Did You Take Birthing Classes?

My hubby and I took a Bradley Class. It was very helpful. Birthing can be very tricky these days. Hospitals treat birth like a medical procedure and all their meddling leads to problems (one of the primary reasons why 1 out of 3 births are by C-section now). I highly recommend getting a doula if you don't take a birthing class. Better yet, take a birthing class and have a doula there to help you. If you don't, you may be in for the shock of your life (I was, with all the complications I needed a doula). It's a lot better to be prepared as much as possible.

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My own personal theory is that everyone should Be Informed. The more you know about ANY subject, the less you'll worry!

You learn a LOT in those classes!

I had doubts about whether or not the breathing exercises were helping...so I experimented. "This next contraction, I'm not going to do it." Let me tell you -- I went right back to them immediately!

I wound up having a Caeserian delivery but wasn't afraid because the class I took also covered that. I bounced right back!

Fore-warned is fore-armed...be prepared!

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Since this is your first baby, I say take the classes! They are very informative, you may get a tour of the hospital, and you may meet some other expectant parents that you hit it off with. (Instant buddies for your son)!) I took the classes when I was pregnant the first time, and no, we didn't end up using all the techniques, but it helped to know what to expect. My second time around, we decided not to take them again, and when I was in labor, I sort of wished we'd had a refresher. At one point, my midwife looked at us and said, "use your breathing you learned in class!" My husband and I just looked at each other, we couldn't remember anything! The nurses and midwives walked us through it though. I've had two vaginal births, no drugs for either...take the class, it can really be helpful.

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We took the one day class and found it informative and helpful. She went over the breathing and everything that was going to happen and all the different scenarios. My husband paid attention a lot in the class and it ended up being very helpful. I would suggest it.

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I did not take them with any of my boys. I probably should have but just never did. I did fine without them. My oldest is 12 and youngest is 3.

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I took the birthing classes and ended up having an emergency C-Section -- lots of good those classes did me...I was having contractions prior to - but no pushing...you are never prepared for what may come -- you are no longer in control :)

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I've had three children. The first I had classes, I still didn't know what to expect when the time came.

There is a book every expecting woman should read, "Supernatural Childbirth", by Jackie Mize. I read this book a month before my third child was born...WOW what a difference. This was by far the BEST childbirth! I was ready to run a marathon after this birth.

If you are able to find this book I urge you to buy it. It goes into having children the way God meant for us to have them...PAINFREE!!! If you can get this book, you don't need the classes.

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Hi!
I didn't take birthing classes, I bought a dvd from Barnes and Noble and watched it instead. I had my first daughter Dec '05...the dvd was helpful, but I couldn't ask it questions. I wish I had gone to a class for that reason alone. Good luck, and if I may, one word: epidural!! It will make your delivery so much better and it won't hurt your baby!

A.

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We took them. They were very informative. However, they did not really go over lamaze. She went over alot of stuff that would help prepare you. She was great really. The problem is, it's hard to get into a class this close to delivery. I'm not sure where you will be delivering, but I took my class at Presby Huntersville with Gina Grider. She was straight forward and alot of fun.

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K.,

First..Congrats on your little one!! I strongly advise the birthing classes. Women are very diverse individuals and therefore the pain we experience during childbirth is also. You may not use the techniques you learn at all, you may find that don't help one lick, or you may thank your stars you learned them. I think it's better to be safe than sorry. I found the breathing and focusing very helpful in the beginning. Towards the end my pain was very intense and I just opted for pain medication and an epidural....but I went almost 12 hours with using just my breathing techniques and deliverd 5 hours later after my epidural. I really believe because I waited so long for my epidural I had the easiest delivery and my baby only needed a little stimulation to get him screaming :)! Also during most birthing classes you don't just learn how to focus and breathe...you usually get a tour of where you will deliver, basic infant/child CPR, bathing, labor lingo (dialated, effaced, etc.), pain medication options, when to go to the hosptial, what will happen after baby is delivered, pediatrician referrals, plus things your husband can do to help eleviate pain and how he can be helpful afterwards (also helps dad feel included). Classes can also help eleviate some of those jitters you may be having about delivery. Not to mention you can ask questions...something you can't do with a book. Overall, I strongly recomend the classes as you can tell. Again, Congrats and Best Wishes!!

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Hi, I had my first baby in November and did not feel the need to take a birthing class. I just wanted to listen to my body and handle it how i wanted, not somebody telling me how. My delivery was what i expected and went fine. My husband and sister were with me, and that's all i needed. I have no regrets about it, although i would recommend taking a breastfeeding class if you plan on breastfeeding. A.

