Skipping Child Birth Class - am I crazy?

[pixiecat]

I am *not* excited about child birth class... but I've been getting a lot of flack from people who think we should go. Here are the reasons I want to skip it:

1. I feel pretty well read about the whole subject (from here and my millions of pregnancy books)

2. I think it will be a unique experience that can't be "learned" from class (or books/online for that matter)

3. It is 3 classes - we are so amazingly busy, this seems like a TON of time...

4. It is $75 - not a ton of money, but still, is it worth it??

*I should point out that I plan on getting an epidural

What do you gals think? I'm on the fence at this point... was your class really worth your time/money?

Thanks!! pc

[cpbride8203]

I did not take a class and did my homework and feel like I was totally prepared for the experience. The nurses help you through the whole thing.

I say do what you are comfortable with and don't worry about any one else!

[JenniferEC]

I feel like I wasted $90 on ours. We were instructed to bring a mat and pillows each week (it was a four week class) and we never used them. When we did watch the educational films I felt like we were in 5th grade. It was like some of the guys in the class had never seen breasts or vaginas before. The last class was cancelled due to weather and they never bothered to make it up. Our instructor, who was an RN at the hospital, really never ran the class - VERY unorganized. As much as my OB recommended taking this class, I think I learned enough by reading on my own.

[Marisa]

If you do not decide to take the class, then you will definitely want to contact someone at the hospital where you plan to deliver, to see if you can get a personal tour or a one-on-one appointment with their perinatal education coordinator.

Although I actually felt pretty prepared, took a different CB class as well, and even grew up with a CB instructor for a mom :) -- I still took the hospital class and found the information about their facilities, resources and procedures to be quite valuable.

If you can get the same kind of information by speaking directly to their education coordinator or someone in the maternity/L&D dept, then you may be fine skipping the class.

[BooeyJ2]

I went, but wow...what a waste of time.

IMO I think those classes or more for people who have never picked up a pregancy/childbirth book in their lives and probably think that storks bring babies.

We sat through the class thinking "Know that", "DUH" and "Can we go now?"....it was all common sense to me. I've been there for the births of my nephews and niece and had read plenty of childbirth and pregnancy books throughout my pregnancy :)

[lml41981]

I signed up for the hospital classes because I wanted Daddy Boot Camp for DH (it is all men and I thought it'd be a good idea for him to go and meet other men going through the same thing for the first time) and breastfeeding classes for me. I also wanted the tour (which they will do for anyone birthing at the hospital). Their prep. for childbirth classes are going to be purely supplementary to the Bradley classes I am taking.

I just wanted something to help myself feel prepared...I can read a book and get the same info (and have done so), but going through classes and repeating things will help me out a lot.

You know your body and you know your learning style. If you feel you've learned enough and are well-enough prepared based on books, then skip the classes.

[mom_to_zoe]

ITA with Marisa. I think it is very worthwhile to hear about the procedures at the hospital where you are going to deliver, i.e., whether you have to go through triage, when they move you to a post-partum room etc.

Also, whatever your decision about childbirth class, I highly recommend a breastfeeding class, if you are planning on doing that, and infant CPR.

[jh124]

We had our first class last night. I got a lot out of it, and I have read quite a bit about pregnancy. I thought it was going to be hippy dippy breathing and visualization, but we spent last night talking about pregnancy and what our expectations had been and how things were in reality.

If nothing else, it was fantastic for my DH to be there when she talked about dilation, how the baby moves in utero, what the signs are of labor (i.e. water doesn't have to break unlike in Hollywood movies). He said he appreciated getting the information from a "medical professional" because clearly I, as a pregnant woman, had no idea what I was talking about.

I'm sure that some weeks I will roll my eyes and wish I were anywhere else (we have six classes), but last night was a winner.

[usafwife]

We attended lamaze classes at our local hospital. They are free to those who deliver at the hospital and small charge for those who don't. I'm extremely glad that we went through the classes. They helped us a lot. I used the breathing techniques during labor. Plus we got to tour the L&D department before we actually were in labor. Our classes were one night a week for six weeks.

