birthing classes - a must? - Page 2

[Conchobhar]

Originally Posted by philomom 



ddcc.... to say "ditto" on the Bradley. It was a like a college class in childbirth with required reading and homework. Love it. It helped the dh so much, too. I did throw away the bit about coaching because that drives me nuts... instead we worked on dh being the "main support person".

I kinda wish my Bradley class was like how you described.  Methinks my instructor wasn't exactly the best.  We hardly even opened our folder given to us by the instructor, much less have homework.

[montessorimama1]

 You ladies have done it once again!  Thank you for your insightful opinions!  You've certainly made my decision-making process easier, and I don't feel alone now. 

[fireHC11]

Originally Posted by softlysinging 

Childbirth classes aren't (or shouldn't be) just about "learning".  There should be exercises and games aimed at getting you to think through various scenarios, narrow down your priorities, practice different coping mechanisms, talk with other people.  It's also a great way to get husbands involved and meet other expectant parents who desire a natural birth.

This. In fact, research shows that attenders of childbirth class do as well as non-attenders and have similar outcomes in birth -- but what's good about childbirth class is that you meet people and form connections. Having friends going through what you're going through can decrease your risk of PPD. And, if it's a partner-friendly class and the teacher really goes out of her way to engage your partner, then it's a double-win.

That said, if you and your partner already have a strong support network, and your partner already knows what's up in terms of birth and birth support (s/he's read books and talked with you at length), then I'd save the money and invest it in a nice postpartum massage! ;-)

[element2012]

Has anyone had any experience with Hypnobirthing classes?

[Conchobhar]

There's a whole string, just on Hypnobirthing...   http://www.mothering.com/community/forum/thread/1319468/hypnobabies

Hope that helps!

[Psmythe]

We did hypnosis for birth and got incredible results, but we took private classes, I'm not sure what it would have been like in the group class that she offered.  It was a very personal and wonderful thing for the two of us.  I do know some parents who still have friends they made in their birthing classes, but I'm skeptical about finding something in common with people who's unifying thread is getting busy at the same time as us...

Neither of us is shy, so it seemed weird that we were not into the group thing, but it worked for us.