Did you all take classes? What to do if I can't - Page 2

[peainthepod]

We signed up for Bradley classes and after three sessions, felt that it was a complete waste of money for us. I think if you don't have a lot of time to educate yourself about the physiology of birth, or you respond well to structured classes with lots of instruction, Bradley is probably a great method. But I'd been reading about birth since the day I found out I was pregnant and the idea of "husband-coached" childbirth rubbed me the wrong way. I left each class feeling more worried about the pain and less empowered than when I went in.

If I had it to do over again, I would not sign up for a class. I simply didn't need it, having read enough to feel confident that I could have a baby without medication in the safety and comfort of my own home.

(This is not to insult people who found Bradley helpful! I'm just sharing my experience in hopes of reassuring OP that classes are not necessary if you educate yourself beforehand.)

[dylan1984]

thanks everybody, your feedback has been super encouraging. I called hypnobabies today and their free sample CD is on the way and I am on a waiting list for the discounted used program, I think that will be another tool I can use. I just can't seem to shake this overall positive and excited feeling : I am having about the whole thing no matter how hard my worried little brain is trying to think of things that could go wrong, so I'm taking that as a positive sign from the universe that I am on the right track here

[Comtessa]

I got a used Hypnobabies course on Ebay for about the same price - so you could try that route if you don't want to sit on the waiting list at the company. And you can always re-sell it once you're done with it (that's what I plan to do - it was the only way to convince DH it was a worthwhile expense).

[Munki'sMom]

We took the classes and there really was nothing new to learn. We pretty much knew everything already since this was baby #3 for us.

[ZoeyZoo]

I didn't take a class. I had read A LOT. I was going to do them if it made DH more comfortable but he had no interest. He just wanted me to lay articles out and small things to read. He also watched the Business of Being Born which I think really helped him understand the contrast of NCB at home versus what's typical in the hospital.

[truejoy]

Originally Posted by dylan1984

Anybody gone through HB without classes? Is it a dumb idea or can I make it work? I feel like I can, but I just got a surge of self doubt last night and feel like some feedback would help. Thanks in advance.

I had my first baby (a UC) 2.5 years ago without any classes. I read a lot of birth stories and watched a lot of you tube video births though. I really enjoyed those. RL stories are your best bet, in my opinion, because everyone labors different and you are bound to read/watch at least one birth that similar to what yours will be.

[sunflowergirll]

My my DD, I thought I wanted the traditional doctor/hospital experience. We took birthing classes through the hospital and ... surprise ... it prepared me for my hospital birth. Complete with induction and epidural and breastfeeding problems.

This time around, I read a TON of birth stories and a TON of books. I really liked Babycatcher and Born in the USA. I am really excited about my homebirth. I also talked extensively to my midwives about my fear of labor pain.

I feel much more prepared this time around. Of course, knowing that my body has done it before definitely helps