Anyone NOT taking a childbirth education class?

I wasn't going to sign up for a childbirth education class, but now I'm wondering if I will regret it once I'm in labor. I feel like if I take this class & learn what "usually" happens during labor, and something deviates from that during my actual labor, then I will freak out. I've done a ton of research & have spoken to other moms about what to expect, but am I being naieve? Is there something in these classes that I should be there for? I'm running out of time!!!

Re: Anyone NOT taking a childbirth education class?

I am going to try to do it at the hospital so I can also get a tour. I hear its worth it and calms most women down a little bit.

Re: Anyone NOT taking a childbirth education class?

I didnt.

Message edited 9/3/2010 10:40:09 AM.

Re: Anyone NOT taking a childbirth education class?

I wasn't going to take the birthing class either but my OB told me to do it, that I will be happy I did. We are also taking the infant/child CPR class!

eta: I am taking it at my hospital, it's like $100

Message edited 9/3/2010 10:40:57 AM.

Re: Anyone NOT taking a childbirth education class?

for me, i really liked the fact that we were taught about all the stages of labor... of course i have spoken to SO MANY BTDT moms about their experience, but no one sits down with you and talks about exactly what happens in each stage of labor

plus, our lamaze instructor gave us awesome tips on different postitions to labor in that will help you dialate faster if you are stuck in labor... i learned a lot of really useful info that i will def remember when the time comes

Re: Anyone NOT taking a childbirth education class?

I didnt take one & was afraid I would regret it.

I didnt regret it.

The nurses and doctor tell you what to do.


I'm sure there is some usual info they give you, but you dont NEED to take it.

Re: Anyone NOT taking a childbirth education class?

Re: Anyone NOT taking a childbirth education class?

I don't plan on taking any classes. This is my first.

Re: Anyone NOT taking a childbirth education class?

I didn't take one because of the same reasons you haven't taken one. I actually didn't do any research and had no idea what to expect (other than a baby ) I did not regret my decision. I felt like because I didn't have any expectations, I couldn't really be disappointed with the way things went.

Re: Anyone NOT taking a childbirth education class?

As a BTDT i can tell you that you don't need it.

I didn't take it and I don't regret it for a second.
When it came time to push the L&D nurse asked if I took a class. I said no and she gave me a 5 minute crash course on pushing.
That was all I needed.

Re: Anyone NOT taking a childbirth education class?

I agree with above.

The L&D nurse was my class... she SHOWED me where to push (with her hand), showed me how to breathe and told me when to expect what.

My labor had complications... you just need to trust the professionals and relax... they want what is best for you & baby.

Re: Anyone NOT taking a childbirth education class?

No, we did not take a class. We do plan to rent a video though about it.

Re: Anyone NOT taking a childbirth education class?

We watched the DVD "Laugh and Learn about Childbirth" and though VERY cheesy, it was great. I'm glad we did it so that DH knew the lingo and we learned breathing exercises. There's one thing to read about all of this stuff, but getting visuals and hearing it explained really helped.

Re: Anyone NOT taking a childbirth education class?

Thanks girls. I think we will rent that video. I think DH has this idea about what to expect once labor starts, that it's like it is in the movies where the guy is running around like crazy & driving like a lunatic to get to the hospital. I just want him to know what to expect. I'm the last of 5 kids in my family, all have 2-3 kids each. (My 3 older sisters have filled me in on waaaaay more than I ever want to know!) So, we'll rent that video & take it from there. Thanks everyone!!!!

Re: Anyone NOT taking a childbirth education class?

I didn't take any childbirth classes. This was our first pregnancy. Had DD a week ago. My OB and the nurses guide me through everything during labor. They coach me on how to breathe through contractions and how to push. So I feel like I can do it without any classess

Re: Anyone NOT taking a childbirth education class?

i'm not going to take it, but i will take a tour of the maternity ward.

Re: Anyone NOT taking a childbirth education class?

I took a lamaze class for my 1st. It was really helpful and I loved our teacher.