Opinions for a FTM ...how important/helpful/necessary are birthing classes?

Question

Is this something that's really going to help? I'm due November 20... I signed up for a breastfeeding class because I really want to breastfeed but I have not signed up for a birthing class yet I was just wondering from you ladies who took them or didn't take them did you regret it or find it helpful? Most of my friends said they felt silly and only went one time

Answer

I didn't want to go to the birthing class at all but I did anyways. It actually made me more excited and calm about the birthing process as opposed to scared. My husband went with me and he feels more confident in what I might need from him during contractions etc. in the end I was very happy I went.

Answer

Oh my God! Classes are THE single most valuable thing I have ever done to prepare for this baby (and my husband and I have been planning her for over 8 years if that tells you anything...).

We are enrolled in a 12 week intensive Bradley method courses and they have been absolutely phenomenal. My husband and I have learned so much and we already thought we were pretty prepared going into these classes but after taking a handful I am floored at how much knowledge, information and insight we gained!

I feel so empowered, so in control of my decisions and my body, I simply cannot recommend birthing classes enough.

In fact, after taking these classes I often wonder how people go through Labor and giving birth WITHOUT taking any.

I feel like birth is an intimate, special journey and one that should be cherished not just a "hurry up and get it over with" kind of thing.

I've honestly never felt more satisfied, rewarded and fulfilled about a decision!

Good luck!

Answer

I took a free one at the hospital. It was only one day. I didn't really learn anything new from it but I think it really benefited my husband.

Answer

As a doula, I highly recommend it to all my first timers.

Answer

Most of the info in my class is available online or in books. That was disappointing, I learned a little about hospital specific practices like who uses what (vacuum, forceps,etc) in a bad situation and liked that. The hospital tour itself I'm sure you can go on without a class and it was nice to see the rooms and know where to go. Overall my hubby got more out of it than me since he hasn't done all the reading or taken care of a baby before. So it depends on your situation really.

Answer

I live in a foreign country where I barely speak the language. I'm kind of shit out of luck. Hoping I can figure out the labour process. I will be in the hospital for 3 days where they'll teach me breastfeeding, but the labour part, who knows. Go with the flow.

Answer

I have my last class tonight - mine covers the birth and newborn care. I haven't learned much that's new (I have lots of experience with babies), but I've found the class useful in reinforcing things and it's also been a great way to meet other first time mums in the local area who are having their babies at the same time.

Answer

I didnt take either. I took a refresher course online for free through my hospital. But, I didnt find it necessary.

Answer

I took one offered by the hospital and totally regretted it! I felt like it was such a waste of time and money because everything they said I had already read in books and online. I haven't given birth yet so I dunno how useful the information itself was but the actual class was meh!

Opinions for a FTM ...how important/helpful/necessary are birthing classes?

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