Childbirth Preparation Class..worth the time?

Question

This Sunday my husband and I are signed up for our childbirth preparation class. Is it really worth the 5 hours? If your a mother and you took this class or one similiar to it,are you glad you did? I've talked to different people and everyone has given me different answers. Some said it was totally worth it and really helped with actual labor and delivery and then others said all they tell you and teach you go out the window when your labor starts up! So I was just wanting some opinions!

I'm 31 weeks pregnant. Due Jan. 30.

Answer 1

YES YES YES, I can't emphasize enough how important attending a childbirth class is. I have two children and it is absolutely amazing what going can teach you about breathing, stress, pushing, pain, epidurals, etc. You need to know all your options and what you can expect. It really and truly will help you. Best of luck to you and your new baby!

Take care, Andrea in NJ

Answer 2

Any knowledge you can get to prepare yourself is helpful. Learning to relax during labor helps a lot too. Although some of it does go out the window when you are actually in labor. My husband told everyone I didn't do the breathing "right". I don't think it is really necessary to go to the class, but it certainly won't hurt anything and I don't think it was a waste of time. Even if I didn't do the breathing the way they told me to. Knowing what to expect during labor and delivery helps you not to be so afraid and being relaxed about it really does help with the pain. I delivered both of my kids without an epidural, and I think that having a positive attitude and knowing what to expect helped.

Answer 3

Here's my opinion. I found it VERY helpful for many reasons.
1. I knew everything that could possibly happen, including the bad.
2. They showed us all the equipment, even the scary stuff, which made it less scary come time (especially for my hubby)
3. I got to ask every single question that I had.
4. It relieved TONS of my anxiety about birth.
5. They gave me tons of information that I didn't know, and actually put to rest some mis-conceptions that I had.
6. My hubby got lots of good info, I had no clue about how clueless he really was!
So, even if it all goes out the window when you go into labor, the knowledge is still good to have. Its always better to know what you are getting into, even if you end up doing something other than you have planned.
Also, I was scared that it was going to be run my nazi tree huggers who were going to tell me that natural delivery is the best and only way to go and formula feeding was bad, etc. But they were actual delivery room nurses who were very educated. Plus, the class was free at my hospital.

Answer 4

I didn't take it, and I gave birth to 2 girls and made it just fine. It doesn't matter how many books you read or classes you take, you still won't be prepared. Every woman's labor experience is different and those classes are just general information, and let me tell you, when I had labor pains, the last thing I wanted to do was Hee-hee-Hooooo through my teeth. It hurt and I moaned and swore and cried, and sorry if I scare you, but NOTHING can prepare you until you actually experience it yourself. And don't be afraid to use the epidural. After 12 hours of PAIN and 6 cm, I finally had it. Classes and drug-free birth and breast feeding do NOT make you super mom.

Answer 5

I had my first baby 2 weeks before the class ended. I only knew about one type of breathing. When I was in labor I used it for about 10 mintues, lol... use your insticts. I would rather spend prenatal class time learning to focus and stay calm and work WITH my body... not expecting screaming pain. FOcus on the beauty of it and work as a team with your baby. That is what my second prental class was on. It was a homopathic one and made sense. The other kind was kinda strange I thought

Answer 6

I say it is worth it. I thought that I knew almost everything I needed to know about taking care of a baby and labor. I was so wrong! I learned so much at the classes that my husband and I took. He did too! Even if you don't do it for you, do it for him. He won't be clueless when you go into labor and when the baby arrives. I hope you learn something in your class. Good luck!

Answer 7

I took the class with my husband and if any thing it was worth it just for the fun of it... you dont always remember everything they teach you in the calss when the real deal hits but it does go over some very helpful information as well as (at least ours did) give you a tour of the maternity ward. its also a nice way to talk to some other expectant parents so go and have a good time>>>

Answer 8

Congradulations!

I took a prep class also. I have to say, although it was a fun experience, I didn't use what I learned when I was in labor. When I had contractions I remembered to focus on something and just breathe, but by the time I was getting he hang of it, I had my epidural. When it came to pushing, nature took over, I don't think I did one thing I learned or was recommended. lol :)

But I am sure it depends on the nature of the woman, and what she takes from the class, and how she applies it.

Again congrats, and good luck!

Answer 9

Ours was weekly for a couple of weeks. Its really worth it. You learn a lot about the whole process of labor and birth, not just how to focus. You get to practice with exercises to strengthen yourself and focus your energy on concentrating. It provided us with a wealth of information, but when we actually got down to business, I didn't really apply any of it. This was simply because I was way too tired to even deal with focusing. I never got that second wind you get in the later stages of labor, so I had a tough time getting through it.

This isn't the same for everybody, but that's what happened to me.

Answer 10

I found the classes useful as I had no experience with babies at all and no one I felt i could ask questions about the birth etc. It gives you more confidence, can be a good laugh and I still meet up with some of the people I met at the classes.