Do you HAVE to take labor classes?

Question

I never signed up for childbirthing classes and I'm 6 months. I really don't feel like it, cause it costs money and I'm familiar with the labor process. Is it necessary? Have you or have you not done it?

Answer 1

My husband and I decided to not take labor classes. We have discussed our preferences with each other though. He knows I tend to panic and I need him to stay calm. I've even researched coaching tips for him and we've practiced labor positions. Make sure you and your coach understand each other's expectations. And do some research.

Answer 2

It's not compulsory or necessary because the majority of people having babies are not involved in childbirthing classes but the last thing you should be worried about is the money. If you say you are already familiar with the labor process then you should be ok. Good luck!

Answer 3

I am a first time Mom, and I decided not to take the labor classes. All of my friends already have several children, and they said the classes did very little to prepare them for the real thing anyway. Plus many of them focus on fear and pain, when it really doesn't have to be that way. My husband and I have very limited schedules anyway and "another thing on our list to do" is just not what we need. Instead we read some books about labor - there are a lot out there - we liked Ina May Gaskin's book, "Ina May's Guide to Childbirth." It's very positive, and woman-centered. Good luck! We're currently 35 weeks - baby's comin' soon!

Answer 4

Absolutely NOT. Read a book. Watch a video. My husband and I didn't. My first baby... Jan 5th, 07 and let me tell you your body tells you when and how to push!!!!!! I had no medications, except for he was a little early but was also only 6 lbs. My suggestion watch a video. Most Hospitals have a library you can check one out at or just your public library. It tells you about the stages and if you get the video you can see what is actually happening.
Also if you are not considering pain meds talk to your doctor or midwife about other alternatives. WATER LABOR is great. It reduces the pain, tears, and muscle injuries. Plus if you go with out meds, as my mid wife explained you may recover faster... I was up and around in 2 days no problem... just minor pain sitting down.

Answer 5

No is it not necessary. The nurses will help you through the process. Hubby and I took a class for our first, but didn't for the other two. Even with the classes, once I was in active labor we forgot everything LOL.

Take care - almost there!

Answer 6

I guess it depends on what you learn and if it's taught by someone who doesn't speak like your 14 and learning about childbirth for the first time.

My husband and I took the 1 day 8-hour course at the hospital we were delivering in. It was a waste of time and money (I'm thankful insurance covered some of it). It was about 7 hours of filler, a half hour lunch break and then a half hour of stuff we already knew about labor and delivery.

If you took health/sex ed. in high school and have read up on labor and delivery online or in the "What to Expect When You're Expecting" book, you've learned more than we did in the class.

The best part was taking a tour of the maternity unit and seeing the rooms.

We learned nothing about labor and delivery that the average person doesn't know. The nurse covered nothing that we thought she would - like lamaze and other breathing techniques, positions, pain management, etc. etc.

It was basically an Idiot's Guide to the Female Body and How the Baby is Pushed Through the Birth Canal When All Goes Well and As Planned. She would not cover emergency situations or what they'd do if....

When we had to fill out the evaluation sheet, I was nice. My husband was not - he was completely irritated by the time we left.

I can give you a quick synopsis of my delivery and save you the money, since it went well and without problems:

Waves of pain that feels like the worst gas you've ever had (may be followed by some pooping - you're body is cleaning itself out to get ready for pushing).

Waves of pain become rhythmic (mine was in my lower pelvis. It did not wrap around from my back to front because my placenta was anterior (in front)).

Went to my doctor to see what was happening since the contractions were not as they described (wrapping around from back) and they were tolerable - it really felt like gas.

FYI - If you think you're in labor - go right to the hospital - don't make the detour to the doctor.

5 cm and 80% effaced - go right to hospital.

Check-in. Put on gown. Get hooked up to IV's. Start pushing to bring head down - my choice, they said I didn't have to, but it helped me a lot.

Get epidural BEFORE pain isn't tolerable.

Push when you feel pressure (epidurals help with pain, not pressure). You WILL KNOW when to push. Trust me.

Push, push, push. It helped to have my husband and a nurse hold my legs - and it was necessary after the second dose of pain meds left me unable to move either leg from the ankles up. It also helped me to have my husband put his other hand on my back and push me forward - I couldn't grab behind my knees - I opted for the bed railing and told the nurse to stop prying my fingers off of it.

Baby pops out. Doctor cuts cord long. Nurses take him and clean him up, evaluate him (didn't put him on me, I was kind of bummed). Dad cuts cord short. He's fine. They clean me up and stitch me up.

You're supposed to push out the placenta - I was too tired - I had been pushing for 5 hours. They give me something to start contractions, and boy did that thing shoot out like a cannonball! Dr. wasn't prepared and it landed on the floor in a pool of blood. You never heard a room get so quiet!

They want to make sure you can pee afterwards. I couldn't and needed a catheter, which was such a relief because I felt the pressure.

All is fine and well. Everyone visits. Breastfeed or bottle feed baby. Baby gets some shots. Two days later everyone goes home.

That's my experience. Hope it helps!

Answer 7

Depending on where you live, you may need to check with the hospital. In some places, first time mothers are required to attend prenatal classes.

Of course if you go into labor and haven't attended the classes, you won't be turned away, but often the OB's themselves in hospitals that require it will ask you to go and give you information on how to sign up. Usually in the cases where the classes are required, they are offered for free.

Answer 8

My husband and I took the class for our first child. It definitely wasn't necessary. We only took the class because our insurance reimbursed us for it.
The OB nurses at the hospital are excellent. Just try to be patient with your husband or should I say that your husband needs to be patient with you. Tell him not to take anything personal when you are in labor.
Congrats and good luck.

Answer 9

You don't have to. I didn't. I've always been fascinated by pregnancy and birth, so I'd studied a lot over the years. I felt prepared. The way I handled my contractions was by closing my eyes and breathing slowly and deeply, in through the nose out through the mouth. The nurses all said I did great.

Answer 10

You don't really have to take labor classes. trust me you don't miss much if you don't take the lamaze class. now breastfeeding is another topic, if you want to get comfortable in that you can, but then there is always a nurse or lactation consultant who will come to see you in the hospital and help you out too.