Birthing Class-Do I really need it?

[sweetmelissa]

Hi-

I am looking into registering for birthing class, but I did not realize that the classes would take up so much time! I have heard a lot of women say that they just did what their doctor told them to during L & D. I am wondering if it is even worth it to invest so much time into a birthing class, especially since I am planning on having an epidural. It looks pretty straightworward, push down like you are having a BM when the doctor tells you to.

Anyone have any thoughts or experience with this? I would almost rather invest the money into newborn care of breastfeeding classes.

Melissa

[Tacey]

I could go on and on, but I'll get get to the point:

You will have a very helpful nurse who will walk you (and DH) through the WHOLE thing and she will not leave your room. All you have to say is that you took NO CLASSES and that you want her to stay and help you.

If you go to your hospitals L&D floor, ask the nurses up front. Tell them you would like to know if the nurses there stay WITH the patient if they are new at giving birth or took no classes. At my hospital they do. I would hope they do at yours.

Just trying to be blunt. :) My hospital also offers free breastfeeding classes, they also can refer you to other places that offer free breastfeeding classes. You may want to ask that too.

Hope this helps. (also I hope this didn't come out rude. If so those weren't my intentions)

Tacey

35 weeks and 3 days

[kristimc]

http://www.fertilichat.com/showthread.php?t=109

Good luck!

[sweetmelissa]

Kristi-
Thanks for the link, sorry to duplicate the question, I did not dig throught the pages. The feedback there was helpful.
Melissa

[kristimc]

No problem at all. Take care.

[techgirl]

Personally I'm really scared of the anticipation of childbirth. We're hoping that by attending the birthing classes that we'll have a better idea of the whole process (breathing, relaxing, coping, doctor's duties, nurses' duties, etc). It is such a personal choice, but I have heard from many women who haven't done it that they wished they had...if nothing else, it gave them more insight which can help a bit when you don't know what to expect. Of course, it could go the other way too...sometimes you know more than you ever wanted to know and would feel better just experiencing it for yourself. I can certainly see both sides. What have you decided to do?

Lori
13w5d