Birthing Classes?

I felt the same way about the class when I had my first baby. My husband especially did not want anything to do with it. We ended up taking a one day class that was half the price as the regular one that was offered. It was targeted for second time births but it covered things that could happen and how it would be handled. I am actually very glad we did the class becasue my daughter ended up being about a month early and some of the things that were covered in the class ended up happening and had not been in any of the books I had read. It helped me to stay calm and know they had it under control. Had it all happened and I knew nothing I would have freaked out. With my son who came 7 years after my daughter we didn't but all of the stuff that was covered came back as his birth was completely different.
Good Luck.

I really enjoyed the class offered at Tuality Hospital... totally worth it so you feel you are prepared for most things that came come up. You never know what is going to happen. I am still friends with most of the families that were in my class and then in the support groups for new moms (also strongly recommended!!) Good luck :)

My husband and I went to a two day intensive childbirth class and we really enjoyed it. They didn't just talk about the birth but about newborn care, car seat safety, crib safety, and other things. I learned a lot of things I didn't know before the class. It is also cool to get to be around other pregnant women. We took one at the local hospital and it cost about $60. I think it was very well worth the time and money to be a little bit better prepared in all areas.

Hope that helps.

I found it extremely helpful. We took a series of classes offered at Evergreen hospital. The classes we took in addition to the labor and delivery were breastfeeding,newborn care,fathers class and a few others..being first time parents..it was well worth the money. It put me at ease going into labor knowing what to expect and how to breath properly. If you can squeeze extra money out of your budget...I'd encourage you to do it. I had a very fast delivery so I didn't even use what I learned but it was still helpful then we we had our second, I just read up in books and what I learned in class all came back to me. Good luck!!

Hi A.,
I know that the hospital I delivered at, they offered free classes. If not, they can most likely direct you to another program, that offers free classes. Also, MotherTree Doula Services teach classes at my work ( Zenana Wellness Center)offer single seminars on specific topics like pain management, etc. if you don't want to sit through an entire birthing series. I'm not sure if they offer a sliding scale, but they are really fabulous people and I am sure they could point you in the right direction or help you out. thier # is ###-###-#### and email is wwww. mothertreebirth.com. I wasn't sure that I needed to take the birthing classes with my first son, but once I was in labor I was really glad that I had some idea of what to expect. Good Luck!

M.

My daughter is 12 months. I took the classes and am really glad I did. Some classes are different than others so, look into what is offered at the hospital where you will be giving birth. I think that these classes are really important for both you and your husband so that you can be prepared and know what to expect . It's worth the money.

Well worth it, being this is your first. This will be your first investment in bringing your child into this world. You will learn alot and feel secure and comfortable. I did it and am glad I did. I wanted to know everything from a professional childbirth class.
Do it! Many investments, (costs, planning, food, clothes, etc.) will follow.

A.-

When I was expecting my first baby my husband and I took the birthing class at our local hospital. I found it very helpful and informative. We found the breathing techniques to be very helpful, and I liked the opportunity to tour the birthing center, too.

You may not have to pay for the course if you have DSHS medical coupons, they pay for everything. If you're expecting and are within the income limits you can apply for medical help through your local DSHS office.

Best of luck!
-B.

I think the first thing to do is to read and decide what kind of birth you want. While the classes are a great place to meet other soon-to-be parents, the most important decision you can make is to choose a midwife/doctor that you really trust and has the same views on childbirth as you. The classes are given in general terms and the experience I had with my firstborn was atypical. Thankfully, I trusted my midwife so even though my "birthplan" didn't pan out I was very satisfied with the experience.

I would also recommend a hypnobirthing book. With my second child the one really important aspect I got from the book was not to fight your body when you have contractions but to use visualization and help your body do what it is meant to do. I ended up accidentally having her at home because the contractions were so manageable that I didn't realize when I entered transition. Three contractions later my husband delivered her! And that was after a 32 hour labor with my first.

The point is that there is no formula for birthing so the best thing you can do to prepare is to have a trusted birthing attendant who can offer you suggestions when you are too distracted to make a decision.

Congrats and the best of luck!

A.,

Ultimately you want to be fully educated on options and basic knowledge. Things don't always go according to plan so understanding that and having the general knowledge will help reduce your stress and fully enjoy the experience.

For example, I knew I wanted an epidural when I thought it was time so I could fully enjoy the experience (I have 3 kids). Number 1 was induced and I didn't dialate as quickly as they wanted so they wanted me to wait on the epidural. Not the plan and I had to manage the pain on my own but through reading/videos, I knew enough to keep my sanity. Number 2 was a little (10days) early and I had to pack my stuff to go and also was in pain longer than planned. Number 3, the epidural pump's battery died and after replacement, the nurse didn't know she had to re-set it. Again, more pain than planned until someone figured it out.

