When should I start child birth classes?

Question

Around what month or week should I start child birth classes? I don't want to start to early or to late for that matter. I'm almost 5 months now. Also if you could let me know what all they go over and do at the classes, and what we should bring. That would be a big help. Thanks so much!

Answer 1

I started at 6 months, which is typical. (around 6 or 7 for most women). You may want to bring a pen and paper if you want to take notes. And you won't need anything else unless they request that you bring something (maybe pillows or something). You will learn about the whole labor process, child development, baby cpr, and the baby heimlich.

Answer 2

You should go at seven and eight months. There isn't a set time though. There were people in my class that were only five months along. They go over everything. From what labor feels like, to how to push, to what you will feel like after ward and what your body will be doing. They will go over your options on how you want to have your baby normally medicated or epidural. they will also show you some of the tools the doctor will use such as forceps, and a head implanted heart monitor. They will also show you how to take care of yourself after you have a baby. Because for two weeks you will be very sore and will bleed and need specific cleaning products. You should bring two pillows, and your significant other or a parent. The classes are set up so that the mother learns along with the father about how to have a baby. They also teach you how to breath through contractions which I didn't find very helpful.

Answer 3

Try to get them done before your last two months. So many unexpected things can happen, you don't want to have to miss anything. (Advice coming from me who was on forced bedrest the last month of pregnancy!) For the birthing class, they give you techniques on how to stay comfortable and tell you exactly what the stages are of labor. You should bring a pillow to this class. You might also get a tour of the hospital where you are going to deliver. You will learn newborn care, like how to clean around the umbilical cord, etc. I personally think your partner should attend all the classes. The only one that my husband missed was the infant cpr class.

Answer 4

Look for classes that teach the Bradley method. You should start taking classes very soon. There is a lot to learn, especially the first time. What you need to bring depends upon what kind of classes you are taking.

Answer 5

Talk to your doctor, they will give you a list of classes offered, and a recommended time to take them.
My doctor advised that they want all classes finished by my 37th week, and gave the class info at about week 22.
There are many different classes you can take, depending on what you want to learn, they'll let you know what you'll learn, and what you'll need to bring.

Answer 6

Your doctor should have a schedule on birthing classes in your area. I took it only with my first child and I was about 7 months pregnant.

Ask your doctor or hospital you plan on using for your birth.

Answer 7

I started at 7 months.

Answer 8

Around 6 or 7 months. You will learn what to expect during labor, how to manage pain without medications, what your choices in medications are, what you need to bring to the hospital, they will totally prepare you for the entire labor and delivery process.

Answer 9

When I phone the prenatal education clinic to find out, they said they like you to be finished the classes at least 4 weeks ahead of your due date. this is just in case you go into labour early. They usually will give a few options of different classes you can register in.

Answer 10

it might be a good time to take them, i would probably do it before you hit 8 months just in case the baby is early.
i have had 4 chidren and have never taken a birthing class so i can't tell you what to expect.