Birthing/Parenting Classes

LARU Posted: Sep 08, 2004 10:07 AM

Birthing/Parenting Classes

Hi

I am currently 18 weeks pregnant and coming up to the time where I need to register for the class.

There are a couple of differnet kinds and there are also weekend accelerated classes?

What kind did everyone take...did you find them helpful or a wate of time. I have heard mixed reviews from friends.

Also, did anyone decide not to take them?

Opinions please!!

Thanks

soxfan Posted: Sep 08, 2004 10:36 AM

Re: Birthing/Parenting Classes

I took an all day class w/ my DH @ the hospital that I delivered @. Overall, I would say that the experience was good. We did everything from take a tour of L&D to 'walking' through the entire process. Even new born care which was helpful for DH. I also took a breast feeding class which was helpful. FM if you need more info.

OctBride03 Posted: Sep 08, 2004 10:39 AM

Re: Birthing/Parenting Classes

I've heard mixed reviews as well, so I signed up for whatever I wanted to:

I signed up for:

Birthing/Lamaze class
Breastfeeding class
Baby Care class (for DH - hehe)

dawnie Posted: Sep 08, 2004 10:41 AM

Re: Birthing/Parenting Classes

I want to take the a hypnobirthing class, a baby care class and a breastfeeding class. I also would like to take a child CPR class.

jillybean66 Posted: Sep 08, 2004 11:23 AM

Re: Birthing/Parenting Classes

DH and I took the 'accelerated' weekend class at our hospital. It was ok - most of the stuff I already knew, and I really did not like the Lamaze part. But we got a tour, and had newborn care, which was helpful. If I could go back and do it again, I would save my $ and skip the class.
My dr. told me that the breastfeeding classes are very helpful if you plan on breastfeeding...

kptoys Posted: Sep 08, 2004 12:08 PM

Re: Birthing/Parenting Classes

My lamaze class was a waste of time once actual labor started getting to the point where I needed it. I knew the stages of labor from everything i read and all the ways to help (meds etc) and what happens vag and c/s deliveries. It was a waste of time and money

I am however taking a infant CPR class this time. I wish my hospital had one when DD was young but now they do.

A BFing class is good too if you need more info other than what they show in books.

michele31 Posted: Sep 08, 2004 04:00 PM

Re: Birthing/Parenting Classes

I took Hypnobirthing and HIGHLY rec'd it. It was amazing and truly helped me feel empowered and calm about childbirth. Of course all that went to pot when I had to have a c/s but the class was great.

Dani00518 Posted: Sep 08, 2004 04:09 PM

Re: Birthing/Parenting Classes

Where do you get the info for these classes? Also, when should you start taking them?

Dee7772 Posted: Sep 08, 2004 04:11 PM

Re: Birthing/Parenting Classes

I had to sign up for the class when I was in my 4th month. I am only taking Lamaze. I figure it can't hurt.

dawnie Posted: Sep 08, 2004 04:12 PM

Re: Birthing/Parenting Classes

Posted by Dani00518

Where do you get the info for these classes? Also, when should you start taking them?

What hospital are you delivering at? I got a packet from my doctor and I am delivering at WInthrop. It says to have the forms sent in by your 4th month and I guess they pick dates for the classes closer to your due date.

I want to do the hypnobirthing and they don't offer at Winthrop. I found a few places on the internet and emailed them for info.

Dani00518 Posted: Sep 08, 2004 04:22 PM

Re: Birthing/Parenting Classes

Posted by dawnie

Posted by Dani00518

Where do you get the info for these classes? Also, when should you start taking them?

What hospital are you delivering at? I got a packet from my doctor and I am delivering at WInthrop. It says to have the forms sent in by your 4th month and I guess they pick dates for the classes closer to your due date.

I want to do the hypnobirthing and they don't offer at Winthrop. I found a few places on the internet and emailed them for info.

As of right now I will be delivering at LIJ. How much do these classes cost? I guess I have to remember to ask my doctor at my next appt.

flyin'bride Posted: Sep 08, 2004 05:10 PM

Re: Birthing/Parenting Classes

DH and I took the lamaze class. We did the 2-day weekend course. I thought it was helpful in terms of the information they discuss, literature they give you and some of the videos they used. It was nice to have an 'expert' available to answer your questions too. I'd say its worth it to take it once. We found out about the classes in our area through the Lamaze International website.

DH and I took a separate 'maternity' tour of the hospital we'll be delivering at, that was good too.

Jenn524 Posted: Sep 08, 2004 05:54 PM

Re: Birthing/Parenting Classes

This might be a stupid question but...

For breastfeeding classes is it just the women that go or did men attend as well?

JENNCHRIS Posted: Sep 08, 2004 06:51 PM

Re: Birthing/Parenting Classes

I took a birthing class and a breastfeeding class at the hospital in Florida where I had Jordan. I think they were both good because I had no idea about labor or anything - the lamaze went right out the window when hard labor set in, but I felt better because I had the info from that class so I wasn't surprised by some of it (some of the whole birth process still surprised the hell out of me! )
The breastfeeding class I would definately recommend. So many women give up on breastfeeding because they don't have any help or support and if you don't know how to do it correctly it can be painful and frustrating.

I haven't signed up for a birth class yet, although I think I will soon - this is my second but my hubbys first - I gave him a book and I told him that if he doesn't read up that I'll sign us up for the class well, he hasn't picked up the book yet - I just don't want him to be clueless - I need him there to support me not be lost and confused!