What classes are worth taking and which should I skip?

We want to look for classes and book them soon seeing as how we should be taking them next month or so. Which ones are worth taking and which ones aren't? So far I was interested in the lamaze class and a breastfeeding class. Any others that were beneficial for you? Is a breastfeeding class worth it, or do you learn enough at the hospital?

Also, where did you take your classes? I called Stonybrook (where we are delivering) but they don't do classes. A friend suggested St Charles so maybe I will call there.

Thanks!!

Re: What classes are worth taking and which should I skip?

New Baby Belly in Massapequa, their classes come highly recommended
http://www.newbabybelly.com/

Also, Good Sam has a great Perinatal Education Department
http://goodsamaritan.chsli.org/index.php/perinatal-ed

I can't comment on the quality or content of classes as we aren't scheduled to start them until the end of Aug.
Good luck.

Re: What classes are worth taking and which should I skip?

I liked my lamaze class bc it also included a hospital tour and it was great knowing my way around before going into labor (I delivered at Winthrop).

IMO the breastfeeding class is a waste. Instead of taking a class, I'd suggest utilizing a lactation consultant while in the hospital after you've delivered. Most hospitals offer the service of LC's for free and she will be able to give you one on one help as you try to nurse DC. Mine was SOOOO helpful and helped me with latching issues/different positions, etc.

Re: What classes are worth taking and which should I skip?

I just got back from my breast feeding class at stony brook. While they don't do lamaze, they do a series of 3 classes: breast feeding, child birth and newborn care. Today was breast feeding. Some of it was repetitive, but some of it was helpful, and I enjoyed being in the facility and getting more comfortable with it. They have them monthly, the first 3 Thursdays from 11-12 and they are free. You need to call 444-4000 to register, but they are free.

Re: What classes are worth taking and which should I skip?

I read every breastfeeding book that I could find before DS arrived and didn't take a class and after he was born I had the hardest time and the nurses didn't help at all. They were all pushing formula and made me feel like I was doing something wrong, that DS was doing it wrong, not eating long enough, not holding him right, etc. The last day at the hospital I attended a class taught by a lactation consultant and everything just clicked then. I was able to ask so many questions and it turned out most of what I was doing was correct, I should have trusted my instincts.

The books said the same stuff as the class but it just didn't click until I was going through it. That's when I needed the most help, after he was born.

Re: What classes are worth taking and which should I skip?

I just got back from an Infant CPR class hosted at Destination Maternity (booked out of Winthrop)

That is the only class I plan to take and it was VERY informative and would highly suggest everyone take it (not just parents- but all care givers)

I figured I would wing the rest

Re: What classes are worth taking and which should I skip?

Posted by maybemommy10

I just got back from an Infant CPR class hosted at Destination Maternity (booked out of Winthrop)

That is the only class I plan to take and it was VERY informative and would highly suggest everyone take it (not just parents- but all care givers)

I figured I would wing the rest

Re: What classes are worth taking and which should I skip?

Re: What classes are worth taking and which should I skip?

I spoke with my doctor about recommended classes (sine some are )

She recommended the infant CPR class and that's it. She said that they teach you everything else at the hospital. As a BTDT mom I can say she is correct on that.

As my doctor said regarding infant CPR, "It's imformation you never want to use but happy to have."

Message edited 8/5/2011 2:48:38 PM.

Re: What classes are worth taking and which should I skip?

I had this question myself, i have heard from some that the bf classes really helped and from others that its a waste, same with lamaze!

(reminds me of the greaat "bumper" debates :) )

I plan on asking my doctor to get his input.

I tend to agree that CPR is a great class to take-- Girls that have taken them have you taken infant cpr or toddler- adult. Are there any classes that teach you both?