[knzbound]

DH found our CB class helpful; I did not. Like you, I had read tons of stuff and watched way too many episodes of Babies: Special Delivery. Everything was a repeat of what I already knew. However, DH thought it was really helpful because he did not know one thing (refused to read anything) about when to go to the hospital, dilation, contrax, etc. etc. So, in the end, I was glad we went because it put DH at ease, but if you feel like your DH is well-prepared, I would say skip.

In addition to the class, our hospital offered a tour for expectant parents. This was probably the most helpful thing. They tell you where to park your car, which floor to go to, show you a delivery and postpartum room, etc.

[njnewyearsbride]

ours was a waste of $150 --

do whatever you're comfortable with.

[Sandie78]

Ours was informative, but I'm not sure it was worth $70. Still, I'm glad I went because it was nice to learn about the hospital and their procedures. Ours was an all day Saturday class so we only had to go once.

We also took an infant CPR class for $5. I hope I never have to use it, but I'm glad I took that class.

[Traciann]

We didn't take one. My DH work schedule was too hectic, so we skipped it. The nurses totally walk you through everything, and I don't feel I missed out not taking one.

Traci

[pixiecat]

Thanks for all of the replies! DH is a fire captian/paramedic and has delivered babies himself, so he's pretty comfortable w/ the process (although I'm sure it will be different when it is *his* wife/baby!! ;) )

I should have mentioned that we *will* take the Hospital Tour and have signed up for a Newborn Care class. I'm leaning towards skipping the CB class...

I appreciate all of your responses, thank you!!! :p

[moderngal]

we skipped and had no regrets.

[kmmommy]

We went to a class and were so bored stiff that we only went the first day. We read a lot about it and were very comfortable and prepared when I went into labor.

I think the hype about class is over-the-top. You will know what to do because of your instincts and if you do some research. Sitting in a classroom doesn't help much IMO.

[December27JJB]

I didnt take class because my cousin who had a baby recently said it wasnt worth it and a waste of time. She said once the pain kicks in you forget everything you learn in class. And it is annoying when DH tells you to breathe in and breathe out, you just want to tell him to "Shut the *&%^ up!" I guess its a good think I didnt take the class because I ended up having a c-section.

One thing my cousin recommended that she learned from her birthing class is to buy one of these cheap plastic combs and squeeze it with your hand as you're having contractions to feel 'other' pain and to take your mind off some of the pain the contractions are causing. I did that when I went in labor and it did help. Needless to say I didnt do it for very long because I was wheeled to the operating room.

[emschwar]

Some parts of our class were good. I liked talking to the other moms, and they did give some nice info on what happens when, and how long each stage of labor lasts, etc.

For me, the breathing was crap. We were supposed to practice, but I felt like a moron. And I'm just the kind of person that practicing something like that doesn't do me any good, since I'm not in horrific pain at the time. One of the breathing techniques did help me fall asleep a few times when I had insomnia though :)

[cgmom313]

Skipped and No Regrets. However I always planned on an epidural and that helps, you dont need to know the breathing stuff so much. However, I think it is good if are going that route, because if you have the epi the nurse will talk you through it because you can feel the contractions. Also I just could not see spending $120 for the class. Just my 2 cents.

[Winter Biscuit]

Ours was a 5 week class and it was very difficult to find the time, but somehow we managed to attend. I felt like I didn't learn any new information because I felt pretty educated about everything and had a good idea of what to expect and what I wanted (and what I did not). However, I think it was helpful for DH to learn a little more. Having said that, I ended up having a scheduled c-section, so just about everything they taught in class was useless and did not apply to my situation. Even the hospital tour wasn't very beneficial for us because they showed us the L&D rooms, and explained how the beds are lowered, where they keep the birthing balls, the whirlpool tubs...etc. Basically the whole tour centered around vaginal births. It's not like they showed us the operating room where they perform c-sections, explained the procedures involved with c-sections, etc. They didn't even show us the rooms where c-section mothers recover (they had 2 wings - one for moms who had vaginal births and then another wing with a surgical suite and rooms where c-section moms spend their recovery).

I have to say that when they had us practice our breathing exercises, I took one look around the room at everyone and just busted my gut laughing and could NOT stop. It was just so fake, it felt very unnatural, and I just couldn't stop laughing at the site of 20 pregnant women on the floor pretending to be in labor and saying "Hee hee hoo" while their partners/DH/birthing coach rubbed their backs and practiced giving encouragement. I remember the CB educator snapped at me and said that she didn't think I'd be laughing during actual labor - and that just made me laugh even harder. I just could not help it. :D :rolleyes:

[Cohl]

It's nice to hear that I'm not the only "rebel" that went once and skipped out on the rest. I never regretted not going at all, even though everyone swore that I would.