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Hi K.,

My husband and I took the birthing class even though I was scheduled for a c-section. It was good for him to hear the information from someone other than me, and we met some other great couples that were having kids about the same age as ours. They give a lot of good information that is more personal experience than bookwork. My cousin is an OB/GYN and she had her daughter without an epidural so she could tell her patients what it was like. She recommends the epidural simply because there is less pain therefore less stress.

Good luck and congratulations!

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I did not take birthing classes despite my OB/GYN urging me to do so. My labor was 18 hours and I went the first 9 without drugs, but after they broke my water I decided to go ahead with the epidural. I won't say it was a pleasant experience, but it was not nearly as bad as everyone had said it would be. I really don't think taking birthing classes could have prepared me any better for my labor. Once the pushing started it was a breeze! I was very lucky to have good nurses and a wonderful midwife who made everything bearable. Good luck!

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We took birthing classes through Sentara, which were great (and scary b/c you don't realize how much your body goes through), but we learned breathing techniques, etc, which would have helped if my son didn't decide to come in record time! My water broke at my 35 week exam while I was waiting to see the doctor at 3:30PM and I gave birth at 5:21PM the same day and I was talking all the way to the hospital and didn't really have much pain, so I didn't have much need for the classes in real life, but they were very helpful. I would recommend thaking them, but you might be too late if you are in the VA Beach area, we signed up when I found out I was pregnant and they were almost 6 monts out in reservations, and the classes were six weeks long...you would be due by then! ;) I know there are some weekend classes offered privately, but I don't know much about those. Good luck to you and your husband with your new addition!!!

Blessings,

C.

P.S. - If you honestly think you are gonna use an epidural or other medicaions, you would probably be wasting your money...

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I did not take any classes. For me labor was a breze. I started at 9:30 a.m. went to the hospital (because my fiancee was freaking out, not because we had to) at about 3:30 in the afternoon. I took an epidural at about 2:30 a.m. and had my 9lb 2oz son at 6:05 a.m. My fiancee just kept telling me to breath slowly thru the contractions because everytime i would tense up. That was the most important advice. Hope that helps.

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I had a vaginal the first time, and a C-section the second time. With my first, I didn't go to birthing classes. I watched SO many TV shows, books, internet, etc (BirthDay, Discovery Health, etc.)about giving birth, that I learned a whole lot about breathing techniques.

When I finally went into labor, I did pretty good, according to the nurses, with breathing, pushing, etc. The did say, that had I gone to birthing classes, there would be so many MORE techniques I could be using.

If you have the ability to go, it probably wouldn't hurt, but if you don't it's not the end of the world.

Good luck!!

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I'd say take the class. While having a baby is very natural, you are going to be having the baby in a very unnatural place...the hospital! So, you really are having to do it their way, and not the way your body is wanting to do it. That's most cases. It's very helpful to learn the policies at the hospital, about pain medications (just because a book suggests one, doesn't mean your doctor will do it!).
Keep reading and be as educated as possible. But the childbirth class isn't just about how to have a baby, but how to have one at that particular hospital. If you were doing it at home or a birthing center, I'd say skip the classes, but go. You can never know too much about how to have this baby! It will benefit your husband as well.
I went through childbirth 5 years ago, took the classes...very glad I did. I ended up going into labor during the last class! But I'm doing it again this time, because I want my husband to know what's going on! I want him to see other dads involved, and it can't hurt me to have a little refresher!

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I did not take any classes with either of my kids and had both naturally. My hubby didn't want me to take them b/c "women have been having babies since the beginning of time", but it does come pretty natural what to do. I think that it was better for me not to take them because it would have thrown me off, I do yoga so I could already control my breathing, and my mom was in the room during labor not delivery (I thought it was something private to be shared only w/ hubby) and with the second which was faster than the first she was able to give me different techniques. But the decision is really up to you, I think nature does a pretty good job of letting you know what to do. congrats and good luck with your delivery.

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Well, I had both my sons by vaginal births and I had no problems. You just have to breath through the contractions and relax. I know it sounds hard to relax when your body is going through this but it helps alot. I had the epidural with both of them and had easy births.

Good luck and you will be fine.
L. M

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I had a vaginal birth. And I had lamaze classes ... birthing classes ... whatever you want to call them. The class gave me the courage and strength to have a completely natural birth. No drugs whatsoever. And no epidural. Before going to the class, I wanted drugs drugs drugs! YIKES!

Now, almost 3 years later, I'm very glad I went.

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If it's not too late I say TAKE THE CLASSES! I have two children, both were born drug free, thanks to these classes! I think they are very important for first time mom's to take. Especially if you want your baby born drug free!

