Child Birth Classes: Recommendations?

I got a few cards from my OB/GYN but I wanted to see if you guys had any recommendations on some good childbirth ande childcare classes as well as BFing classses.

I have cards from the following:
CFA Inc. in Smithtown

Vicki B. Shulman R.N. and Childbirth Education Specialist

and

Kristin Thayer BSN, RNC Certified Childbirth Educator

I'm in Nesconset so anything in the immediate area would be appreciated.

My childbirth classes were in the hospital that I am going to deliver. I liked it since I was able to familiarize myself with the hospital and some of the nurses.

Have you looked into classes at your hospital?

Susan, what hospital are you planning to deliver at? I ask b/c we are near to each other, and it's good to know someone else's experience (for hopefully near-future reference). Thanks!

Dont know which method you are looking for...lamaze or Bradley Method.
I would highly recommend the Bradley Method...no breathing techniques to remember...just a fully educational experience of what is going on in your preg body as the preg progresses...what labor is all about, pain management options, bfeeding and infant care.

I think it was a 8 week course. I took it at someones home with 8 other couples. I can get you the person's name. She was WONDERFUL and and excellant teacher.

I wound up having Julianne 2 weeks late and did it completely natural: no induction and no drugs at all

Let me know...fm me

I highly recommend the hypnobirthing classes I took - and they are local to you Susan.

I took the free bfing class at Stonybrook.

I'm interested in the Bradley Method.

Claud
I'm going to deliver at St. Catherines on 25A in Smithtown. It's a group practice. A family friend referred me there since that's where she went for her two kids.
They recommended a few places to me, (
for classes) but didn't mention anything within the hospital, so I'm assuming they don't offer anything.

Michele
I actually read quite a bit on hypnobirthing. There are several girls on UB that have done it, but I don't think that I have it in me to try it the first time around...it's something I'm considering for out second though...I'm intrigued by it, but also completely freaked out at the thought not having any drugs at all.
Chalk it up to the horrific stories that I've heard from friends and family, I guess.
Thanks though!

Michelle,
would I be able to sit in on a class, to sort of get a 'feel' for what it is?

I will FM you the info. I have the book if you want to borrow it too, although the book without the class would not be helpful. You can call the instructor and talk to her. I have no idea if she allows you to sit-in but I am sure she would talk to you about the class and hypnobirthing. It was actually a very relaxing part of week. The relaxation stuff was my favorite part of me week. I always left there feeling great.
The class is 5 sessions, once a week in the evening.