[Brady]

Ours was an all-day Saturday class. I feel like I'm glad we went just for my DH's sake. He learned a lot, I had read a million books/watched every episode of Baby Story/Maternity Ward, etc. So, to me it was sort of just a review. But I'm glad we went for his sake, at the hospital he was talking about how dialated I was, effaced, etc. I had to laugh. Just for that it was worth it (as he is not a big book reader!).

[ce_Kathleen]

Honestly for most of our classes (8 weeks) it was worthless for me but my DH learned so much! The only classes that benefitted me were the infant CPR, the breastfeeding class and the c-section class.

I thought it was great that we had one whole class devoted to c/s. We toured the hospital OR, the recovery room and the postpartum room just for sections. We had a "mock" OR with "mock" Drs (dads/moms) a "patient" (one of the moms), the nurses (dads/moms) the anesthisiologist sp? (again one of the dad/moms). I thought it really answered a lot of questions about what happens in an emergency c compared to a scheduled c, who all is in the room with you, what happens, etc.

This turned out to be invaluable info for me as my DS was breech and a scheduled c. I was much less nervous b/c it was exactly like we had acted out in our class.

But other than the 3 good classes (CPR, breastfeeding, c-section) everything else I had read about in my numerous books and was really boring to me. Although we did get cool free samples at all the classes (diapers, avent bottles, pacifiers, diaper bag, etc).

[jenn0911]

I think the CB class is more for DH than you, especially if you have been reading. But I do agree that if you don't take it, you should get a tour of the hospital and find out what the policies and procedures are. I took our class for my first DD and I think it made us feel more comfortable with the hospital. They had us fill out a birth plan and all of the admitting paperwork so that I wouldn't have to do it when I was in labor. For my 2nd baby, I figured I knew what was going on and didn't take the course, (it was a different hospital) but I didn't get the tour and give them my birth plan. I would also have been prepared because the epidural I got was totally different than the 1st one.

[adoredh]

I don't think you're crazy for not taking the classes - if your DH is alreay trained and has delivered babies in the past, then you have the perfect partner for your birth!
(esp since you already have the tour skd and the CPR classes, I think you both are pretty pre-paired)

I'm taking the classes, not for me, but for DH - he's clueless, and wants to remain clueless, but I'm dragging him there anyways! LOL! He's afraid of everything that's going to happen, and I figure that getting him prepaired will help him with that, and in turn, help him to focus more on me and my needs.

Good luck on your upcoming birth! :)

[scout]

There was only one thing that I felt I got from my class. The rest of pretty much a waste of time. Once the contractions started, there was no way I was just going to breathe through them.

My instructor gave us a tip for pushing and I think that helped get ds out. Basically, you draw a deep breath in, let SOME of it out and push. Don't let ALL of it out. This trick really worked.

I had already taken a hospital tour through my OBs office, and the classes I took didn't even offer it anyway, so had I not learned about the breathing trick, I would have totally wasted $80.

[emermel]

We did a one day birthing boot camp class, and I felt like it was a total waste of my time. This was for several reasons...1) I had done TONS of reading, and felt like I knew what I was in for 2) I knew that I was going to have an epidural and probably would not use the breathing patterns.

HOWEVER...we also took a BF class, which I did find to be very helpful...especially since both DH and I went. I think that he got a lot out of it.

[StClaire]

I, too, am skipping out on the birthing classes. I asked my OB about it and she suggested I save my money. She said they will be right there to tell me exactly what to do so there is no need to spend money on a class. She suggested I take an infant first aid/cpr class instead.

[solongtogo]

We're not doing one either. Tons of women give birth everyday in areas where a childbirth class isin't an option...they can do it, I can too. Besides, if I can't figure out how to breath during birth, technically I'm going to die, so I'm pretty sure I'll be able to figure it out. Seems like a wast of money to me.

[Koala_Gurl]

Ours was 4 days, 3 hours each.

