Are birthing classes necessary?

Question

I am very close to the beginning of my third trimester and was wondering if it's completely necessary or helpful to take birthing classes! My area typically starts the classes at 30 weeks, if i sign up for the class at my OB office. The class is $80. This will be my first time giving birth and I just want to be prepared. Did any of you ladies take birthing classes?

Answer

I didn't go to any buti did read lots about it and how it happens.  I have the hard copy book but healthyparentshealthychildren.ca is an awesome online parenting/pregnancy book that touches on all aspects of pregncy and the first 6 years of a child's life. It's how I taught myself to breast feed

Answer

I'm taking the class now. Most of it is general knowledge. I think that in the probability that labor and delivery goes other than planned, I'll still know what to expect. I think the most beneficial thing is getting my husband there. 😂 He's not interested in reading books or articles so I'm glad he's there to know what's going on and how to support me.

Answer

I took birthing classes n made a birth plan. All of it went out of the window when I was two days in active labor but wasn't progressing enough n my baby girl heartbeat was too steady. I had an emergency c-section. Nothing really prepares u for giving birth once those harsh contractions kick in or when u don't get the birthing experience that u planned for. Knowing wat I kno now i wouldn't have paid for it but it was nice meeting other pregnant ladies tho

Answer

If you have read books or articles on birth then you pretty much know what they will tell you in the class.

Answer

I would find a birth class related to how you envision your birth experience. There are a lot of options. You can google them. Your hospital might not teach what you're looking for. I also think a birth plan would be great. The Earth Mama Angel Baby has a free one that's super detailed.

No one can predict how you will go into labor, how you and your baby will tolerate labor, or how your experience will go. But you can prepare yourself. Learn everything you can and play an active role in your health care. Sure, people wing it and come out just fine. But imagine how empowering it would be to know your options, make decisions based on knowledge you have (not just by what a doctor thinks you should do, and to come out of your birth experience knowing that you did everything of your own accord.

Women are capable human beings. Birth is normal process. You have the ability to take charge and be a partner in your care. Why pass that up?

Answer

I took a birthing class provided by the hospital when I had my son and it has helped me so much. But it was free.

Answer

I took it with my first baby, but honestly it didn't cover anything I didn't have in my (way too many) books I was reading lol. If it's just a general birth class and you've been staying informed, you could probably skip it. If it's specific like water birth, hypnobirth, or something similar you need to practice or know, then go for it.

Are birthing classes necessary?

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