Do I really need to have childbirth classes?

Question

I'm going thro almost all my pregnancy in the UK
but at 33 weeks im flying to south africa to give birth.

What happens if i dont find a class in time ?

I'm at 28 weeks already btw

Also I have loads of pregnancy books that talk n teach breathing techniques, should i just practise those?
Thing is i can try to go for a class here in the UK but i wont get paid for the time off from work (im a temp) - and the classes on the NHS are not done on weekends.

Answer 1

I dont think you really need the classes. Just breathe. I had lost my job and couldnt afford classes at that time and we werent able to take anykind of classes what so ever. I was nervous at first when I went into labor but I made it. i had no problems. Just take deep breathes during contractions.
My labor went smoothly. I had my baby in less that 8 hours..I pushed twice and out he came.

Answer 2

I am 35 weeks along and I haven't as of yet started taking any classes. I am really having a hard time deciding weather or not I want to. Can someone really teach you how to give birth? Animals do it naturally everyday with no birthing classes so why can't I. I am leaning towards just going with my body and doing what feels natural for me to do. I am planning on an unmediated childbirth so I hope I am making the right decision. If not, I hope the nurses can give me a crash course in Lamaze and if that doesn't work then I will opt for an epidural. In the end though, I think everyone would be better off listening to their own bodies and instincts while in labor. After all this is what our bodies are made to do. Best wishes!

Answer 3

It is not necessary to take the class, no one requires it. However, taking the classes whether you are a first time parent or not helps you. You get free samples of baby stuff, usually the person giving the class is someone who is from the OB ward of the hospital that you will be delivering at so you will know at least on person from there and that helps. It prepares you for childbirth whether it is vaginal or c-section. Usually you get a tour of the hospital so you know what is going on and what their practices are. Also, you will get to know other expecting moms/parents and a friendship can develop or at least support from someone who is going through the same thing. I have been to 3 classes and I plan on attending one for this baby too, you might know alot about childbirth but you can always learn something and things do change from time to time. So, yes I would recommend taking a childbirth class.

Answer 4

If you're not a frightened teen-ager who's never picked up a book on the topic, I'm going to say no.

It's pretty impossible to find ones that aren't, well, biased.

There're the many flavours of the Trademarked Magical Method By Which You Will Feel No Pain So Long As You Obediently Follow Every Last Detail Of Our Instructions, Which Is Admittedly An Unlikely Thing In An Unpredictable Situation(tm).

And the many hospital ones, which're heartily pushed as normal and mainstream, and which are, well, normal and mainstream. To their detriment. Hospitals have loads of bad ideas about birth; the last thing you want is to be taught to not question that, and to be a good little patient.

Re. "What happens if i dont find a class in time?"

You give birth. Enjoy!

Answer 5

I did not take the classes as i had taught sex ed and child care when I taught high school and had gone through the classes with my friend as her husband was not available...My doc still wanted me to take them...we compromised...there use to be a set of videos on the subject...I promised to watch the videos instead of going to classes...the only one that really taught me something was the video on c-sections...which I ended up having unexpectedly with my 2nd child. Maybe you can find something like that if you can't make the classes.


I just wanted to add...that some of these classes involve more than what to do during delivery...many involve care of the baby and tests that are done to the baby right after birth...some folks have no clue about what to do with a new born...these classes would help in that case. Although you do figure out what to do pretty fast!

Answer 6

Of course not. Women give birth without classes all the time.

However, you will be more comfortable, be more prepared, and have a safer experience (for you and the baby) if you're educated. Be that via a class, a book, advice from a medical professional (don't know what kinds are available in the UK and SA, but in the US we have OBGYNs and midwives). Getting advice from your friends, mom, or sisters is better than nothing, although it's a bad idea simply because they can only speak from personal experience.

The baby will come, class or no. But it'll go better if you're prepared.

Answer 7

Ok, flying to South Africa at 33 weeks.....

Will you be working with volunteers out in a rural area?? If you will be living in a major city their medical services are just fine. Have you asked your doctor/midwife if they have any agency/personal connections in the area and can recommend you to someone?

I never went to any classes and my 2 deliveries were fine. You are reading and informing yourself. As long as you will be in a city you should be fine if you don't find a class once you get there. Good Luck & Congratulations.

Answer 8

Labor and delivery comes fairly naturally. Pretty self explanatory. There will be a lot of people around to help you out. I never took classes. Years ago there was no such thing as childbirth classes. Don't worry and obey what signals your body sends you. Good Luck!!!

Answer 9

There's a great book that you should try. "Hypnobirthing: The Monngan Method" by Marie Mongan. I used this method and had a WONDERFUL homebirth experience. I had a very easy 6 hour labor. You don't have to take classes to use and practice this technique. Everyone I know that used this method had a wonderful, RELAXED, fast birthing experience.

Answer 10

I never had childbirth classes with my first three children and I did just fine. If you have the books practice what is in them and you will be ok. You will have alot of help from the Drs. and nurses and everything will happen as naturally as it is suppose to. Good Luck.