Childbirth Class Recommendations?

I'm interested in taking a childbirth class - preferably one DH can attend as well. Are they usually multiple classes or just one session? I'm giving birth at NSUH Manhasset - do they offer any classes? Are there any other types of childbirth classes besides Lamaze and Bradley Method? I'm in the Syosset/Woodbury area so I would prefer somewhere close by (unless the hospital offers a class).

If you took a childbirth class, can you describe what was most helpful/beneficial about it?

TIA!!

Re: Childbirth Class Recommendations?

I'm in Suffolk so I can't recommend an instructor near you, but DH and I took the abbreviated Bradley course and found it to e very helpful.

Re: Childbirth Class Recommendations?

After lots of recs from btdt friends and family, almost everyone said the childbirth classes were useless, or at best only ok. My BF and her DH (a nurse and PA) recommended watching the Laugh and Learn DVD's instead and lent them to us. They were great! It's about 4 hours, you can watch at home on your time table, stop and start as you want, re-watch if you want to review, and they are very informative.
I did however take a C-section class and Breastfeeding class, both at Good Sam, and I though both of those were really good.
HTH!

Re: Childbirth Class Recommendations?

I have done a lot of research and found that the Bradley classes are what we are looking for. I know a lot of people who have taken them and rave about how helpful they are. These are geared more toward a Natural drug-free birth so if that is not for you then I wouldn't really suggest them. DH and I start ours on Thursday and they run every Thursday for 7 weeks. I did get an email from the instructor yesterday saying it's a small class so we might even be done in less than 7 wks. I know she still has room if you are interested, she is in Dix Hills which isn't terribly far from you. FM me if you want her info. GL in your search