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Hello to all you fellow mothers or mothers - to - be...
I am currently 34 weeks and 2 days pregnant and still have not take any childbirth classes. My doctor has not said anything about it. My situation is this, I went into premature labor a few weeks ago but it was stopped by the little shot the OB docs gave me. My husband just enlisted in the Air Force and is currently away at boot camp so he is not here and will miss the entire labor portion.
I'm just wondering if you have to take childbirth classes... Is this a personal choice? I have been doing a lot of research online about labor and the different types of labor... watching videos and reading stories. I just didn't know if childbirth classes were something you needed to take or if you can just do some practice exercises at home...
Any information will help. Thank you in advance!
(Very active Dad, Husband here)
My wife and I took them together and we enjoyed the hell out of them. Well, we flunked the breathing class. While my wife was pregnant she laughed at everything, I mean EVERYTHING. It was mostly fun and never a dull moment but during the breathing class the rapid breathing that is required to do while giving birth sent my wife into fits of laughter. Not to mention the instructor was as dull as a rubber-band.
Take the classes; they were fun and extremely informational (to us.)
Short answer: no.
Long answer: When I started working L&D I learned to teach Bradley breathing in about ten minutes to women who come into the hospital in active labor.
I loved my own childbirth classes, with my eldest. Made friends with other parents-to-be, learned a bunch of stuff I didn't personally use (ended up having a cesarean) but which came in handy professionally, and, at least for three hours a week, got to be around other people who didn't say "oh my God you're huge!"
It was worth it, but definitely a luxury, not a necessity.
I can't imagine going into labor without a birthing plan. I realize most women have them now, but seems it would be harder to do without any classes. Knowing your options helps you choose what's right for you.
Also, when things don't go exactly as planned, you'll be prepared for changing gears. That's something you want to do beforehand. Transition's no time to deliberate
They didn't discuss birth plans in the classes I took. It was 5 years ago though.
Everything my dh and I learned in childbirth class went out the window with dd #1. That said, you might be less anxious if you know the different scenarios that could happen and how they will be handled by your ob/gyn and the hospital.
Since your dh will be away, I would highly suggest hiring a doula if you can. A doula will serve as your advocate during the entire birthing process. She'll hold your hand, make sure that your birth plan is followed and support you in any way you need her to. My friends who have used doulas have raved about how helpful they were.
Since your dh will be away, I would highly suggest hiring a doula if you can.
GREAT advice.
As for birthing plans not being discussed 5 years ago, I guess I got lucky. My kids are older than that and they were expected. They ran from one extreme to the other, but we all had them.
Hello to all you fellow mothers or mothers - to - be...
I am currently 34 weeks and 2 days pregnant and still have not take any childbirth classes. My doctor has not said anything about it. My situation is this, I went into premature labor a few weeks ago but it was stopped by the little shot the OB docs gave me. My husband just enlisted in the Air Force and is currently away at boot camp so he is not here and will miss the entire labor portion.
I'm just wondering if you have to take childbirth classes... Is this a personal choice? I have been doing a lot of research online about labor and the different types of labor... watching videos and reading stories. I just didn't know if childbirth classes were something you needed to take or if you can just do some practice exercises at home...
Any information will help. Thank you in advance!
It's not a requirement, but it's definitely helpful. I liked breathing exercises, plus it gave me an opportunity to meet other moms.
Since your dh will be away, I would highly suggest hiring a doula if you can. A doula will serve as your advocate during the entire birthing process. She'll hold your hand, make sure that your birth plan is followed (to the best of the staff's ability; obviously safety concerns come first) and support you in any way you need her to. My friends who have used doulas have raved about how helpful they were.
Good luck with whatever you choose to do.
Slight editing, but wholehearted agreement. Doulas totally rock.
And edited only because I've seen some amazingly "out there" birth plans. For example, a mom requesting the birth take place in silence and dim lighting (common among members of the Church of Scientology) can probably manage something pretty close, but only if it's a routine delivery and not one done under emergency circumstances.
I went with my wife to a childbirthing class. It was very educational. Honestly, I think it removed as much of the unknown as is possible without actually having gone through childbirth itself. When it was our time, we were more prepared and comfortable with what to expect.
Do you have to go? Of course not. I'd recommend it though. Bring your husband/partner too, if possible. It'll be good for them.
Hello to all you fellow mothers or mothers - to - be...
I am currently 34 weeks and 2 days pregnant and still have not take any childbirth classes. My doctor has not said anything about it. My situation is this, I went into premature labor a few weeks ago but it was stopped by the little shot the OB docs gave me. My husband just enlisted in the Air Force and is currently away at boot camp so he is not here and will miss the entire labor portion.
I'm just wondering if you have to take childbirth classes... Is this a personal choice? I have been doing a lot of research online about labor and the different types of labor... watching videos and reading stories. I just didn't know if childbirth classes were something you needed to take or if you can just do some practice exercises at home...
Any information will help. Thank you in advance!
To be honest, mine were pretty much worthless except for the tour of the delivery rooms and recovery unit. Hoever, it made me feel more relaxed to have taken the class and that is worth something.
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