Are childbirth classes worth it? (First baby)

Question

Due date is rapidly approaching. Due to a high risk baby, we’ve been busy with appointments and preparing for relocation before birth (to a hospital better equipped for my baby). Realized this morning I’m being induced in just under 30 days and have made no plans for a childbirth class. This is our first baby. Should we take a class? As it’s so close, we are limited with locations and dates. But the classes are another expense to add to our many expenses with a high risk baby. We can make it work but it would be a stretch. Is it worth it? Are there online resources that could give similar helpful techniques and such for free or cheap? If so, any suggestions would be so helpful!

Answer

Focus on breastfeeding

Answer

The class I actually thought was most beneficial that I paid for was a breastfeeding class. I don’t regret taking the childbirth class for my first but I don’t think it’s necessary

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We are in the same boat as you and I feel a little panic as I should take a class. I’ve been told to take a breast feeding class first as it was most helpful for my sister. So I think I’m going to start with that and try to knock it our in one Saturday then id we have time and money do a newborn class.

Answer

In person is absolutely best. But if you can’t do it this is a good resource. 3 part vid watch with your partner. 
https://youtu.be/j7YucfJuziU

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I didn’t with my first and didn’t regret it. Honestly I was too scared 😂😂 ignorance was bliss for me, I didn’t want all the gory details and explanations, I just wanted to be surrounded by medical professionals and let my body do its thing, which totally worked for us. Like you said it’s an added expense, I’m sure you could find something free online or some YouTube videos in breathing techniques so you’re somewhat prepared.

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I didn't take any with my first (or this pregnancy) and didn't have any issues getting through labor and delivery. 
Honestly, as long as you have the right support team (and this will include your doctor(s) and nurses), you'll be just fine. My nurses were AMAZING at helping with breathing and kept me going when i felt like I couldn't to anymore.

Answer

I’ve taken three different classes: one for childbirth where they talk about breathing techniques, pain management options, vaginal vs c-section delivery, postpartum care, and any other basics during labor and delivery. The second class was called “baby your baby”, where they discussed health & safety (like how to take care of the umbilical cord), crying cues, basic feeding cues, when to call the pediatrician vs when to take them to the ER, SIDS, swaddling, and diaper changing. And the third class was breastfeeding.
Unless you have zero knowledge of what an epidural is, what a contraction is, and the differences between vaginal vs c-sections, the childbirth class wasn’t really as helpful as I had hoped. There may have been a few interesting points I didn’t know about, but most it I honestly knew from my own research, or hearing other people’s experiences on this app. I also thought it might ease my mind more and help to feel more prepared for birth...it didn’t lol. 
The “baby your baby” class however was much more helpful. Even though I personally knew most of what was taught already, a lot of people don’t know the things discussed. Like the fact you have to feed every 3 hours at least, your baby should be pooping immediately after each breastfeeding sessions, baby should sleep flat on their backs...etc. One new thing I learned was about swaddling. Apparently you’re not supposed to swaddle them too tightly anymore and their arms/hands should not be swaddled at their sides, but instead the hands should be sticking out of the top of the swaddle near their face so the baby is able to touch their mouth and face to show feeding cues. I always thought the arms should be at their sides and they should be tightly wrapped. But not anymore. Those guidelines have changed. 
The breastfeeding class I actually take next week, but I’ve always heard that a class like that is helpful as far as knowing the benefits of breastfeeding, how often you do it, techniques and positions to hold your baby while feeding, and even pooping habits. 
Overall, you could honestly avoid the extra cost of the classes and just talk with your obgyn and pediatrician about all this stuff. Or even watch YouTube videos of breathing techniques for childbirth. If you take any class though, I would do health & safety. Breastfeeding you can always research or ask the lactation specialist at the hospital. But health & safety guidelines for baby’s change often. So something you may have asked a friend or your mom about, the guidelines could be different now than they were back then.

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I’m from the U.K. and antenatal classes are free here (on the nhs). We get offered 3 antenatal classes that all cover different topics. Yours might be slightly different, but personally, I found them boring! It is all info you can find online but I feel very lucky that they offer them to us so I go to them. We also are legally allowed paid time from work to attend them so it’s kind of a no brainer🙈. Some things I did actually find useful and informative was all the types of pain relief there is. As a FTM, I’m new to all of this and there’s pain relief options that I never even knew about. 
I’m sure you could YouTube antenatal classes though? Or purchase a few online resources which might help too!

Answer

I’ve been to two with my husband, one we paid for at our hospital and one that our health department put on for free. I think the best thing was that it helped my husband really understand the process right along with me, especially when laboring at home without medical professionals. He is my biggest support so having him feel comfortable was worth it! Maybe you can get a free course from your health department or one in a town nearby? Just a thought for cost savings!

Are childbirth classes worth it? (First baby)

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