Do I need to take a childbirth class?

Question

Looking for advice from non-FTMs.

I'm very anxious and get really freaked out in medical situations (all in my head, not bothered by blood or needles). Am I better off knowing everything that could possibly happen or knowing just a little from reading a book or online?

Answer

As long as you have read about what your options are in most situations you should be fine. Ask your doctor if the hospital has any requirements. Some require you to have an IV immediately put in and hooked up to fluids, other just want you to have the iv in your arm incase of emergency (not attached to a bag of anything, some don't require you to be hooked up at all. With my second baby I was told after requesting an epidural that I had to have a full bag of saline before I could get one... I was about 8cm dialated, never finished the bag of saline. (This was not required when I had my first child at a different hospital in a different state). So just find out what rules the hospital your having your child at has. Another one I was not expecting was, I was on pitocin and they broke my water, and from that point they told me I could not get out of bed, I was not expecting that.

Answer

I didn't take classes with my first, but I did try to hear as many birthing stories as I could to get an idea of what it would be like. Worked out well for me, but my pregnancy and delivery were uncomplicated. I don't think taking the classes would hurt, especially if it'll help ease some worries.

Answer

Omg I feel the same way! I'm like, can't we just save money and watch something 20 yrs old on YouTube? But I'm going along w/ it so my husband will feel more in control...

Answer

I'm an extremely anxious person too. I went to a class when having my daughter. It helped a lot to see the rooms they do delivery in. They also go over all the things that can happen while in labor and what the instruments are. So I wasn't freaked out over the things happening during labor.

Answer

IMO, the class made me feel a little more confident, but when it came time to labor, I didn't really remember what I had learned.  Having a midwife/doula/supportive partner who can remind you of things in the moment might be helpful for you. The class will probably go over how to take care of a newborn too, so that is helpful IMO.

Do I need to take a childbirth class?

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