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My fiance and I did not take any birthing classes. We just had our 1st baby on Nov. 7, 2006. I had tried to read up on the process and ask lots of questions about labor, breathing, the pain of contractions, the whole shabang. We received a lot of different advice. In the end, it just depends on how your body is going to respond to giving birth. The whole sensation was nothing I had ever gone through before. I admit I panicked when the contractions got to be severe. Which probably made my body tense up even more and most likely contributed to more pain. I don't want to scare you. When you do give birth just remember that it only lasts for a little while then you have this amazing little baby. You can read and ask questions but when it comes down to it, your experience will be different from everybody elses. I also received an epideral, due to my blood pressure, which let me tell you, was wonderful. I was able to finally relax and within an hour of reciving the epideral, we had our baby girl! Good luck! I hope I helped you even a little. Let us know when you have your baby boy!

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When I had my babys they were both vaginal deliverys. the birthing classes helped me because I didn't use Pain medications. It showed me other ways to control the pain with out the meds. I had two wonderful deliverys and did use any major invasive meds. Like for instance an epidural. I used only once to get some rest a local in the IV med that didn't take the pain away but alowed me to rest better in between contractions. It also helped me and my husband get familar with what was going to happen and what to exspect.I also got to ask questions and get answers I could understand with out all the hospital lingual. hope this helps, D.

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If it gives you a piece of mind, I suggest you take the class. When I was in labor ( I will protect the identity of the hospital) everything I learned went out the window. The nurses had attitudes, I was in pain, and the man with the epidural took his precious time getting to me. By the time I finally got the epidural, my doctor was ready for me to push. When my husband told me that the pain couldn't be that bad and my head turned 360 degrees and my eyes turned red, birthing class didn't teach me how to act in a situation like that.
Good Luck!

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I didn't take any. I wish I had. I was nowhere near prepared for what I was going through and not nearly as informed as I should have been. Had I known, I would have taken steps to prevent most or all of the interventions forced upon me. I would have also had a doula since everything I asked for was ignored. The most important thing was I wanted to have my baby laid on me right after he was born rather than the cord clipped right away and him taken. I didn't get to hold him for ten or fifteen minutes. Seems like a small amount of time, but that was 10 to 15 minutes that strangers were touching my baby and not me.

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I delivered my son last January without birthing classes and I was fine! I'm glad I didn't waste the time and money for that matter. Of course I had an epideral. So that made things ALOT easier...you'll know what I mean when those contractions kick in! If your not going to have an epideral..do birthing classes.
Do a hospital tour, that way you know exactly where to go when the time comes.The best thing is, don't be afraid, be calm and prepared. Its not the horror story you saw in high school health class, but contractions are not confortable, and can last up to two mins (which may not seem like a lot now...but just wait) I don't want to scare you, because it wasn't scary at all, you'll be surprised how strong you are, and how much you can tolerate.
My husband and I decided that it should be just us in the room for our first, which made it alot easier on me. We had visitors but when it was time, they all went to the waiting room. They all knew months in advance that we wanted to experience our first birth just the two of us and it was amazing.
Remember to push from your butt (Thats what my doctor told me) and once I reached 10 cent. my son was born in 45 min.(I had 17 hours of labor, but slept thru most of it.)I didn't rush to the hospital either, which was a good move for me. I showered, sat in my rocking chair, read the labor section of What to expect when your expecting, let my husband sleep and then when I started to feel things "tighten" I woke him up and told him it was time to go...we had our bags packed about a month ahead of time. LOL
The car ride was crazy...my contractions really kicked in, but I remained calm and did whatever made me comfortable at the time and before I knew it I was at the hospital and the wait began! I delivered at Mission,GREAT HOSPITAL!!! But when you first check in they have you go to a room to get checked out and if you are having contractions it can seem like an eternity...from there they move you to your room...a little later they will ask about the epideral, have you sign some paper work ect ect
The weeks before: I had been dilated 1-2 cent for like 2-3 weeks so I asked my doctor...who was very cool, and easy going to scrap my membranes (which was advice from my mother in law) 1 day later I was ready to go.
Do what you feel is right...thats the bottom line and everything will be wonderful
____@____.com to ask more questions or just to chat

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If you have done a lot of reading on labor and delivery, just about everything discussed in the classes you will already know. I took the class with my first, but had also read everything I could get my hands on and by the time classes started I was pretty knowledgeable about what to expect. I was really just looking forward to the hospital maternity ward tour. (Which it turned out I missed, because I delivered three weeks early!) I'm not going to say that the classes are a waste of time, but all classes are probably different, so I would find out exactly what will take place during each class and then decide if it's worth your time and money.

