Does everyone take childbirth classes?

Question

I am 26 weeks 4 days pregnant. I don't know anyone that has taken a childbirth class. Does it really help? Do i need to take it? I really don't want to take it because i get uncomfortable very easily. What do you guys think.. good idea or a waste of time?

Answer 1

I think they are a waste. Call your hospital and take a tour, read up on labor and delivery online. Why spend $150+ on a class for info you can get for free... $150 will buy a lot of diapers, something you will actually use.

Answer 2

I'm one of those people who needs to know everything that is going to happen to me so childbirth classes were extremely helpful.  A lot of people don't take them and you don't need to but I found it to be the best thing to do.  I felt very prepared for labor but ended up not having to use any of it because I had to schedule a c-section which I was not prepared for!  

Answer 3

HI, I took it with my first and honestly, it didnt help me at all...but thats just me. It might make some people feel more prepared but when it came down to it, my body just did what I had to do to get through the pain...moaning, rocking, whatever else felt right to me. I didnt take one with my second and everything turned out fine too. I just read alot of books on pregnancy and labor. congratulations and just do what you feel is best for you!

Answer 4

I didn't feel the need to go through any classes. I was told by so many people that they tell you basically what you already know. Because of so many women's labor and deliveries going so different, you can't really prepare for anything. Everyone is so different. Do what you feel you need to do though. Good luck and Congrats!!

Answer 5

I never took a childbirth class. My mom had told me a story that always made me laugh. She said when she had her first child (my oldest brother) she was in a room with another woman that was in labor. She said prior to labor really hitting the woman hard, she was going on and on about how wonderful her class had been and how she was so prepared.. and then she started screaming her head off saying it was so painful and she couldn't take it.. blah blah blah... It made me laugh.

I had a natural birth with my son, and wouldn't have had it any other way. I think a lot of birthing classes are meant just to give you information on what to expect. For me personally.. I find stuff like that to be very intimidating. I don't want someone telling me all of the things that could go wrong.. or making me watch a video of a birth, etc..

All births are different. It should be up to you whether or not you are going to go. But more than likely, once you go into labor - everything they could have taught you will probably go out the window. lol  

Answer 6

i didn't with my first andi am not with this one either....you don't need to take them...believe me when the time comes your natural instincts kick in and the health care team will coach you along too!! all the best!!

Answer 7

I was scheduled to take classes but our son decided he didn't want to wait around.  He was born at 30 wks 6 days.  All the nurses in L&D were very helpful and you should be able to get through everything with no problems with their help.  I basically got a crash-course in what I could possibly expect (I had a very strange labor) and made it through with no problems.  GOOD LUCK!

Answer 8

I took the class, but what helped me the most was practicing regularly.  I recommend the book, Natural Childbirth the Bradley Way.  In the book are the exercises you need to practice.  It helped me tremendously.  I would not have been able to do it without practicing.  Doing what you should in labor does not come naturally.  Actually, without the Bradley method, I probably would have lost my first one.  It helps prevent fetal distress.

Answer 9

i did with my last pregnancy it didn't help and its fine not to go i am pregnant with twins and i am never taking lessons again they are a waste of time good luck and congrats

Answer 10

we took the class, it was 6 hours (or was supposed to be) ended up being around 8 hours split between 2 different nights and there were 14 couples in the class and to be honest, we hated every minute of it.  the only part we found useful was the tour of the maternity ward, where to park, and registration.  you can do just that part at the hospital without paying the $150 for the class and be just fine.  if you are reading, talking to friends and co-workers, have good communication with your doctor, and willing to do your own research i really don't think you need the class.  i do not recommend it.  the only other "useful" part would be the video of a live birth, just so the hubby has an idea of what's to come, but in reality you can see those posted online as well.  best of luck!  hope this has helped!

Answer 11

My husband and I took an all-day crash course childbirth class. WASTE OF MY SATURDAY!!!! All she did was explain the birth process (which I already understood), take us for a tour of the OB floor (could have done that without paying for the class), and spend 15 minutes trying to teach us lamaze breathing (yeah right, like I'm thinking about how to breath during labor). So no, I absolutely do not recommend it. As long as you take measures to educate yourself about the childbirth process (read books, talk to your doc) and get to know your hospital, I see no reason to take these classes.

Answer 12

How old are you?

Answer 13

I have a 3 year old, and pregnant again, and I never took a childbirth class.  It's fine not to do it.  Do whatever makes you comfortable.

Answer 14

I never took the conventional childbirth class.  With my daughter we met at a midwife's house and along with another couple, we learned about coping techniques.  We didn't learn how to breath or any of that...it was more coping techniques for when you are in labor.  I really thought it was helpful.  The one thing that I took out of that class was the idea that I should trust in my body...my body knows what to do. That is greatly what helped me through a pain medication free labor and delivery (despite having to be induced with Cervadil and Pitocin).  When I had my son I didn't even bother taking a class and did it without pain meds again.  I already knew what to expect.  Both births were wonderful experiences.

Answer 15

I thought that the class I took was helpful. The breathing techniques we learned went right out the window during actual labor. But, for general knowledge of what to expect during labor and delivery was very useful. Especially if you take it at the hospital you will be delivering at. Most hospitals typically provide a Lamaze class, but there are many different classes you can take (i.e. Bradley, Hypno-birthing, etc.)