The valuable stuff could have been taught in one day, 2 hours (i.e. the tour of the hospital and the explaination of the hospital's process).

Oh, that and the "life saver" analogy to a effacing / dilating cervix. LOL!!!

[MaMa2D]

I did not take a childbirth class and successfully delivered my first child/son without any pain medication and a rather unhelpful nurse. I too, read everything under the sun and watched a zillion "Birth Day" episodes. Your body sort of tells you the best way to handle the contractions, labor, and delivery. I breathed and made little noises through each contraction that I found helped me best. The nurse even asked me where I had taken childbirth classes, as I was told that I handled them well and pushed through five contractions to deliver him (I had an extremely fast labor/delivery). As long as you know the laboring and delivery process and feel comfortable with your hospital's policies/routine, I say all will work out well. :)

[sea74]

I've read through this thread but am bumping it up for anymore opinions/stories.

I'm on the fence about taking a childbirth class. I feel like I can read about what I need to know and in the end, I'm sure the nurses will coach me along the way. Some of my friends have said the classes are a "waste of time."

These are my other thoughts: I'm expecting twins and although I'm going to try for a vaginal birth, I may end up w/a c-section due to their positions.

My only hesitation is there is some secret thing you only learn in a birth class and I'll screwed when it's time to push the babies out :p Oh, and I also wonder if I'll look back and feel like I missed out on something.

I do plan on taking a breastfeeding class and a newborn class (mostly for DH).

[mcgwigan]

sea Maybe there's just a one day class that you could take? I took a very intensive 1 day class my last pregnancy and both DH & I thought it was helpful (and he had already done a whole Bradley session with his ex-wife, but it was 9 years ago!). Anyway-I went to one of the classes that our local hospital offered when my sister was pregnant & that one was a total waste of time & I've heard pretty much the same opinion on pretty much all hospital offered classes. I'm pretty sure we aren't in the same area, but this (http://www.birthmattersny.org/) is the link to the class that I took-you may have to click on childbirth over on the left.

I referred my SIL for the class, even though she had already had a baby and she thought it was really informative too.

One thing though-you will probably want to go earlier rather than later, if you did decide to take a course that's all day long. I can't remember how far along I was when I took it, but I was pretty uncomfortable with sitting there for so long & had to keep changing from floor to chair to balance ball. I also read a lot of books, but kind of wanted a class that DH would go to with me. Of course, this time he's thinking Bradly classes since I wound up with a C-Section. Which, by the way, I wish I had had more information on that, so you may want to read up on that, just in case!

[ktsb]

I missed it because it was scheduled the weekend after DD ended up being born. I was none the worse for missing it.

I did however get to go to the pain management/epidural class and it was just nice to know what was going to happen there.

But you are right, you could probably find it all online.

[Jenzen01]

Our classes were a bit of a waste ... except perhaps that they gave DH a reality check. :) We had four classes, and two different instructors. One was fabulous, and I'm really happy we went to her session. The other instructor was terrible.

I'd recommend that regardless of what you decide, you make sure you tour the hospital ahead of time. That was the most important part of the class for me. It was just so helpful envisioning where I would be giving birth because it took some of the unknown out of the equation.

For my second child, I took home some videos from the maternity dept. and read a book on my own. That was more helpful.

[MichelleRenee]

Our classes were kind of a waste for me because I had already read everything they taught, but it cleared up a LOT of things for DH that he was mistaken about and it really helped him to understand the labor and delivery process. Would we have survived without taking the class? Of course! But I think it helped DH to feel a bit more in control having some of that knowledge before it all happened. I think it also gave him a better picture ahead of time of why I was so scared/nervous about labor.

Oh, and it finally cleared up a stupid argument we had been having for months. My boobs grew really quickly in the first trimester and DH was convinced they were "full of milk" and that the milk would go bad by the time I delivered and make our baby sick. I could not convince him otherwise but we did clear that up during our class, lol!

