Childbirth classes

Christine-MA · #1 July 17th, 2009, 06:01 AM

So even though I'm a first timer, I really didn't have interest in doing any of the classes my hospital offers (except maybe breastfeeding). This is the description of the one that would make the most sense...

Prepared Childbirth
$75/couple for five-week session
This five-week series of evening classes helps women and partners better understand pregnancy and the birthing process. Topics explored include stages of labor and delivery, relaxation and breathing techniques, labor coping skills and postpartum issues.

I guess it wouldn't hurt and it's essentially free (my insurance covers $90 for a class).

Did anyone take any that were similar and did you get anything out of it?

Or do you others plan on taking one?

Oreobaby · #2 July 17th, 2009, 06:09 AM

You are lucky...I never thought to check to see if my insurance would cover something like that...I have been looking at classes as well, and do intend on taking something, but they are $125.00 here...YIKES!! But I would be interested in knowing if anyone has taken classes and if they got anything out of it.

Jessica C · #3 July 17th, 2009, 06:09 AM

We're taking one very similar to that. I think it's a good idea....especially for us first-timers. We may not use everything that is shown to us, but knowledge is power, right? If you're like me, then you watch a lot of the shows on Discovery Healthy and TLC about women in labor, etc so you've already got an idea.....DH doesn't watch those, so hopefully the class will give him some insight on what to expect so he's not in as much shock when the time comes.

Christine-MA · #4 July 17th, 2009, 06:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jessica C

We're taking one very similar to that. I think it's a good idea....especially for us first-timers. We may not use everything that is shown to us, but knowledge is power, right? If you're like me, then you watch a lot of the shows on Discovery Healthy and TLC about women in labor, etc so you've already got an idea.....DH doesn't watch those, so hopefully the class will give him some insight on what to expect so he's not in as much shock when the time comes.

LOL exactly. I feel like I've watched delivery 1,000 times haha And I just figure my body will do what it's going to do, and I'm just along for the ride

The more I think about it, i think it would be nice for DH and I to spend this time together learning though, and even if I don't get much out of it, but he does, it's worth it.

Lyz · #5 July 17th, 2009, 06:18 AM

I've personally been a coach for 5 births so I feel pretty much a pro at this point (as to what to expect) and I asked DH if he wanted to take the classes. He said he didn't so I decided to research birthing class DVDs since the classes at my hospital are $125 too!

Lauren S · #6 July 17th, 2009, 06:18 AM

We took 3 classes!

Make Way for Baby- this was a class on newborns. We learned how to give a bath, how to swaddle and hold baby, how to put a diaper on, best ways to interact with a newborn, etc. I pretty much knew all this info, but it was great for my DH. Plus it was so cute to see him holding the doll for the entire class (we weren't allowed to put it down)!

C-section class/tour of L&D- we took this instead of the child birthing class since we already knew I had to get a c-section. I heard the tour part was also included with the childbirthing class, and that was very valuable to us. It made me feel so much more comfortable knowing exactly where everything is, seeing the rooms, knowing who is okay to take your baby for different things, seeing the nursery, etc.

Breastfeeding- we just took this one on Monday. We watched a good video and got some great handouts.

I recommend getting as informed as you can. We really enjoyed all 3 of the classes that we took together. Have fun!

polarbearmama · #7 July 17th, 2009, 06:19 AM

I think we will end up taking the childbirth classes, but the class I'm really interested in taking (or having DH take) is a "Baby Basics" course about diapering, soothing, etc.

I don't know what your DHs are like, but mine has never been one to gravitate towards babies. He definitely likes kids, but he's not one of those guys who volunteers to change diapers or whatnot when our friends' children are around...so I think it would be really informative for him

Lauren S · #8 July 17th, 2009, 06:20 AM

Christine- which hospital are you delivering at? I'm going to UMass Memorial in Worcester. I can't remember exactly which part of MA you live in. The classes at UMass were only $30 per couple.

Etph007 · #9 July 17th, 2009, 06:21 AM

We're taking a 4-week childbirth class- similar to yours and I'm taking a breastfeeding class. I think extra info can never hurt and it's something nice for DH and I to do together

Oreobaby · #10 July 17th, 2009, 06:24 AM

Now you have me wondering about a baby basics class...DH has held babies and stuff, but I have no idea if he knows how to sooth them, or change the diapers...I'm gonna have to ask him about that one!!

