Do you really need to take birthing classes? I'm not sure i can even get into one.

Ashley - posted on 02/07/2010

im pregnant with my third an had my first at 18.i dint take any classes an i did fine.i think its just a waste of time an money...

Courtney - posted on 02/06/2010

If you aren't going to take a birthing class, be sure to read up on the types of medications and procedures you may be offered during labor, even if you do not plan on using them. www.whattoexpecet.com and www.babycenter.com are great resources on just about everything pregnancy related and feature articles about meds too. Trust your body, it knows what to do.

Megan - posted on 02/06/2010

I have been told by my mom that it is helpful, because what they teach you doesnt come naturally to everyone.

Haylli - posted on 01/28/2010

To tell you the truth I had signed up but the birth of my two daughters came a month earlier than the class so we missed out, I do have to say I think it would have been a waste of time for me personally because I was very into learning everything I thought I needed to know.....I'd watch a baby story or birthday on T.L.C, and I read alot. So I think I was very well informed of what to expect and the little tid bits that you dont think about.

I guess because watching so many of those shows I got to see how each senario played out and knew if any of those situations were to happen to us well then I'd know what to expect.

Each person is different but the only thing you might want to do if your not taking the classes is pre-register with your hospital (life saver) and do a hospital tour on your own time, maybe read a bit on what you might expect and breathing thats a good one for sure to know

Either way good luck to you and I'm sure whatever you decide will work for you.

Karen - posted on 01/28/2010

i dnt actually know about birthing classes wen i was pregnant with my daughter i never went to the classes this was a personal choice and i feel ive done fine im pregnant again and dnt plan on going this time round either

Kirsten - posted on 01/28/2010

I think that information is power so when I was pregnant with my first I spent a lot of time researching what labor and delivery would be like because I knew that if I had an idea of what to expect, what was normal and what was not and also some techniques that have worked for others then I could stay more calm and relaxed. I also wanted to know what kinds of things were really an emergency and what wasn't so that no one forced me to get a c-section or other procedure that I didn't really need. So, of course, I took a class and I really enjoyed it. But I think it really depends on your own preferences, if you don't want to learn more or don't think that it will change how you react in labor than it probably doesn't matter.

Ashli - posted on 01/28/2010

well no one is an expert when it comes to babies, but im on my first baby and hes due real soon. The nurse at the hospital told me birthing classes are not a requirement but they do help especially if your doing your pregnancy without support. but she also told me the nurses at the hospital will guide you thru your con tractions and labor just as if it were the class. So really all the class can do is help but its not a requirement. And usually you gotta sign up for the class 3 months in advance cuz they fill up so fast

Heather - posted on 01/27/2010

well women have been having babys for a long time with out birthing classes so you dont need to have one, but I think it helps ease the unsure feelings of a first time mom. Lucky for you you have the internet and pretty much anything can be found on the web. Talk to your dr. maybe they can sign you up because its to late. Youtube can also be helpful. Watch some birthing class videos Good LUCK!

April - posted on 01/27/2010

I took a birthing class when I was pregnant with my first child. I found the information very helpful and even more than that it gave me the confidance to be able to go natural. If you want to take a class, but can't find one, try your hospital or another hospital in your area.

Jennifer - posted on 01/27/2010

i never took one. I have had two babies, soon to be 3. My second was completely natural. my body knew what to do. it knew how to breathe. if you can listen to your body, it will guide you through birth. your body was meant to birth children. you do not need a class to tell you how. im sure it would be educational and they can teach different methods, but you can also trust your own instincts. woman were giving birth well before epidurals, hospitals or birthing classes. it is a natural thing.

Tegan - posted on 01/27/2010

hey im 35weeks with my second and i didnt do the classes with either of my children, they are good for meetin new mums and dads in ur area but that is it hun cause really it doesnt matter how much u read up on the birth or how much ppl tell u about the birth at the end of the day every1 is different, my first labour was 24hrs and i did it standing up the whole time and completely drug free, i was so tired but that was the best way 4 me 2 work with my body and my baby, i never wen2 the classes so i never new about the breathing but i can tell u hun it just cums naturally, my mum told me in labour just to go with my body and focas on my cirvix opening lol and ye i thought it was a load of hog wash at first but i can tell u it works my son was born without drugs without been pulled out buy a doctor and i only had 2 push twice it is actually really really easy if u learn 2 work with ur body not against it .... u just have 2 be willing 2 be open minded about the labour and not have 2 many set plans that u arent willing 2 change if need , well good luck hun hope all goes well

Amanda - posted on 01/27/2010

Hi.. i am 33 weeks with my first little boy :) i havent taken any classes at all, just been doing alot of research about what to expect from labour and how to deal with it, the choice is really yours but it wont matter if you dont go to them... if you do or dont go.. your still going to have your little one in your arms after the birth :) takecare.

Jessica - posted on 01/26/2010

I'm pregnant with my first little one to, and from the friends of mine that are mothers already, they have said that it is really more of a social thing for after birth (to keep in touch with those other mothers)..but that it can be a super comforting/helpful class for the dads. I guess because everyone is different it's really up to you! :) I'm going to pass on the classes though, I read alot, and figure that when the time comes any breathing technique I may have learned will go out with the window, lol

Amy - posted on 01/26/2010

Well, it's hard to know exactly what the birthing class will cover. I'm sure each one may differ in their own little way with the exception of "how to breathe". If this is your first child, I think you'll probably feel better going to one. The class should let you know what to expect during the process. If you plan on breastfeeding, they may bring in a lactation expert to go over additional information. I attended one for my first child, and while I did find points of it absolutely ridiculous and pointless to listen to, I enjoyed it for the most part. I will admit, I'm not a very social person. And when it came time to get on the floor with your partner and actually do the breathing exercises I felt really stupid. So that was my least favorite part. =)



I did not attend a class for my second child, and I'm not attending a class for this pregnancy either. I think one is enough. =) Or, if you're an avid reader, you "may" know everything they're going to cover anyways.