There are so many little things that could not go as planned so knowledge is power. How you get it is up to you. Just make sure you are getting it from a good, unbias sourceS.

I did not take the classes with my first but I DID for my second when I wanted to take a different approach to how I did the birthing process. I very much appreciated the information that I got AND I got to take the classes FOR FREE! Contact the hospital or organization that sponsors the classes and ask them if they offer scholarships or in my case my medical insurance paid for it.
I was so inspired by my classes that I want to take classes to become a child birth educator.
Good Luck.

Omigosh!! Very helpful Answered tons of questions for us & helped me to better understand what to expect. You might already have an idea of how you want your birth to go... however your baby probably has other plans. Its best to be aware of all the different situations that could come up... but also how YOU can best help the situation...whatever it ends up being. Good luck to you & yours. -H.

I was your age when I had my first child and money was tight for us, too. I decided to just read everything I could get my hands on and ask my midwives any questions I had. For me, it worked out great....I had a picture perfect home birth. I have to say the book that was the best in really preparing me for the experience of giving birth was Spiritual Midwifery by Ina Mae Gaskin. It's full of birth stories from lots of different women and very positive, inspirational. Best of luck to you!!! L.

When I had my daughter 3.5 years ago I signed up for the classes at Providence Portland because they were close to my house. I didn't realize until I went to pay for them, but because we also had insurance through Providence the classes were $15 instead of $60. Your insurance may help you pay for the classes too, even if through a different company.

I didn't have a mother or a mother-in-law to help or to ask questions, etc. so I read a lot of books. For me the classes weren't really helpful because I read so much, but for my husband they were invaluable. He really had no idea what to expect or how to treat me during my pregnancy/birth. The classes help tremendously for us in those respects.

I too.. was 27 when I had my first child! the $60 will be WELL spent - you are going to get advice from anyone and everyone from your best friend's aunt to someone at the grocery store and in between.. but taking the class from a trained professional will give you more info on just "How to breathe" during the delivery! You may make some new friends with a common interest too. It will also give you and your husband a set date for something to do each week and help you make informed decisions about the delivery... everything from what about pain killers to whether to circumcise your baby if it is a boy and so on. The person that teaches the class will give you facts you can base your decision on without bias so you can make your decisions - and there will be many decisions you will need to make. So I would encourage you to go, I don't think you'll regret it.. if money is an issue you might be able to see if there is assistance to pay for the class or see if there is a place that offers the same kind of class for free or reduced rate. Either way.. go..... I read tons of books whlle pregnant.. but the class still was the best resource for me during the last 6 weeks before I had my first baby.

Congratulations.

It was great. the money we paid for the classes we got was a great deal (there were I think 5 classes). I think our doctor had a coupon for the class provided at the affiliated hospital. Ask and see if you can get a discount. While my birth was a disaster due to unavoidable circomstances the classes were really fun, brought my hubby and I closer, and calmed my fears about the birth. I would defininly recommend them to every first expecting mom.

A.,
I haven't read through all the responces but I know that WIC offers free classes through then and some of the clinics do aswell. You can call WIC and see if you can enroll in their program. The second idea is you could possibly change doctors I know that is hard if you are really liking your doctor but I know with my last child I had a water birth and the place where I went offered the class there for FREE it was really nice and the classes where kept really small. FREINDS AND FAMILY are always helpful too and sometimes keeps all the paperwork they recieved from their class talk to them about what you might need to know.
I hope this helps and good luck with your little bean. :o)
C.-

A., you've received some very good information and advice. One mother mentioned WIC. If you're eligible for WIC they will also provide vouchers for nutritious food for you while you're pregnant and then for both of you after your baby is born.

I would add that even tho you feel like you know all that you need to know you will discover that isn't so. Mothering does not come naturally. Loving and wanting to mother is a natural feeling but you will discover once the baby gets here that he/she is much more complicated being than the idea of baby is.

If you will have your mother, a sister who has given birth, or a close friend with experience then you will be more comfortable. At the same time not only is the world more complicated so is the care of babies. For example both my mother and my daughter have inverted nipples. My mother was told she couldn't breast feed. My daughter was given shields and training in how to use them and she was able to breast feed. The class will bring you up to date on several things that could happen and how you can manage them.

