Not sold on CB classes

[Snowdrift]

I am totally not interested in taking childbirth classes.
I have never heard of anyone other than possibly dyed-in-the-wool UC-ers not taking classes.
So I am wondering if I'm nuts, or totally wrong about this.

This is my reasoning: I am planning a natural birth. To me, this means follow my body, use appropriate comfort measures as I feel I need them and/or as my midwife advises. This also means be familiar with most possible interventions that could occur at home or in the case of transport to hosp.

I can't seem to wrap my head around "Natural childbirth the Bradley Way" (or the Lamaze way, or the Hypnobirth/Hypnobabies way, or any other way) seems to me if it's natural, I dojn't need to take lessons from Dr.'s Bradley or Lamaze. If I try to, I may only be confused at critical moments trying to listen to what my body wants while simultaneously trying to remember what Dr. Bradley wants me to do.

It also seems most classes are really hung up on the idea of a 'coach' or birth partner or similar. Since this is my first, I have really no clue if i'll be comfortable getting most of my support from DH, from midwife and/or her apprentice, or from DH's mom (strongest possibility; I have the best MIL in the world ). Seems if we form a concrete game plan one way or another, if/when things get tense, we'll be trying way too hard to follow the plan. I'm all about the unstructured, particularly when it comes to the unknown.

DH and I agree that we are not going to plan on him being present for the entire labor/delivery. We've read Michael Odent's comments that the presence of the husband can have a negative effect on the progress of labor and the dynamic of our relationship is such that we both fear that insisting on DH's continued presence/physical support could be detrimental to both of us. Yet it seems that all CB classes assume the partner, if there is one, will be the 'coach'.

I've also been investigating classes, and it seems like aside from some of the specific exercises that I fear would be distracting anyway, they cover stuff I already know, generally in greater detail than is covered in the class.

It also seems like my body is already starting to get ready for birth. I keep finding myself doing almost unconscious pelvic rocking/belly dance motions when that 'full' feeling gets crampy or painful from stretching tendons and such. I keep having birthing dreams; like visualization exercises in my sleep. And I am not afraid of labor or delivery. I've faked it on occassion when people 'in the know' have tried to scare me aobut it, but I'm really just not afraid. I'm excited for it. Maybe this will all change and I'm just on a birth high as I finish up first tri without miscarrying, but why try to combat fear that doesn't exist?


So what say you all? Am I nuts? Should I take a class, or go forth solely armed with technical knowledge and faith in my body? Anyone else also crazy enough to have doubts about the whole classes thing?

[sun-shine01]

We took the Bradley classes and they really helped my Dh "get" why I was so into having a drug free birth. We practiced the all the techniques nightly for weeks. Relaxed breathing, positions, visualizations with him guiding me through and massaging points.

When I was in labor - turns out all I needed was a warm, dark tub of water. I did not want to be looked at, touched or talked to and he had to sneak in the room just to time the contractions and have me drink fluids.

I'm 31 weeks now and we are not bothering to break out the Bradley book this time.

[NYCVeg]

We are also taking a Bradley class, and in many ways I agree with sunshine, that much of it is to give my dh a clearer sense of birth and some ideas for what he can do to help. I know that it's possible that I will not use any of the techniques, etc. offered by the class--but if I am struggling, I'll probably be glad to be armed with the extra knowledge. I'm also very reliant on dh in situations where I'm sick, uncomfortable or in pain, so I think the "coach-coachee" relationship will be natural for us. I think this is really a personal decision, though--you know yourself and what makes YOU comfortable. I'm a researcher; I'm most comfortable and less scared when I have as much information as possible. So I wouldn't think you're "crazy" if you don't take a class.

[luckylady]

I am also a researcher - I like to explore a vast world of knowledge before making a decision.

I have decided to go ahead with hypnobirthing. My MW sang praises over the idea - she said nearly every hypnobirth she has attended the mother was relaxed and often pain free (and for me, that's a good thing!).

