Are birthing classes helpful?

Question

I was set on taking a birthing classes with my husband but after looking at prices, I’m not as convinced anymore.
What were your experiences if you all have taken any type of birthing classes?

Answer

I’d say this is really relative. In my case it was more useful for my boyfriend because it’s just his nature that he wouldn’t have gone out and sought that information on his own and sometimes sort of ignores things I say, so having him in an official place where a professional was explaining stuff and other parents and fathers were asking questions was useful. For me personally I could have gone without. If you think you can get your husband to learn about everything without the formal setting you can probably skip. The only thing I really wish I had done was explain to my boyfriend what to do if he’s alone with baby. The classes taught him about birth but I had a c section and spent an hour in recovery and he was alone and he had never been told to do skin to skin and had never been told how to comfort baby, or that baby doesn’t need to be fed right away, so he didn’t know and gave formula which was something I hadn’t wanted. So even if you do classes make sure you guy communicate on what should happen if for some reason your separated for a short period.

Answer

Our hospital offers free ones every month...I truthfully don’t have time for one, but decided on signing up for one for my husband’s sanity. He is a clueless chicken roaming around that is still baffled at the fact that we are pregnant 🙄 and I (and he) want him to be at least familiar with terms and procedures—because he is more thank likely the only person that’ll be in that delivery room with me (we live out of state and family isn’t visiting until baby’s birth)

Answer

I didn’t take any and I had 2 unmediated births us as women know what to do naturally that’s what our bodies are made for it’s up to you but I find it a waste of money

Answer

I want to know, I'm a first time mama and can't afford the 96$ class. I really wanted to do it but now we can't 😔
I guess I'll just be doing my own research?

Answer

Generally the ones offered through hospitals are pretty low cost. You don’t have to be giving birth at a particular hospital to take a class there. And even if you feel ready and comfortable enough skipping the class, it can be useful for your partner. Especially if they aren’t on apps or reading books all day like we are. It can help educate them on what goes on so he knows what to expect and how best to support you during labor. Because there may be times when you are in pain and forget things. It’s helpful to have a partner who is knowledgeable and who can tell you to remember your breathing technique or who can suggest positioning or massages, etc.

Answer

My husband and I took a birthing class and a new parent class with my first pregnancy, and personally I found the new parent class more valuable. The birthing class went over the mechanism of birth and the most common ways labor can go. The mechanism was interesting to learn what would be happening, but my labor did not happen at all like she described so that part wasn’t as applicable.
The new parent class was very helpful because it went over diapering, bathing, swaddling, first aid, and what to expect with a newborn. I would definitely recommend that one to all first time parents.

Answer

The baby classes through my hospital are $130 for 6 classes. Free if you qualify for WIC or Medicare. 
So far they’ve been semi informative. I figure - as a ftm why not get my husband and I as educated as possible? 
If the only classes in your area are too expensive ask if they wave the fees for certain people who qualify.

Answer

They offered classes at the hospital I had my son for a total of 4 sessions. We only went to 2 of them and didn’t feel like we needed to go to the other 2. It was boring and lots of talking.

Are birthing classes helpful?

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