I've heard some women say it was kind of a waste, that everything taught was pretty basic and easily acquired by simple conversations with other moms. I mostly hear women say they didn't learn anything but that they still enjoyed them because of the other moms. I have only heard this,however, by women who participated in longer running classes, not the 2-day courses like those offered at my hospital. I've checked out a lot of books from the library on labor delivery and breastfeeding, and even 2 videos on childbirth(I haven't watched them yet.) Do you think that is enough? What about learning how to breathe? I just don't know what to expect and I don't really want to spend the money for a class if it will feel like a waste. What do you think?
The Thuets of Whidbey Island
Saturday, July 11, 2009
What do you think of birthing classes?
At the beginning of my pregnancy I just assumed I'd participate in some sort of birthing class, but now... I'm not sure. 
I've heard some women say it was kind of a waste, that everything taught was pretty basic and easily acquired by simple conversations with other moms. I mostly hear women say they didn't learn anything but that they still enjoyed them because of the other moms. I have only heard this,however, by women who participated in longer running classes, not the 2-day courses like those offered at my hospital. I've checked out a lot of books from the library on labor delivery and breastfeeding, and even 2 videos on childbirth(I haven't watched them yet.) Do you think that is enough? What about learning how to breathe? I just don't know what to expect and I don't really want to spend the money for a class if it will feel like a waste. What do you think?
I've heard some women say it was kind of a waste, that everything taught was pretty basic and easily acquired by simple conversations with other moms. I mostly hear women say they didn't learn anything but that they still enjoyed them because of the other moms. I have only heard this,however, by women who participated in longer running classes, not the 2-day courses like those offered at my hospital. I've checked out a lot of books from the library on labor delivery and breastfeeding, and even 2 videos on childbirth(I haven't watched them yet.) Do you think that is enough? What about learning how to breathe? I just don't know what to expect and I don't really want to spend the money for a class if it will feel like a waste. What do you think?
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9 comments:
No matter how much you read or watch, or what you have been told by other moms will prepare you for childbirth. Everyone's experience and situation is different. It is great to know as much as you can and if you feel a class would help you feel more prepared then go for it. I personally did not feel the need to take a class but it might have been beneficial for Reuben to be a bit more prepared.
The only part I enjoyed was learning about positions to stand/lay in and spots to push/rub to help with pain relief. Mucho helpful before that epidural comes. But the rest of classes were mostly a waste. We watched a live birth, which just grossed me out. I don't have bad things to say, but I'm sure you'll survive without it if you're leaning that way anyways.
I think the classes are a waste unless you are going to go all natural. If you plan to have an epidural, the breathing exercises they teach you in classes become a mute point. You won't use them. I didn't take any classes and don't know that a class would have helped prepare me any more for Tanner's birth. When giving birth, you have a room full of professionals telling you exactly what you need to do every step of the way. They will cater their comments to your situation as it unfolds in the delivery room. I guess you could go to a class and talk about hypotheticals of labor, but that might not be what happens during your delivery.
The one day birthing class at the UI was a total waste for me, except that it did calm my fears that I wasn't missing out on any "vital info". There wasn't any, so I didn't need to worry, but at least I took the class to prove it. I didn't end up using any of the breathing techniques during labor because they seemed so barely brushed through during the class they seemed like a joke.
Not sure about your class, but I really enjoyed mine. Part of it was being able to be there with Greg and I knew that he was learning a lot. I feel like I learned about a lot that I didn't totally understand before and was able to ask questions about that specific hospital. But if the class is just about breathing, then ya not worth it.
I did the 6 week course through Mecry, I did no tlike it the class in general but the one thing that made it all worth it was the time I spent with Ricky and that he was involved. We had fun joking and pretending to do the moves they show you to calm contractions. So hated class, loved one on one time with husband :)
Abby, oh my goodness, are you totally freakin kidding me? I found your blog from the "Because I was taught to share blog." It's Jessica Taufer from the BYU Upholstery shop. Small blogging world, eh? I would ask you how you are doing, but after reading a couple of your recent blog entries it sounds like you are doing totally fantastic! I started a totally free online baby magazine, www.utahbabyguide.com, but I don't really keep up with a blog. Congrats on everything!
Oh yeah, I'm glad that you didn't go on a cruise with a porthole for your 5 year honeymoon. :-)
I think the only reason to take a childbirth class is if you are wanting to do a natural birth (no meds). I did Alex natural and our class was one day a week for 6 weeks teaching us breathing etc. It helped immensely, but honestly if you are all about epidural, it might not be worth it. :)
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