Are birthing classes really necessary?

Question

I'm trying to decide whether or not to take some classes. I feel like I will never be prepared no matter what I do and I don't need someone to tell me how to breathe! Would these classes be of benefit?

Answer 1

I don't think so. Women have been giving birth without classes for thousands of years.

Answer 2

We just took one 3 weeks ago and it sure helps to take all the anxiety away. I don't think that the breathing will be followed at the time of birth but it's good to know what to expect so you don't keep on stressing as your due date comes nearer and nearer.

F.Y.I.

Birthing class is not all about breathing during labor. It also explains pros & cons of different medicines that you may need, whats signs to look for before going to the hospital, what to do to have a faster labor, diet and some tips about breastfeeding technique and more. It also gives you a tour to the hospital and show your where to go, what you need and what to do so you don't go there asking people what to do and where to go.

Take it. I'm sure that you will love it.

Good Luck!

Answer 3

I never paid for a class, I only attended a free class that was being hosted at the hospital where I was going to deliver. I completely forgot about the breathing while I was in labor, I just did what I thought worked and what the nurses told me. I did get to meet some other expectant mothers in my area, as I had just moved when I got pregnant. It's harder to meet people when you are pregnant or have young children, and I still keep in touch with some of them, even after 4 years!

Answer 4

Take them. There maybe somethings they teach you that you didn't know. I felt the same way as you did, but once I took the class I loved it. Plus you will meet other expecting mothers and fathers and you may even make some friends out of it. It will help you prepare for the labor and delivery part. Definitely a benefit!!! Good Luck!

Answer 5

I've never went to a birthing class and both of my births went great. They both went fast with no pain (I didn't even need any meds) Just remember to breathe in deeply and let in out slowly. Focusing on something on the wall and concentrating on breathing in deeply and letting it out slowly got me through. I just keep thinking to myself I need to get as much oxygen I can to my baby so that the heart rate wouldn't drop.


Only benefit I can see is meeting other women and maybe forming a friendship. Now you can watch births on the Discovery health channel. I think once those pains hit you'll forget everything. All you need is someone there to help you through and breath in deeply and let it out slowly.

Answer 6

I think it's impossible to find ones that don't come with a built-in philosophy -- be it somebody telling you how to breathe, or a hospital telling you how to be a good little patient who'll agree to 'no drinking fluids during labour' and other nonsense.

We asked around a fair bit, and ended up pretty convinced that the ones without pre-defined 'philosophies' -- specific ones, like 'Bradley Method' classes, etc -- were pretty much designed for frightened teen-agers.

Answer 7

in my opinion, the best preparation comes from watching birth on tv...c-section, natural birth, epidural birth...watching baby story or finding movies on natural birth - the ones that show everything - all the blood and fluids, etc. i took a birth class and i can't say it was that helpful. but i am also reading books on labor even though it's my 2nd pregnancy. but, i want unmedicated birth so i feel more necessary to be prepared so i can handle everything. i don't think you have to take it, as long as you read about the process.

Answer 8

These classes are definately beneficial. Yes, I know it sounds silly to learn how to breathe, but being able to control your pain and anxiety make the process easier and less frightening. Trust me, anything you can do to prepare yourself is a good thing. Additionally, this is where you get the scoop on all the nifty drugs and whatnot you may be given during labor. =)

Answer 9

Yes, they do not just teach you how to breath but also forms of pain management. I would say it is entirely up to you if you go. This being my first, I want as much help as I can get when it comes to labor. I know I could still not be prepared, but I feel a little better knowing not only I myself will have a better understanding, but my hubby as well. We are not "frightened teenagers". If it doesn't do anything for us then we will probably not go again, but we at least want to get as much preparation for ourselves as what we have for our baby.

20 weeks pregnant with first.

Answer 10

It helps with nervousness. You will be nervous anyway, but it takes a little of the guessing away.

I didn't take classes, but I had a cesarean, so the classes would have been a waste of time for me. However, I did experience a really bad anxiety attack afterwards. If I were you, I would go ahead and take the class anyway.