[SusieQ]

I didnt take any classes, for whatever reason my hospital wasn't offering a formalized class. And the classes from outside the hospital were way outside of my budget (500$ and up). I read a couple chapters of different books but never got through any of them. I don't regret it. I did the first 18 hours of my labor with no pain medication. After that I ended up getting an epidural. 8 hours later I started pushing (by then the epidural was wearing off a bit). The nurse I had was great, when I was relaxing after the epidural she came over and went over pushing techniques and breathing techniques with me and when it came time to push (I pushed for over two hours) I jujst followed what she had told me and everything went smoothly. Not that it was a walk in the park but definitely do-able.
Looking back I think a newborn class for Dh's benefit and a breastfeeding class would have been really helpful and I kind of wish I had signed up for those.

[honeygirl]

I too read lots of books ahead but still learned quite a bit from the classes. And like others posted, my DH got A LOT out of them. The videos were amazing (although hokey) and really focused us on what was going to happen. I took a natural childbirth class and we learned quite a few techniques (and practiced them) which I used, and some that I didn't. I wouldn't say anything was "magic" but I think the best birth experience is a prepared one. No matter what happens or what you decide at least you know your options and can make educated decisions.

[linekelei]

I did not take one, but did read a book about childbirth. However, I got an epidural and though there was some pain before the epidural, the rest of labor and pushing was very easy. The L&D nurses tell you what to do and for me, that was enough. Also helps that I only had to push 10 minutes, so the entire birthing process was pretty quick and painless.

[hiphopgirl]

I'd recommend that regardless of what you decide, you make sure you tour the hospital ahead of time. That was the most important part of the class for me. It was just so helpful envisioning where I would be giving birth because it took some of the unknown out of the equation.

I have to second this opinion. The tour of the hospital was the best part of the birth class.

Ours was two Saturdays in a row - all day. It was kind of silly and I didn't get much out of it, but I think it was helpful for DH to see how important he was in the process. He was convinced that he wasn't going to be in the room for the birth and I was really pushing the issue. After the class I think he was more on board with being in the room. So I guess, like the others are saying, it's just as much for getting DH used to the idea as it is for anything else.

Our class had a brief movie about c/s. I wish I had paid more attention to that part. Since you will likely have one, it might be nice for you to hear what to expect.

[PookiePrincess]

We took a one day birth class on a Saturday. Our instructor was really entertaining, but I pretty much had read everything we learned. It was great for DH to know what to expect though because he refuses to read anything. I do have to agree that for me the best part of the class was the hospital tour and learning about the procedures and policies.

[KRL626]

I didn't take a class. With DS#1 I knew I wanted pain medication. I did some reading and faired pretty well. With DS #2 I decided I wanted a natural birth and still didn't bother with a class. I did do a lot of reading though and I had exactly the birth I hoped for. I know the classes can be helpful, but I don't feel they are a complete necessity.

[PinkMartini]

The only thing I did to prepare for childbirth (other than read a ton of books about it and talk to people) was go on the hospital tour where I delivered my DS. I had planned on going to prenatal classes but DH didn't want to go :rolleyes: and I felt uncomfortable going alone.

I knew I'd get an epidural (even though with my DS it only lasted 3 hours) and felt knowledgeable enough about L&D to feel comfortable going in to it.

[moderngal]

I wouldn't bother with a hospital based class. The nurses will tell you what to do and most of it comes pretty naturally anyway. BUT if you want a natural birth, go to a class focused on that (probably not going to be at a hospital). I took Bradley classes for #2 and loved it. It really helped keep me focused and relaxed for birth- which was not something I had with #1.

[Scooter]

I never took a childbirth class. I read several books and hired a doula for my 1st pregnancy, when I was trying for a NCB. For my twin pregnancy, I just relied on that info--but ended up needing a c-section anyway, due to the babies' prematurity. I don't think I missed anything by not taking a class.

For pregnancy #1 I did take a breastfeeding class with DH, though.

[nuhmah]

I never took a class when pregnant with DS, and I don't plan to this time. I had a hospital birth (and we both enjoyed the hospital tour), and I had the unmedicated delivery I wanted from my own research, reading, and practicing.

[kindermom]

The tour was separate from our class. That being said, we went to half of our class and skipped the rest. It was boring and had information that we already knew as it came right out of any given expectant mother book. And honestly, I was fine in L&D. Then again, I had easy deliveries.

[KRL626]

Oh ditto on the breastfeeding class. I took that the first time and that was VERY helpful.

[jesseybell]

We took a one day class - I thought it was very helpful. Sure I could have done it without it (well after 2.5 hours of pushing I ended up with a c/s) but I enjoyed hearing someone talking about it in addition to all the reading I did and a place to ask questions.