I'm curious about your statement, "so called birthing classes" If I'm interpreting this correctly, that you're putting the emphasis on birthing and we all know giving birth is natural and women for years have been doing it without classes I'd like to add a couple of things. Not all births are "normal or natural." In the old days when women gave birth at home without assistance many babies and mothers died. This class not only gives you information about a "normal" birth and teaches you how to manage pain and ways to have a more comfortable birth, it will also tell you about events that don't fit in that norm so that, if they happen to you, you can recognize them and feel more comfortable about whether or not you need to do something about them and if so what.

I've been at two births during which the mother had an epidural. They still were actively involved in the birth and they were still uncomfortable. Their husbands would remind them of ways that they'd learned to relax and get in a more comfortable position. While you're giving birth you will have difficulty coaching yourself.

The birth will be somewhat easier if you've been doing prenatal exercises to strengthen your muscles and are in good physical shape.

And as several have mentioned, you will be better able to plan for the type of birthing experience you want. You will also be more comfortable during the birth because you will know what is happening.

When you get that baby home you will discover that you either don't know what to do at times or you will feel anxious because you're not sure that you did the right thing. While before you felt confident, once the baby is home and you and your husband are alone the full weight of responsibility for this tiny helpless baby will be on your shoulders.

Birthing classes provide much more than info on birthing. They include the time leading up to giving birth and about your body after birth as well as info about your new baby. My daughter liked the birthing class because she could talk with other women about what was happening with her body. They comiserated together.

I took a birthing class with my first one, and then NEVER again because it was a WASTE of Money!!! You'd get more out of subscribing to cable and watching the TLC's Baby Story.

Hi A.:
I opted not to go to any birthing classes. The way the birthing classes were described to me was learnning different techniques to manage labor and what to expect throughout the whole experience & caring for the newborn. Because I knew I wanted an epidural I figured the class might be a waste of time ( & money). As far as learning how to care for a newborn, that just came naturally. Looking back I think I made the right choice for me. I am currently 8 1/2 months pregnant and am doing the exact same thing this time around.
Good luck with your decision.

I took Bradley classes in Alaska (you can take them here as well). They were $250 for 12, three hour long classes. I felt that they were very helpful. However, they're geared toward a natural approach and it sounds to me like you're going to have standard hospital birth. I would say that it's probably a waste of money to pay for a hospital class, they're going to tell you all the same things that you can read online.

A., I'm going to go out on a limb and say my birthing classes were a waste of time and $, but only because I'd already done so much reading on the subject already. If you're not into reading and researching on the internet, then I think they'd definitely be worth it. As it was, they didn't tell me anything I hadn't already researched on my own.

You mentioned that money was tight, so I'd also like to recommend a blog on money management/saving money that I've found very helpful. It's written by a couple of local guys right here in Portland (one of whom is my husband!) and they talk about saving money on baby, among other things. You can find it at frugalize.blogspot.com.

Good luck!

It just depends.. we went through the birthing classes and ended up having a c section, so they weren't very applicable. However, you may meet lifelong friends in the class. It just depends how comfortable you are with birth and babies.... Good luck!

I highly suggest taking the three free months of classes at Evergreen Hospital after your baby is born. Those are a life saver!!!!

i took them, they were such a waste of time. before i got my epidural, i forgot everything i had learned on the breathing techniques, and threatened physical harm to my husband who did remember and kept trying to tell me what to do. if you are planning an epidural, you don't need to take a class. you don't feel any pain during labor, and pushing is a breeze.

Ask at the hospital where you will be delivering. A lot of the time they offer some free classes. I didn't do any of the breathing or technique classes. They weren't quite my style, plus they are expensive. However, i did go to a couple of the orientation type classes our hospital offered. i would recommend those because it kind of gets you prepared for what you can expect.

A. depending on what type of birthing experience you are looking for depends on weather you should seek out furher education. I am a doula (birth assistant) and find the more a women understands and embraces pregnancy and birth the more positive experience she has. If you are planning on an epidural they may not be that benifical but if you think you want to go the natural route then the classes may be benifical. Another option is picking up a good book about pregnancy and birth. A few good ones include " The Birth Partner", The thinking Womans Guide to a better child birth and of course Ina Mays guide to child birth. Another thing i would suggest is hiring a doula to help you get your needs met during pregnancy and labor. Since money is tight you maybe able to find a doula in training who would be willing to attened your birth for free or a very low cost. I teach child birth classes as well and trust me if you are dreding the idea of going don't waste your time but they can be kinda fun to spend time learning all about your body and your baby.

