Thursday, March 18, 2010

Prenatal Classes

When I first found out I was pregnant, I got excited about taking childbirth class. I have waited a long time and I wanted the "full experience". Ha! Well, as time progressed, I decided to not attend any classes due to time factors, but I started thinking about the fact that yes, I have worked in L&D at another hospital when I was in school and I know a lot about it, but Michael doesn't. I want him to be prepared at least a little bit. I have been checking into childbirth and breastfeeding classes. I called around and found out that my hospital campus does not offer childbirth classes, but their satellite hospital does (it is a low risk women's hospital, but I have chosen not to deliver there as I prefer to be at the main trauma center with a high level NICU on site. It is also where I work). They offer a one time, four hour childbirth class twice a month and also, a breastfeeding class (which is at my hospital) twice a month. I did find a L&D/hospital tour that Michael and I are signed up for in May around week thirty-two because I know NOTHING about having a baby at our hospital, just trauma and cardiac stuff! I wouldn't even know where to go! Ha!

I am going to talk to my OB at my appointment on Monday about it, but those of you that have had babies, what class or classes do you recommend taking?

19 comments:

jlmcclure said...

I didn't take any classes, I just winged it, but I also have a high tolerance for pain, so wasn't too worried.

Lynette

Todd and Courtney said...

We didn't take classes either. We winged it. I figured that nothing really goes as planned so we just did it :) Todd actually liked watching the birth = crazy!

Christi said...

Because of my work schedule we were not going to do childbirth classes. My doctor convinced me to at least watch a video...which was awful. So we signed up for a one day childbirth class and I think another breastfeeding class (can't remember).
I highly recommend it. I have to write that my husband was my rock (wonderful labor coach) through three interesting deliveries. I am so thankful for that class and the knowledge that I gained through it.

Sarah said...

Amanda, how funny that we were both thinking about this today! I know for sure that I want to do a hospital tour, but still pondering the childbirth class. There is only one more being offered before I am due, and it is an all day thing. Ugh... not too sure!

Rebecca said...

We took the hospital tour with our first one but didn't take any childbirth classes. We winged it and 3 kids later I think we did just fine.

Warf pary of 3 said...

Jason and I attended a breast feeding class and it was GREAT. I highly recommened it if you are nursing. There is more to nursing than you think and it was very helpful to us. We signed up and even paid for our birthing classes, but we had Landon 1 week before our class was scheduled so we didnt get to take it,we had to wing it as well. we were looking forward to it, but didnt make it. i would go if you are able to at least so michael has some info on the birth.

Kelli said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Anonymous said...

I have read your blog for a while, and I must say CONGRATS on your pregnancy!! As far as classes, we did not take any. Childbirth will come naturally to you and your husband from my experience. Now breast feeding is a whole other subject!I thought that would be easy. Boy was I wrong! I did not think it hurt at all, but it can sometimes be difficult. I wish I had taken a breast feeding class!!!

Kelli said...

My doctor told me that I should take them if I was planning on having the baby naturally, but otherwise, we'd be fine without. The only classes we took were infant/child cpr and my husband took a daddy boot camp class becauase he'd never even HELD a baby! After that 4 hour class he was a self proclaimed expert!! He did really learn a lot from it

Rachel said...

We took a 1 day 8 hour class that covered signs of labor, labor itself, relaxation techniques, and also a tour of the l&d unit. What a waste!!! It was our first baby but as long as he is compassionate and understanding to how you are feeling you will both do fine!!

123 said...

My first child was premature, so I missed the class...I was signed up for one the week after she was born. :( I think it would have been helpful though because I was scared when she came so early. So, with baby number 2, we took the classes, and boy am I glad that we did! She came very quick, and there wasn't enough time for an epidural. The breathing really did help. With the third, I kind of winged it.

Overall, I would recommend taking one of the classes that offers some breathing and massage techniques. It really did come in handy. :)

Anonymous said...

For a first time mom I highly recommend taking a breast feeding class. Very helpful and informative in my experience. If nothing else, if you are lucky and it is taught by a lactation consultant, then you can establish a relationship ahead of time and if you like her then you have a great contact.

I don't know about the child birth class. Honestly, you probably would not learn anything new, but it might make Michael feel more comfy. I would see if it is something he is interested in. Of course, it is kind of the first time parent thing to do and might create some sweet memories for you :) My DH and I still laugh about our class and some of the crazy/silly memorable things.

Anonymous said...

I took a class and it scared the crap out of me and made me wish I hadn't taken it afterward. Also, the lady that taught ours was very opinionated about pro-breastfeeding, so much so that it even made me uncomfortable...and I breastfed! I'm sure this info wasn't too helpful..just relaying what my experience was.

Kristen and Andy said...

Just wanted to say congrats on your preganncy - it is such an exciting time - especially after dealing with infertility for a long time. We too tried for over 2 years for our first and we actually just welcomed our 2nd little bundle this past Sunday.

As far as classes go - with our first, we took the childbirth class and a tour of L&D. Honestly - the childbirth class wasn't anything too useful for us. It was ok - but I probably would have skipped it had I known what all was covered. The tour was great - I felt much more relaxed when the day came to give birth knowing exactly where to go. Believe me, if you arrive in the full throws of painful labor, the last thing you want to do is go searching all over the hospital trying to find out where to go.

I would think the breastfeeding class would be beneficial - I chose not to breastfeed for different reasons, but I know it can be a tough transition for some, so any help and/or tips to help with the process would definitely help.

Just do what you are comfortable with and everything will be fine - it really is such a wondeful experience - congrats again! :)

Beth said...

I took a childbirth class when I was pregnant with my first daughter (15 years ago!) at East Ridge Hospital. I'm so glad I did. The breathing techniques help, plus getting familiar with the environment I would be having my baby in helped calm my nerves.

Lauren said...

TAKE A CLASS. It won't be as much for you as it will for Michael.

I learned nothing in the breastfeeding class that I didn't already know from reading a book. And half that stuff was dumb because your instinct will kick in and what Nicholas will want/need you'll already know.

Lauren said...

Also, in my exeperience, lactation "consultants" are the most opinionated, pushy women in the world and therefore do not mix well with pregnant women/new moms, i.e. I threw one out of my recovery room.

Anonymous said...

Amanda,

I tooke the 4hr class at womens east and it was horrible=(. I hope you guys are having a great weekend. I will see you soon.

Amy mash

Angela said...

We took the classes at East Ridge before our first, as well as the breastfeeding class. Loved them all. I know you're already a huge Erlanger girl, and that's great, but we *love* East Ridge. Esp the lactation consultant and the breast-feeding support group. I am SO excited to be going back to East Ridge this Thursday for boy #3. Yikes!!! lol