First-time Moms - Childbirth Classes

Did you go to one?

Did you get a lot out of it?

Did you go with your DH or someone else?

The reason why I ask is because we're scheduled for ours next Saturday and my DH has not wanted to go at all (mainly because its 9:00-4:00) and he says that don't worry your motherly instinct will kick in you don't need a class and its a waste a money. I told him that if you don't want to go, I'll go with my mom. He didn't like that.

But I want to go, to hear that others are feeling the same thing. And find out things. Basically to reassure me, because I have never been around babies (feeding, diapering holding, etc.)

And you know what he is scared as much as I am, but he won't admit it.

Re: First-time Moms - Childbirth Classes

Most people I have asked or read about said it's a waste of time and to watch the video. HOWEVER, I always wanted the full experience of pregnancy and childbirth preparation and would at least like to make the choice for myself. We are not sure how easy it will be for us to have 2 kids though we plan on it so we want to to as much as we can this time around.

Another huge reason for ME wanting to take the classes is to get DH involved in the process. As much as my instincts may kick in, I will need HIS support and since he ain't carrying this kid, I cannot count on HIS instinct. I also think that certain types of men take directions regarding childcare differently from an instructor or "expert" more easily than they would from a wife. I've seen this happen time and time again.

Re: First-time Moms - Childbirth Classes

Did you go to one?

Yes. we took classes at Real Birth in NYC, which is a private childbirth learning center, rather than at the hospital we are delivering at.

Did you get a lot out of it?

Yes and no. I found the class to be way too long (3 days for 5 hours each day). The amount of information I found useful could have been consolidated into one 5 hour class max. They spent a lot of time getting to know the couples and also, IMO, presenting (to the point of pushing) certain viewpoints on certain social trends in childbirth (the prevalence of inductions, c-sections, pain management) that I did not care for. I only wanted the facts of what to expect when i went into labor, and what childbirth options were. I didn't really need to have other peoples opinions pushed on me. I do not recommend Real Birth.

I didn't take the one offered at the hospital so assuming that the one offered in the hospital was bare bones facts only (which it sounds like it may be since it is only 5 hours), then yes, I would think it would be helpful. Although most of the stuff you will have read in books and online, it's nice to have someone go over the important details face to face. They went over the different phases of labor, how long each lasted, what timing of contractions you should have before going to the hospital, signs you're going into labor, etc.

The other things you spoke about (swaddling, holding, feeding, changing a baby were actually not discussed at all). at Real Birth, it is a completely separate course called "newborn care" while the first was "childbirth preparation". I am taking the newborn care class this weekend.

Did you go with your DH or someone else?

DH went with me. I felt that it was important that he understood what was happening.

That being said, I think having gone to the classes (at least at the place I went), if I had the choice to go back in time, I would have just watched the video that so many women on this board have recommended.

Definitely try to get feedback from other women who have taken the specific classes with the specific instructors you plan on taking.

Re: First-time Moms - Childbirth Classes

I may...we will see when the time comes.

Re: First-time Moms - Childbirth Classes

Did you go to one?

No, we opted to watch a video instead. It was a tape of a 5-hour class so we actually felt like we attended.

Did you get a lot out of it?

We learned some good breathing techniques and stuff to do to help ease the pain. Although from what I hear you forget everything when you're in the midst of labor and the nurses end up telling you what to do anyway.

Did you go with your DH or someone else?

DH and I watched the video together.


Whether or not you attend the class, I do recommend doing the hospital tour. We did this and found it to be very helpful.

Re: First-time Moms - Childbirth Classes

Re: First-time Moms - Childbirth Classes

Sorry...butting in here...

Did you go to one?
Yes...went to child care, lamaze, breast feeding, and eventually infant cpr

Did you get a lot out of it? Yes and no. At the time they seemed helpful but when the time comes to really put it to use it was so-so. Breastfeeding didn't help...next time I am getting one-on-one appt with a lactation consultant when DC is here. Childcare and lamaze were good because there was a lot I didn't realize that I didn't know...plus in the hospital when they start talking numbers and effaced and dilated...helped to understand.

Did you go with your DH or someone else?
DH went to all of them including BF and when possible I highly recommend that they go because they get more out of it then they realize...and it's to our benefit. DH was always great helping out but going to the class put things in a whole new perspective for him. Plus the childcare one gave him more confidence to take care of our son. He changes diapers without a problem and was ready to do so from day 1.

I took the cpr one on my own after DS was here and it was by far the best one I took.

Re: First-time Moms - Childbirth Classes

yeah this class is an All-in one (child care, lamaze, breast feeding)

Re: First-time Moms - Childbirth Classes

I would like to take a childcare class.... There aren't too many kids in our extended family, so I'd like to here contemporary info the grandmas can't provide.....

I'm not taking a birth or BF class.... Instead, I'll make an appt with a lactation consultant...

Re: First-time Moms - Childbirth Classes

no, mainly because of how much money it is.

i will do the hospital tour and am scheduled to go in 3 weeks.

i rented and burned 3 laugh and learn videos--childbirth, childcare and breastfeeding. they are over 4 hours each so i can watch them with DH when we want to.

most of my friends said the classes were a waste--that the nurses walk you through everything from what is happening to how to breathe. that is fine with me.