I hope that you have the birthing experience you are looking for. Peace and Love

Take them!!! There is no substitute for being educated about some of the VERY important decisions you may be faced with, especially if you are having your baby in a hospital. Many insurance companies offer them for pretty cheap or will refund you. And if you decide you absolutely cannot afford it, read, read and read some more! (Libraries are always great...). Books about childbirth AND what you will be facing afterwards.
One bonus to classes though: you'll meet people having children in a very close timeframe as you...I'm still very good friends with three of the women from my classes and it's so nice to know people going through the same stages of child development as you.

Hi there! I would really encourage you to go. Not only does it help to know what to expect and learn how your body works and what your options are, BUT (and here's the best part!) you get to know other moms with due dates around the same time as yours. This may not seem like a big deal, but it is a lifesaver! Our birthing class decided to start a mom's group for the first time moms, and we all got together every other week to chat, commisserate, share stories, get advice... those moms saved my sanity! My advice learned the hard way: Keep it to five moms- more than that and things get crazy as the kids grow. Also, no moms with older kids too, or you'll have sleeping babies in their carseats and older kids wreaking havok in your home while all their moms sit and talk. Also, rotate houses and meet around 9 or 10. Have the host provide a snack and tea and coffee. My group had it over lunch, so the host was expected to provide lunch for eight, and have a clean house. Too much for a new mom, I thought! Good luck! Becca

We paid for the Birthing class up at OHSU out of pocket. It took a weekend, all day Saturday & Sunday. Both of us were dreading the time, stressed about the money, but afterwards we were so happy we did it! Very helpful! Allowed us time to discuss our concerns, make a plan, and hear from others who were going through the same thing. We now have a 9 month old son. Our labor was long, a bit rocky (were going the natural route, water birth at the hospital - ended up with a cesearn), but my husband was supportive and wonderful through out, and many of the 'tricks' and education from the class paid off! The class was called 'birthing from within' which focuses on natural child birth, pain medication free. However, my instructor did an excellent job reviewing cesearn births as well.

I know someone suggested reading a book. Depends on your style, I suppose. I read the book and hated it, the facilitator was much more chill and we made friends in the class. Only 6 couples & we keep in touch with one whose daughter is a couple weeks younger than our son.

A doula may be another option you want to consider. There are Doula's in training that are more affordable or free. Also depending on the hospital, there are volunteer doulas. They are an advocate for your family to have explain to you what is happening as well as explain to the medical professionals what your desires are. Plus very supportive of both mother & father during the birth process. Some may come and help after the child is born as well.

Best of luck.

It depends on whether or not you are planning a natural birth or a birth involving pain killers. If you are planning on a birth with pain killers I would recommend more of an educational class on the birth process so you will better understand what is going on even if you can not feel it as much. If you are planning on a natural birth I would go with a class that teaches different methods of controlling pain and breathing. You can find classes through what ever hospital you plan on birthing at or calling different birthing centers. I used Andaluz waterbirth center and the class that they host is excellent. Also some insurance does cover birthing classes or offer discounts.

My husband and I took one before the birth of our first child, and it was nice just to have the extra education. I would advise looking more into the drugs, though. I had an epidural with my first and went natural with my second. While pregnant with my second, I heard from another mom (who had 9 children, so she definately knows a thing or two) that epidurals aren't as safe as the medical world lets on. The babies are affected by it, and aren't as alert. Its blamed on jaundice, which they very well may have, but it does have something to do with an epidural. I did notice a difference between my two children and their conditions after birth: my first did have jaundice much more than my second. Anyway, its something to look into. I'm not advocating the no-drug route (I don't know which way I'll go with my third), but you may want to add someone to your team who can help you labor the easiest way for you: like a midwife or a doula or a friend who has "been there, done that".

Do It! Do It! Do It! I would instantly recommend this for anyone, NOT just first time moms. I think it is SOOOO worth the money. You need to know what your body is going to be doing, what you can do to help yourself, and what to expect your doctors/nurses to be able to do. My husband and I felt like fools practicing 'contractions' but when they finally came... it was like "Oh, so THAT'S what they were talking about.!" I felt no fear through ANY of my labors because I knew what to expect. I knew when my labor with my middle child went outside of what is okay and I truly believe that those bithing/Lamaze classes saved her life because I knew when to call a nurse and say that something was wrong. I cannot say enough positive things about them.

I took 8 weeks of birthing classes, and used nothing of it in labor. I had an epidural right when I arrived at the hospital, and it was smooth sailing after that. I hung out with my family and chatted until it was time to push. The nurses held my legs and told me to push. 10 minutes later, I had a perfect healthy boy! It really was great to not feel any pain, and it did not slow down my labor to have the epidural that early. I think that the classes would help if you are going to do it naturally or if you were to wait a long time to get the epidural. The classes are kind of a waste of time any money because with the epidural, you really dont have to cope with the pain with breathing, and massage. Dont waste your money!