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I didn't take them with either one of my kids and I don't regret it either. I talked with a friend of mine (when I was pregnant with my DD) who had taken them and gave birth cause I was thinking of doing it. She said it was a waste of time and money. She didn't use any thing of what they had told them. So I didn't take them. And after I had had my DD, the nurse asked me where I had taken Birthing Classes cause I had done so well. I told her no where! All I did was breath in my nose and out my mouth!! There are a lot of things I wish knowing what I know now that would have gone differently, but those classes probably wouldn't have changed any of it. I was a first time mom, my OB wasn't the one that delivered, and I didn't care for the hospital I was at to begin with. Now when I had my DS, my OB delivered but I wasn't very familiar with the hospital but the nurses there were great, which I know made the whole experience different than when I had my DD. I also knew a lot more based on experience from having DD and 6yrs in between my kids. I knew I didn't want to be cut down there unless it was unavoidable and my OB and the nurse did their darndest to keep that from happening. Even though I still had to have a small cut, my recovery time was a lot faster due to their efferts to strech the area. And I think the one thing that I did with my DS is I had the ceiling mirror positioned so I could see what was going on down there which I didn't have with DD. It was the most amazing thing to see the goal I was working for with every push! And no class is going to tell you what a contraction is going to feel like either. It is different for everyone, and both of my times were totally different! I had and epi with both kids and I don't regret that either. As long as it isn't cranked up too high you'll still feel everything, it will just take the edge off the pain. I was induced with DS and no amount of focus points and funny breathing techniques were going to fix piggy back contractions less than a minute apart for me! Heck, it took the DR 45 mins to even get it put in. I also had DD in 8 hrs and DS 6 hrs.

But you have to go with your gut. For me, when I was going to be a first time mom, I was scared to death!! But a lot of what happened after she was born seemed to be instinct. A good book for me with my first was What to Expect when you're expecting and What to Expect the First Years after I had her.

Good luck and Congragts on the Marriage and the little bundle you will get to snuggle in the next few months!!

S.

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I would strongly recommend birthing classes, at least an introductory one. That lets you know what to expect at the hospital. I took a labor and delivery class at Henrico Doctors and it really helped ease my fears about the unknown. They also give you a tour of the facility. It's better than just reading about it because different hospitals are different. Hope this helps!

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Hi! Congratulations!

I have four children. I took a birthing class before my first child and then a refresher course before my third child. I would say definitely go. You have nothing to lose except a little time maybe. Even if you walk away with only one new piece of information it will be worth it. Worst case scenario is that you don't learn anything new. Better to be sure you have all the knowledge you need than to wish you knew more!! I think they are beneficial to the dads also. They can learn some techniques for helping you through labor. And educated dads are less likely to panic in the heat of the moment! I really enjoyed going to the classes. I thought they were fun. And I don't know if it made a difference or not but I delivered all my children drug free.
Good luck!

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I also did not take any classes due to me working 2nd shift throughout my entire pregnancy. I did not feel like I missed out on anything and the nurses tell you what you need to be doing anyways. The OB nurses are great and of course have tons of experience.

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about a year after having my first baby (which I had taken the birthing classes for) I happened to be in the right place at the right time when my little sister started into labor. She hadn't taken any classes and was SURE that she could handle it just by reading the what to expect books/online info... etc. So I offered to drive her and her hubby to the hospital. We were quite some ways away from the hospital and my sis progressed VERY rapidly. We barely made it to the hospital... I personally think she was at a full ten when we got there, she delivered within an hour of getting there. And who do you think helped her through the labor? not her wonderful hubby... me- while driving in and out of rush hour traffic trying to beat the persistent baby. Breathing exercises while driving is hard. ;)

Take the classes... you won't regret it... but you may regret NOT taking them. There are a million things that could go wrong... don't assume yours will be perfect because you want it to be.

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I just wanted to say, That I had my little girl last Valentines Day, and being a young mother, I didnt take any classes nor wished I had. I had a VERY easy Labor, I went in at 8am and had her by 11:42AM. The only thing I had trouble with was the breathing at first. The contractions were so intense that I couldnt concentrate on breathing till I got my meds. It was so quick, and you really dont have to worry about what to do, your body will let you know. I always wondered how do you know when to push...Well, all I can say is when It is time you will know, it feels like ya gotta go #2 almost, but its a weird feeling and you will know. Good Luck!

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K.,
I have 4 kids, and I had natural childbirth - no drugs with all of them. I took the birthing classes with my first one, but when I was in labor, I didnt find anything other than the breathing from the classes to be helpful. Then with my 2nd child, I couldnt remember all that I was told before and the nurse walked me through it. So, with that being said, my point is if you dont take the class, dont worry because the nurses will help you through it and tell you how to breath and what to do . The classes are good for educational purposes, but you can also get the same info from watching TLC channel or reading books.

