash cloth for your forehead helps. If you have a Pregnancy book that might help give you some advise also or look up on line to see if you can find any web sites on the subject about giving birth.

Answer 4

Hi there honey and congratulations on your impending birth. I am sure that by this time the fun of being pregnant is starting to end and you are anxious to have your baby.
I have to go against the popular advice that you have gotten and tell you that I think that Childbirth classes are invaluable. They teach you every aspect of what to expect thru every stage of your labor and birth. If you are like most women, you want to know what to expect, you do not want any suprises at that point in time and you want to be able to make informed decisions. That is what childbirth classes will give to you. You will know what is going to happen and you will be prepared for each and every phase of labor. You will be the first one to know if something is happening that should not happen, you will know what to expect next. You will not feel helpless and at the mercy of the personell at the hospital. You will feel more in charge of your experience. Time will be spent teaching you about the various types of anesthesia that are available, and you will know which one is best for you. There will also be time spent teaching you about breast feeding so that you can make intelligent decisions in that regard also.
You do not sit around in hard chairs with a bunch of strangers....years ago when I took my classes I made friends that I kept in touch with for years. We sat around in a circle on the floor with all our pillows like one big slumber party. It was a great experience. I think it is essential. When I found out I was going to have a C-section I took a series of classes for that too. It gave me fantastic information which I appreciated SO much.
It is not too late for you to find some kind of class to get ito. There is always room for one more and they will fit you in somewhere. Find out about it, call the hospital. If all else fails find a book that outlines what you will need to know and get your husband, or a dear friend to learn with you and help each other learn the material. That is not as good as a class that is specific to your hospital but it is better than nothing.
It is not worthless knowledge. All knowledge has a purpose and will come in handy at some point. Learn all that you can. The more that you know the better prepared you will be and the fewer unwanted surprised you will have. You will find that your stress level will go way down when your knowledge goes up.
Take care and I hope you will find some type of class to take.
Good luck and Blessings to you and baby.
Lady T~

Answer 5

I had my first child in Feb. of 04 and I to was unable to take birthing classes. But I will tell you that you didn't miss out on anything. Maybe a few helpful hints but it all changes when your actually in the hospital. And alot of it would prob. fly right out the window. There is so much going on and it all depends on your delivery. Weather it's normal or maybe even a C- Section. And you have several other people telling you what to do or try at the time. You do what is comfy for you unless directed by your doctor or a delivery nurses. Best of luck.

Answer 6

I am due at the end of January, and we recently moved, so I havent taken any classes, either. I went to the library (because its free!) and checked out two videos...one was Labor of Love, and it basically was a lady who filmed herself teaching a childbirth class. That one was nice because were kinda the shy type, so we got to do the exercises in the comfort of our own home. The other was pregnancy for dummies, which was a good one as far as the facts of pregnancy and labor. I feel as prepared as I think I would have from a class. The only one I wish I had taken was the breastfeeding class, as I am still a little worried about that. Good luck to you!

Answer 7

Although I have never had a baby I can tell you that birthing classes are just a waste of time. My sister went to a birthing class. She left early because she said that all you do is sit in a room with a bunch of strangers in very uncomfortable chairs and listen to a lady that tells you how much pain you will be in. In reality nothing can prepare you for the birth of your child. I watched my nephew come in to this world and watching my sister give birth was crazy. She was going through soo many emotions. Her body was doing the impossible and on top of it all she had not sleep in three days prior to giving birth. The best advice I can give you is to stay calm, focus your attention on getting the baby out, humm when the pain is unbearable, breath, when you are pushing put your chin to your chest and push with your bottom not your head, and when you are pushing dont scream or make any noise. When you scream or let out air it dulls the strength of the push and you will be in labor longer. All this I learned from watching it. She gave birth to a healthy 6lb baby named Daniel Jr. in August and they are doing great now too. Good luck and I hope this helped you!

Answer 8

I took a birthing class with my first child, and when it came time to give birth, it all went flying out the window! LOL

There is still time to take a class if you can find one. Try contacting your local Family Resource Centre. A lot of them offer low price or no charge classes. Or, contact your Public Health Office(probably your best bet).

Good luck! :)

Answer 9

Go get a book called " what to expect when you are expecting" by Heidi Murkoff. It's the pregnancy bible and will help with all these questions. I refer to it almost daily right now and I am due Feb 2, 2007. Your question as well as many others that you would not expect is in there. It's excellent in describing all of these little things that worry moms and help distinguish when something is "normal" or not.
Good Luck!

Answer 10

I had five children and didn't attend any birthing classes. The nurses in the delivery room pretty much instructed me on how to breathe and when to push. With all that was going on I don't think I would have remembered anything anyway. So don't worry, you should be in good hands. Good luck and Godspeed.