Childbirth Education classes?

[boater]

I'm planning a homebirth for my first baby and I'm wondering if it will be useful to take childbirth ed classes. On the one hand, I have been to many homebirths ( as an apprentice and a doula) and read most books out there on the subject so I don't know if I would gain much new info from a basic introductory class. I would be interested in a class that focuses more on self discovery and the release of fears (like "birth into being" advocates) I am also not sure if there are many classes specifically geared toward homebirth. I'm not really interested in hearing about hospital options etc. On the other hand this will be all new to my dh and he might gain some useful info. I like the idea of spending some time with other pregnant moms and having a sense of community. I am also concerned about the cost. What have you found? What do you think of "birthing from within"? Hypnobirthing? Maybe I'd be better off seeking out an independent, midwife-led class? TIA!

[tibeca]

My midwife was able to recommend "childbirth" classes that were not hospital oriented, but still covered hospital "stuff" in case of an emergency. I recommend attending something that will help you practice your relaxation skills, like hypnobabies or a bradley type class that spends time talking about nutrition, etc.

Ask your midwife, she should be able to offer something.

[MegBoz]

Originally Posted by tibeca 

I recommend attending something that will help you practice your relaxation skills, like hypnobabies or a bradley type class that spends time talking about nutrition, etc.

I agree that hypnobabies or Bradley would be great for practicing relaxation. I also know Bradley is great for partners since 'husband'-coached CB is the focus.

However, I know Bradley at least is 12 weeks, once-per-week for about 2 hours. It covers a LOT of the basics - stages of labor, what to expect, interventions & risks, etc. etc. No question - a lot of it will be old to you! (I think Hypnobabies covers that sorta stuff too.)

I think your best bet is to find an instructor in either of those programs & ask for personalized classes just for you & your DH. You definitely need a condensed curriculum if you don't want to sit through all those basics.

I believe my Bradley was $300 as a frame of reference.

There's also a woman here in B-more who teaches a class she calls YogaBirthing & offers personalized sessions for people who are having a 2nd & just want to refresh on relaxation techniques or don't want the regular full class for whatever reason. So you might want to explore non-"franchise" CBE instructors too.

As for connecting with other PG-mamas, maybe look into a mamas-group, like an AP focused group, LLL, prenatal-yoga, etc. But I really think you might be bored with a large portion of a regular class since you're already so knowledegable.

I don't recommend Hypnobirthing based on numerous things I've read - great thread now on the "Birth & beyond" forum on "Hypnobirthing yay or nay" for details.

[Renai]

My first birth was 11 years ago and I'm due this month with our second. Because I've done so much reading and preparing for the past 11 years, I didn't feel the need for a class, but felt it would be beneficial for my husband (his first child, although was present when my daughter was born in the hospital) and my 11 year old dd. I opted for a one-night, two-hour natural childbirthing class put out by doulas in our area. It really was more for them than me, and afterward my husband said he appreciated hearing the different stages and what he could do to help (he literally fussed the entire way there!).

[Marissamom]

I didn't do any prenatal classes before my first, which was a hospital birth. I read a bunch, and made DF read some so he at least was semi-prepared (but he was still freaked). in that environment I don't think me having taken classes would have helped, but DF would have done better if he had, he just didn't have the confidence to be able to advocate for me, and I was too much in Labor land to do it myself. I did end up with a drug-free delivery, but it wasn't the birth experience that I wanted (The Doc on call and the nurse I had were both the bully type). 

This time I haven't decided. again, it would be much more for DF then for me

[thebeljur]

It sounds as though you're pretty well versed in natural and home birth.  I don't know if a class is all that necessary at this point.  However, like others have mentioned, I can see how a class may be beneficial for a significant other if you have one and think it would help him/her support you.  I also agree that you should try to connect with a local tribe of LLL or AP mamas.  It will be useful for you to be able to hear experiences, find real life support, and just have a sounding board for your own pregnancy and birthing journey.

I never took a class.  I just read, listened, spoke, and connected.  That was all I needed, though.  Only you know what you need. 

[boater]

It's true that I will be able to find my community of moms through other (free) groups. I plan on visiting the local ec group, baby wearing group, and LLL at least once before the baby is born. I would like to seek out a specific homebirth group possibly. Luckily I have plenty of time to mull this stuff over, talk to my midwife, and wait and see what comes my way. I am working my way through the Hypnobirthing thread (thanks for the tip). It's an interesting disscusion. I have worked with several women whom it worked wonderfully for. And talked to a few who did not like the idea of it. I tend to balk at anything (in general) that's too much of an exact "method" but I have the book so I will read it and probably take it with a grain of salt like anything else.

[goldenwillow]

I highly recommend going to LLL meetings if you are not interested in paying for a class.  I went to 3 or 4 before DS was born at the advice from my MW and glad I did.  We took Bradley classes ($300) and I agree with the PP that it is good to have weekly meetings and talk about birthing.  DH and I thought we could just have bought the Bradley workbook and do it ourselves.. but looking back, we are glad we had the weekly chats with others.  In our class there were 3 total couples.... us - homebirthers and the others, 1 hospital birth and the other was a birth center.  Really one of each natural birthing method. 

I don't recommend Hypobirthing classes as I have had 2 friends say it was not helpful at all (their experience).  I do however think reading the material would be helpful. 

Edited by goldenwillow - 12/16/10 at 7:38am

[lunarlady]

I really enjoyed our Bradley class. We were the only HB couple, although the instructor had a HB for her third. I actually liked hearing about the hospital procedures because it reinforced my decision to HB and also let me know what to expect in case of transfer. DH liked having a role to play in the birth, and overall it was a highly positive experience.

[lyndie]

We're taking the Bradley course & it's been a blast for DH so far.  He's really relishing his role & very excited about everything.  If you could get a condensed class or stand to hear lots you already know, it could be wonderful for your DH.

I learned at my local birthing circle that Hypnobirthing and Hypnobabies are 2 different methods - go figure!  I've heard 2 people highly recommend hypnobabies (which I'm thinking about doing), haven't heard good or bad about hypnobirthing.