Thanks!

Etph007 · #11 July 17th, 2009, 06:31 AM

Don't panic Marci!! I have a good feeling that even if you all don't take the classes, your DH is going to do just fine!!!

Christine-MA · #12 July 17th, 2009, 06:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lauren S

Christine- which hospital are you delivering at? I'm going to UMass Memorial in Worcester. I can't remember exactly which part of MA you live in. The classes at UMass were only $30 per couple.

As soon as you said Make Way for Baby I had a feeling it was the same hospital! That's so cool

They have a Make Way for Baby, Prepared Childbirth, and Breastfeeding package for $125. That's probably the one I'll take! I copied that from their website, so the 5 week Prepared Childbirth is $75, but I do know the Make Way for Baby is only $30.

polarbearmama · #13 July 17th, 2009, 06:39 AM

Christine--I totally forgot about insurance possibly covering those courses...I just checked and mine also covers up to $90 on the childbirth course as well...very exciting

BabyBird · #14 July 17th, 2009, 06:47 AM

That was one of the main reasons I took the classes. I thought it would be good for DH and I to do together. I work in a NICU and have seen hundreds of deliveries, not to mention all the TLC I watch.

But I have never HAD a baby and DH has never even seen a delivery so I thought it would be beneficial. Our hospital offered the fast track to the 5 week long childbirth class that was only 2 saturdays so we did that. DH and I are both all about give me the facts and lets move on! Then we took Breastfeeding and Newborn basics. The breastfeeding was probably the most beneficial to me but the newborn basics was pretty basic! It was fun to go and watch DH learn to swaddle...he did a great job even on the first try!

..Christine.. · #15 July 17th, 2009, 08:22 AM

I want to take child birth classes- I looked into my insurance and they do offer them- I just don't know how or when! I am planning on asking at my next appt on the 27th....

Boo · #16 July 17th, 2009, 08:30 AM

We took a few classes, too. DH and I went to a 2 week long (twice a week) general L&D class, I took a BFing class, we both went to a pain management class (which talked about the kinds of meds the hospital offers and what an epidural looked like - for me, that class solidified my choice for a natural birth, not because the meds were scary looking, which they were lol, but because the side effects scared the poop out of me) and DH took a Daddy class. All were offered by the hospital on base and were free. Not sure if they were free because they were covered by Tricare or if they're free to all military members/beneficiaries.

karenwalter · #17 July 17th, 2009, 09:02 AM

Like alot of youo, I'm taking the childbirth class for DH more than myself. Since he has never seen a delivery and pretty much has no idea what to do, I thought it would be good for him to get an idea ahead of time.

I'm also going to take the breastfeeding class.

LuvMyToriBug · #18 July 17th, 2009, 09:38 AM

I am just offering another perspective, but I did not take any classes and did great. I think that is just came naturally HA!! It seemed like I immediately knew what to do. As far as DH, he did not want to watch the actual delivery but was at my side and he did great with that as well!! Anyway, don't beat yourself up if you can't attend or can't afford it or whatever the situation is because as I said, it will be a natural reaction as to what to do!

samspain · #19 July 17th, 2009, 10:29 AM

I took the standard antenatal classes that were on offer, my midwife lead them, there were 6 sessions and they were from 9-12 and then a relaxation/gymnastics class from 12-1. We get time off work for antenatal classes so everyone goes!!

I thought it was really good, as babybird says you may have seen 1000 births, but never HAD a baby, it suddenly gets really real when its you!!. Also they explained all the equipment and possible problems and a tour of the hospital (where to park, where DH can get a coffee, the toilets etc) When it came to my birth, I was really relaxed, knew what they were talking about and even knew the on call midwife from my tour.

If they�re cheap I�d go for it.

Celry · #20 July 17th, 2009, 11:52 AM

I took one class that was for parents expecting multiples. It was well worth the $100 because it covered vaginal births as well as cesarean, natural vs drug pain management, a tour of L&D and the NICU, breastfeeding multiples and so much more. The woman who taught it is a Doula and was open to talking about everything. On the last day of class, they had a couple from one of the past classes come in and talk to us about their pregnancy, delivery and having twins at home with two toddlers. It was very helpful.

The only thing it didnt' cover that I wish it had was infant CPR. If you don't take the one you mentioned you may want to look into using your credit toward that instead.