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My husband and I took a 6 week pregnancy/labor class at our local hospital. I truly think it was a waste of time and money.

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Hi,
My husband and I have 3 kids and went to the birthing class for the 1st. They are cute and seeing couples is cute, but when the day actually comes, none of it helps. We know to pack our bag, we know to breath, to push, it all comes naturally. I forgot all about what they said when I was in 16 hours of hard labor! ha ha
You already have one and that is the best experience you can have, Congrats!

Smile,
N.

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I did take the class but not my husband. I WISH he had. There was nothing like realizing you're about to go into labor w/ a partner asking you to explain what he needed to be doing. (I still swear my child's birth was delayed by one day because of my panic over his unpreparedness.) I personally felt a lot more comfortable about having my first child and learned a lot I had not found in the books-- or it was explained more clearer.
The class was also a great way to bond with other To-be-Moms, learn about the hospital, and really important to me was to meet nurses ahead of time which did a lot for my confidences in them. (Not that I thought they were not good, I just like to meet someone while I able to talk coherently.)
By the way, mine was due March 17, but made the grand debut March 11 and a friend I met in class (due the same day) son was born about 9 dys later.
My wish for you is a delivery as easy as mine (3 pushes & a giggle--Yes she literally tickled me) and without the back-labor which is NOT fun.

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I didn't take any. I figured I'd watched enough of those birthing shows, and read enough books. Plus one of my best friends is a labor doula so I had plenty of help. Your body will know what to do but if you think you should take them for the welfare of your son, then go ahead and take them. You may find some message in the class that you didn't get from Tv or a book. If you feel inclined to take them, go for it. Best of luck to you and your family.

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I did not take the birthing classes, as my husband and I reposess cars, we did not have the time to take them. I did just fine, the nurses will tell you when to push and when not to. I was in labor for 13 hours, take the epidural lol. I wasnt going to, but my lil guy has a big head, and it hurt. After the epidural, i was fine. So its really your choice, but I feel like its a waste of time. GOOD LUCK TO YOU!!

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I know you wanted to hear from someone that had a vaginal birth which I did not but I wanted to let you know that I was in labor for 16 hours before my unplanned c-section. I took the classes and they really helped with the labor. I was able to calmly make it through each contraction as they got worse from the tips that I recieved through the classes. It also prepared me for the idea of labor to where I wasn't terrified anymore.

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I had both of my children with a midwife and no meds. I did not take classes and I think I did just fine. I was only in labor for 7 hours with my daughter and 9 hours with my son. I believe the key is just to relax (as much as possible) and let it happen.

I also watched ALOT of those birthing shows on TV.

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Hi K.:

When i was expecting my 1st son, I took birthing classes (Lamaz) I can save you the trouble. All it really takes is picking something to focus on (be it your husbands eyes, a spot on the ceiling,whatever) You pick that one thing to focus on everytime a contraction hits and control your breathing by taking in deep breaths through your nose and releasing it in short puffs out of your "o" shaped mouth. Repeat until the contraction passes. I have to say that I was AMAZED at how well it worked! My contractions went along smoothly, I had no meds, and i believe that the entire process makes the baby calmer also,because basically your keeping the babies environment calm and serene, I believe Lamaz is right, if you can control your breathing and focus your mind on something other than what normally causes pain in childbirth, then ultimately YOU control how much pain you endure!Keep your body and mind calm and i can almost promise you that you will feel a minimum of pain. Congratulations on your new little person! And i truly hope i said SOMETHING useful to you! GOOD LUCK!!

I did! I did! I had a homebirth (March 31, 2007!!!) and did not take any birth classes at all. I'd love to talk with you and answer any questions you may have.

Hi~
Congratulations!!!! Sounds like you are having an exciting year. My 6 1/2 month old son had a natural birth July 14th. It was wonderful...very hard...but wonderful. My fiance and I took the Bradley classes. We thought that they were very helpful. The class is usually 12 weeks. Since you do not really have that time I would suggest reading up on Dr. Bradley's methods and practices. By having a natural birth you are giving your little one the best start to life. I would also do my research on epiderals and different meds (stadol, etc.) if you are considering taking them. There has been a lot of research showing the negetive side effects on the mother and the newborn babies. Best of luck to you!!!

My husband and I took a childbirth class before we had our first child. I know you said you have read alot about the proccess but, Has your husband read about it too? I really think it helped both of us alot to get prepared and to practice breathing. Good Luck!