The tour was great - I definitely recommend it. While it didn't necessarily help me, it helped DH to know where the restaurants and free food on the floor were - seriously, we would have packed all this stuff for him but knowing what amenities were available to him were good. Plus he was familiar with the lay of the land since I was there for so long.

A BF class was great too. And an Infant CPR class. The newborn class wasn't as helpful to us - the nurses went over everything again in the hospital.

[Ellyn]

We also took a day long class - I don't think I really learned anything that I hadn't already read in a book (I read a ton). Also, I think I learned way more in the BF class than anything (although I knew a lot from reading, it was also nice to make a connection with the LC before going into the hospital). I had hoped for an unmedicated birth, but I was in so much pain during DS's birth, I ended up with an epi that didn't work, so in the end it was pretty much unmedicated. I decided the second time around I wouldn't wait that long for the meds and had the most relaxing, best birth with DD. :D

[rancherswife]

Oh Lord, w/ #1 I was totally gung-ho about childbirth classes....until we went!!! lol Dh was NEVER excited about going. After the first night, we were both like WTF? This sucks! lol We stuck it out until the last couple of classes. Now...having birthed three babies...IMO, you do NOT need to attend child birth classes, do you need to read up on it? Yes, and the more you know, the better, I think. I was lucky enough to be in the birthing room twice with my cousin before giving birth to my first baby, so I really saw first hand what it's all about. But, honestly, that breathing stuff that that teach you has done NOTHING for me. The last two times, my l&d went so quickly, I couldn't get the epi. and even then, the breathing doesn't help! So, no...you don't need it, imo! ;)

[sea74]

THANK YOU EVERYONE for your stories and advice. I think I'm leaning towards NOT taking the class. I have so many books and all my friends are on their 2nd/3rd babies so they've been telling me things, too.

I will however take the hospital tour so we know the lay of the land and such.

I have an OB apt. next week and I'll talk to my doctor about the classes and unless he has some REALLY important reasons for me to take it, I think we'll skip it.

Thank you again!

[Ericka_Jarett]

We didn't bother going to any birth classes. The nurses and my OB told me how to push and breath and all was fine.

[Daniel's Kitty]

I took the class with number one and the only good that came out of it was spending a day getting a backrub and dh learned a few new moves for giving backrubs. With #2 I read a few bradley books and practiced a little. With #3 I decided to just go with my gut. #3 was such an easy birth and there wasn't much pain for me other than a few transition contrax.

Birth 1 was a hospital birth and I was induced and got an epidural about transition time. Births 2 and 3 were home, and ds#1 was there for the birth of ds#3.

[countrymouse]

We went to a 1 day class offered and encouraged by my OB's office. I really didn't learn anything I didn't already know, but I thought it might be helpful for DH. He hated it. The childbirth video freaked him out, and all the scenarios were with women who did not recieve epidurals, so there was a lot of screaming. Since I (and everyone else in the class) planned on getting an epidural, it was hard to 'picture' a medicated birth for him. DH even fell asleep at one point. Turns out I had a scheduled c-section due to baby being breech, so it became totally irrelevant for us.

Honestly, everything I learned about childbirth from books and CC would have prepared me for a regular delivery. The hospital tour was incredibly valuable, however, as we got to see the actual rooms we would be in and know the procedures/proceeses. I felt incredibly prepared for my c-section and there were no suprises.

[jnm83]

We went to one class...and never could make ourselves go back after that. It was just not really useful as far as we were concerned.

[Julss05]

Not crazy but could help. We took 6 weeks of child birth classes starting in my 5th month. I wish we had gone later because I forgot a lot of it in my last months. I ended up not using hardly any of the labor techniques because my labor went SO fast! We practiced pushing, but I don't think any amount of fake pushing could prepare me for the real thing! I would say the only part that really helped was learning to blow to prevent pushing until I was ready and focusing on something to get through the pain. I wish we had taken a newborn care and intense breastfeeding class instead. If I had a long labor I could see how lamaze would help though. Learning about what the baby was doing at different stages of pregnancy was interesting but something you could get out of a book. Our OBs policies in relation to delivering at the hospital was also good to know.