I'm a little different anyway (I have my babies at home)but I'd say don't bother with the classes. With my first boy, I read everything I could get my hands on. I like knowing all the details. The best books I found were the Sears books--the Birth Book. I think the birth classes make it sound more scary than it is. I am 28, married and my second boy is 7 weeks old. You can do it--you are a woman--strong and capable! Hope this helps.

Never took a birthing class, I did take a hospital tour at the hospital I planned on delivering at. I have three kids and they where all born healthy. The tours are free and you can ask all the questions you want.

I didn't do birthing classes. Women having been having babies since the dawn of time. When I went in to have my son the nurses were there to help. They tell you what to do and when to do it. I would save your money. really. You will do fine. If anything just learn how to do relaxing/meditating breathing. It will put you in the zone...help you focus. And you can learn to do that from a book.
Good luck!
A.

I think a lot of that depends on what you are planning for your birth... if you are planning to get an epidural, then in my experience the classes aren't really very helpful, as intense breathing patterns and visualization techniques aren't really necessary. The classes may put your mind at ease by getting you familiar with the whole birth process but I don't think it's any information you can't get from a few well-selected books from the local library.

The most important thing is to be relaxed, trust your instincts, and ask for what you want and need. If your husband is going to be there to support you, let him know what you want him to do, since he likely won't have a clue what you want. For me, having an epidural was such a great experience both times (and I'm planning on it with my current pregnancy as well) that birth wasn't nearly as hard as I expected it to be. I was laughing and at ease, and sharing a very special moment with my husband and baby instead of feeling frantic, in agony, and out of control.

If you are planning for an all natural delivery, then birthing classes may help you manage that option better because they provide special techniques to take your mind off the pain. Some classes focus mostly on pain management techniques, some focus more on the physiology behind birth/delivery, and some focus on caring for the baby once it arrives. If you feel prepared for these things, then the classes probably aren't necessary, but if you feel like you aren't sure what to expect, then go for it... peace of mind is worth $60.

I would recommend a birthing class, as a first time mom going through labor, it can be difficult to know the do's and don'ts of laboring. You, as the patient, can do a lot, such as walking, rocking, changing positions, etc. However once you get the epidural there is not much more than being in bed. However, I can understand the cost of the classes. I would suggest you talk with you doctor between now and when you deliever and get as much info as you can about the process of labor, when your doc would want you to go to the hospital, when will they allow you to have an epidural, etc. Start with your doctor and then reevaluate the need for the classes, depending on what your doctor will tell you.

I Think you should take the classes they are a big help to prepare you for everything that you will be going through. Also the breathing techniques that they teach you really help. But then again it is up to you. Good luck

I didn't take them. I had 2 and had epidurals with both. Personally, I think it is a waste of money. If you planned on doing things natural, it might be a good idea, but otherwise, the epidurals are heaven :)

We paid more then $60. And we found the classes helpful. I wanted to go natural then ended up having somewhat of a complicated birth. I'm not sure looking back that I could say take the class for sure. If I had it to do over again, I would. I got some questions answered in the class and most importantly made some great life long friends out of it. The knowledge did help keep me more calm during labor. And like one of my friends said when you are in labor remember it always comes to an end. Even if it doesn't feel like it at the time.

I am a first time mom and never took any of the classes. I would recommend going to a New Mom's group once the baby is born. That was the most helpful to me. They are usually put on by a nurse and free of charge. Plus you get to meet new people and get great advice.

We took one offered through Kaiser and honestly found it to be disappointing. It was VERY focused on a drug-free delivery. I ended up with a c-section, so I can't tell you if it was helpful, but I think you could get the same information from a book. If you know that you don't want to go natural, try to find a book that explains everything (especially the different types of pain meds) rather than one that focuses more on "natural" childbirth. Hope that helps and good luck!

i took them but didn't really follow what they told me. i did alot of deep breathing and sort of came up with my own breathing pattern, that felt comfortable to me.

also i see that you are thinking of an epidural, have you thought about an intrathical (sp?) it is a one time shot given in the back that is awesome! if you have to get up and walk you can (at least that is what i have heard) i did all my walking before i got the shot. you feel your contractions and the pressure, but no pain. i don't know if others have had other experiences different (i am sure they have) but mine worked like a charm. ask your dr. about it and see if it is something that could work for you. i loved it. i did get one of the side effects of being itchy, but i didn't care. good luck and congrats.