Do Classes really help with birth?

Question

Do those classes like lamas, Hypo-birth, and Bradley really help with child birth? My wife is pregnant now and everyone is telling her she Needs to take a class (planning a home birth). I think our money and time is better spent elsewhere, she is mixed. With classes running $150-400 I don’t like the idea of wasting time and money. Did they help you or did they just go out the window when Push came to shove?

Answer 1

That depends on your wife. If she is a strong person, then the classes are a waste of time. However if she needs the extra support, these classes might not be a bad idea. All you are doing is giving yourself something to concentrate on during the pain. If she already has a “happy place” she can go to then she should be fine and you can just buy diapers instead.

Answer 2

I appreciated the classes I took. I like going into a situation knowing every possible contingency and outcome, so in that respect, the classes were good. I know that it SEEMS like deep breathing during labor should come naturally, but I liked having someone demonstrate and explain what, *exactly*, I should be doing.

Most hospitals should offer some sort of class, and sometimes they're free. Otherwise, I highly recommend the DVD "Laugh and Learn About Childbirth." I mainly bought it for my husband, who spent most of my pregnancy in Iraq and came home for the birth. Since he couldn't attend classes with me, it gave him some idea of what to expect and how to 'help' (as much as a scared new dad CAN help, ha ha) me while I was in labor. I ended up really enjoying it (the DVD, I mean), so maybe it's something you and your wife and watch together? If nothing else, it's cheaper than the classes you're looking into.

Good luck! :)

(For what it's worth, the classes helped until I ended up needing an emergency c-section.)

Answer 3

I thought lamaze was a waste for me when I was in real labor. The nurses told me to breath in and out like the lamaze and I was just cursing them out becasue it wasn't helping AT ALL! I still felt every contraction and the breathing didn't help me take the focus off of them. I don't know, I mean I never took a full course on lamaze, and maybe if I did if might have helped me going in there knowing the breathing routines. But when it comes down to the wire, nothing else matters. And for me, personally, the breathing (lamaze) was a load of crap! So the rest of those classes might be too. I think as long as your wife has you there to support her and coach her through it, that is better than ANY of those $400 classes and you can't put a price on that. My husband being there to support me and helping me push was priceless.

Answer 4

When I was pregnant I went to one class. My son was born early so I didn't have a chance to make it to other classes. It is something that you can be talked through by the doctor or midwife. There are also alot of natural instincts that kick in when you are giving birth. I think that birthing classes help you to know what to expect. When they show teaching people how to breath it is to help with the pain and to help the mother to remember to breathe. If you forget to breathe you could pass out. If you plan on not doing the classes then pick up some books and do alot of research online so you know what to expect.

Answer 5

Ok it not wasting money.. And personally you can learn something new while in this classes.
I am about 24 weeks and i do not start classes until next month and my husband wanted to learn how to take care of new born and learn CPR.
They have couple classes where the couples go together and it only one payment.
At less you get the idea of giving birth and know how to help your wife with breathing. And if your wife is breast-feeding is another good thing for your wife to learn. You just have to search for classes that you need to go..
Remember At less you should go learn CPR just so nothing happen to your baby or you can help safe life and how to take care of newborn.
It doesn't cost that much money.. you just have to talk to doctor about classes.. and which one you going to take.. and it doesn't cost $400 dollars for classes..

Answer 6

I think if you are planning a home birth you really do need to take the classes. The more you know about whats is happening the easier it is to handle.

I took Lamaze classes and had all three of my children medication free and natural births. The classes really helped me a lot.

Answer 7

You learn more on Babycenter.com I did not learn anything from the classes. It all comes natural when you are in labor. As long as your nurse is good, they will instruct you on how to breathe. I forgot EVERYTHING from my class and the nurse told me how to... WHich works better because they see people in labor SEVERAL times a day and knows what works best. You really dont do the crazy breathing thing that much... Just tell her not to scream in labor because it takes longer for the baby to come out.

Good luck and Congrats.

Answer 8

They do help, especially if this is her first pregnancy. They will tell you what to expect and ways to help manage pain. There are different stages of labor, it is good to know what to expect from each. If you choose not to do a class, I highly suggest getting some books on the stages of birth. The different things that happens during labor, freak some women out if they are unaware of what is happening.

Answer 9

Like my doctor told me.... I will talk you through it all and he offered me a video to watch but I ended up with a c-section anyway...

Answer 10

They will certianly prepare you better for childbirth. Not only her but you too.