Do I Sign up for a Birthing Class?

A birthing class can be helpful- particularly one that covers what to expect in a c-section which can be scary if you don't know what's going on.

I know you didn't ask this so I hope you don't mind me putting my .02 in, but I would recommend you do some research on twin deliveries and see if you would like a second opinion on your delivery choice. It looks like you are a few months along. Remember that a c-section should be a last resort. For well-positioned twins (which you wouldn't know until the end of your pregnancy) a vaginal deilvery is a safe choice. I work as an RN and student midwife in a major academic medical center and twins are born vaginally frequently as the doctors there try to avoid unnecessary c-sections.

In the absence of complications a vaginal deliveries are best for mom and baby and don't carry with them the risks to future pregnancies that c-sections do. Above all congrats on your little blessings and best wishes!

You may wish to ask your doctor what he or she thinks about classes that are offered through the hospital where the c-section will be happening. It could be beneficial if you are unsure of what to expect, but it is also likely that your ob/gyn can tell you everything you need to know.

Good luck with the c-section - I'm sorry you're being judged here so harshly about this, especially when no one knows (nor do they need to know) about your medical/pregnancy history. Enjoy your new babies!

It seems like your getting a lot of reponses against c-section. Here's how I feel about them (had two). I took all the birthing classes to prepare for birth. My first was emergency and not planned. Looking back, I would not take the classes. The nurses are so very helpful. If I were you and sure your doing c-section, I would get more info on that. Spend your time preparing, and knowing whats in store for you. If given a chance again, I would go c-section all the way. I was in labor for 8 hours without any meds and it was horrible pain. The c-section went so smoothly, and my recovery went very well. Yes it is major surgery, and it was unexpected, but if your prepared it will be easier for you. My second was scheduled, but I went into labor early, just called the doctor and he was there. I would highly recommend you feel very comfortable with your doctor. I gave birth at Condell in Libertyville, and have a great recommendation if needed. Good luck- just my opinion... c-sections are not horrible.

My husband and I took a birthing class and to be honest we didn't really find it to be helpful. I knew early on that I wanted an epidural. Once I got "the drugs" I didn't need any of the breathing stuff. The class seemed to be geared towards natural, drug-free, vaginal births. That's just my opinion though. The nurses are there with you the whole time and you do what they tell you. I never took a refresher course for my other pregnancies.

**Congratulations too and Good Luck!

I would still sign up for a birthing class. The class typically covers the onset of labor and also talks about false labors and both types of delivery, recovery, etc. It will be important for you to understand what is going on with your body (as well as for the Dad too) and will also help you with relaxation techniques until you have your c-section, etc. Congrats!

I think it would be a good idea to take a class. It is always nice to know what to expect. If you are taking one through the hospital where you plan to deliver they will not only tell you what to expect during labor/delivery, you should learn a lot about the benefits/risks of the meds and interventions both during the birth and afterwards as you recover. My sister just had a c-section a month ago and was telling me how horrible some of the drugs make you feel that she wasn't prepared for. They should also give you a tour of the birthing center and you may meet other parents who end up lifelong friends. I think that reason alone would be worth it. Good luck!

Agree with prev posters - a class would be helpful. And why a c-section? Having done both, a vaginal birth is MUCH better - for you and your babies. Don't forget - even though docs make light of it, a c-section is *major abdominal surgery*. Unless there's a good medical reason, I would ask your OB some hard questions and would ask for citations in the literature showing that a c-section is significantly safer for you and your babies. Does he/she want to schedule simply because of her own inexperience? If so, switch docs! FYI, Dr Elias Sabbagha at Northwestern does many many vaginal twin deliveries, including if one is breech at term.

I was thinking like the last poster. I am not sure way you are having a c-section ( it may be for medical reasons). I had my twins vaginally. I was prepared to get the epidural anyway just in case something happened, and we needed to do a c-section. I was lucky enough to have a relatively quick labor and delivery.

Go and sign up for the class, and good luck with the twins.

If it's set in stone that you will be getting a c-section, I would not recommend a birthing class. You can find info online and read about it yourself without spending the money and time in a birthing class. We did a birthing class (did not have c-section, although did get an epidural) and I learned absolutely nothing from it. Everything taught in the class, I already had read up on or knew beforehand. Now, if I was planning on delivering natural (no meds) I would definetly suggest a class. :) Good luck!

As other moms have said, there is no reason to have a c-section just because you are having twins. The risk goes up to the babies tremendously with surgery. And if they are full term and come home right away, you are going to have a much harder time taking care of 2 babies after major abdominal surgery. I would talk to your doctor and/or get a new doctor. Don't short change yourself by assuming you have to have surgery.

Even if you have a c-section-for whatever reason-you would benefit. Call the hospital and see if they have a calss for mulitple births. I went to one for a short time and it was great talking to other moms that were going through the same thing. Talking about your experiences, what you are expecting to happen, what could happen etc would be a great experience. I took a class at Rush called Mainly Multiples.

There are many different types of birthing classes. I took the lamaze one with my first ( whom the doctor tried very hard for me to schedule a c-section and I refused. I was high risk and so was my daughter. We opted for being induced and having an emergency c-section if I needed it.) I read up on the different reasons to have a c-section and the statistics on how many are performed now. Many women ask for it and the doctors do it without it even being medically necessary. In my case, by daughter stopped growing and needed to get out. I told the doctor to try other forms to induce labor and if they didnt work then and only then could he do a c-section and being induced worked. Just make sure that it truly is a necessary thing to do and qualifies as an emergency. Many doctors push for it and you go with it because you are afraid for your children, only you know what is right for you and and your children.
Everything turned out great! Only thing I would have changed is that I never would have gotten the medicine in the IV it throws you through a loop and makes you feel like you arent present. If you want an epidural go for it at least you are aware of your surroundings. With my second I took a different class that wasnt based on breathing techniques, but other visualization techniques. This worked AWESOME for me! I ended up going to almost the entire labor at home and had my son 5 minutes after I got into the hospital. totally natural and it was great. Either way, a class will help you with relaxation techniques which can be useful in any situation. I suggest a class. You can always go into labor early and know what to expect. Best of luck to you and your little ones