I think it's wonderful that you are not afraid because I think fear causes a LOT of the pain we experience! Do what you feel comfortable with - you know yourself better than the rest of the world and all of their "shoulds".

[quirkylayne]

I'm wanting to take a class but my biggest fear comes from what a friend recently told me about a class she took. The instructor came in and they all introduced themselves, etc. Then the instructor said (not sure if this was a direct quote) none of you are planning on doing this naturally, are you?

Ugh. I know how uncomfortabe that would make me feel- everyone looking at me like I'm the crazy one and telling me, oh, you haven't done it before and you just don't know what you are in for! Women have been having babies drug free since the beginning - I can do it now, if I decide that is what is best for me!

[ChattyCat]

While I believe that hospital sponsored classes and Lamaze classes are a waste of time and money, I believe that our Bradley classes really helped us to make informed decisions.

Bradley classes are all about giving you the knowledge to trust your body. You may or may not find the relaxation tools useful, but the information available in that class I think is invaluable for a first time mom.

My dh and I were able to go into our birth knowing what was going on, and making informed decisions with my care providers, instead of having things done to me. If we hadn't taken them, I think to this day, I would question if my csec was necessary, but because of them, I know it was. And, even though it was not the optimal birth I had imagined, it gives me piece of mind now.

[lacysmommy]

My area has homebirthing classes. Out of 6 or 8 classes, there was one day on hospitals and interventions, and why you might need them. All the rest of the classes were on coping techniques. I really enjoyed this class, and I would never take a hospital's birth class. Of course, there was a lot of partner involvement in this class, so a class like this may not be for you anyway. Just chiming in to say not all birth classes are created equal!

[philomom]

We took a Bradley class for the loads of information we recieved. We later had two bradley style births but in no way was hubby my coach. I was in complete control and he helped me birth our children.

[provocativa]

All my friends said they completely forgot the info from classes once they were in hard labor, so I didn't bother. DD's birth was as intervention free as the hospital would allow, had a birth tub and etc. I do think reading a Bradley book would be helpful, esp. the emotional map of labor information, and positions. Having done a hospital birth last time, and hoping for a homebirth this time, I will say that the hospital setting foments fear and therefore probably increases pain.

[Peppamint]

I KWYM... I took the Lamaze classes at our hospital the first time. It was basically a way to inform you on their favorite drug methods, explain the episiotomy and procedures (like taking baby away for stuff)... um, what else? Oh yeah, the hee-hee-hooooo breathing stuff that makes me light-headed.

I didn't take any classes for #2 and won't be taking classes this time, but I do devour all sorts of pg/birthing books.

I guess if I had had it to do over again I would have taken the Bradley classes, but my dh isn't exactly comfortable in the coach position and I actually prefer to be left alone for the most part.

[alexisyael]

I know exactly what you mean!

The only reason I'd take a class (Bradley seems to be the only kind offered here) is to help my DH prepare/ feel involved. He hasn't really mentioned it, though.

Oh, I also think classes might be a good way for me to meet other natural birthers in my (not at all birth friendly) area. But I'm not sold on it as "labor prep." I think that's bogus.

[FireWithin]

For our first birth, we debated if we should take the class. I would have preferred to use the money on things for the baby. I really didn't learn anything new. Like many other mamas I am a bit research obsessed. It really mattered to DH though. He learned a lot and really felt more involved.
DH played a vital role in my labor though. I had to stared at his right eye (5 inches away) during every contraction. I couldn't seem to survive without him. I am going to attempt to have a different focal point this time - just in case my labor is 3 days long again. DH didn't get to eat much while I labored because the sound of his chewing really irritated me - at least from that close up!

The book that seemed indispensable for DH was called The Birth Partner. He felt very empowered with it. I am sure he will be pulling it out again this time, but we will not be taking a class.

[Mamabeakley]

I took a "non-affiliated" birth class which was good mostly because we met a cool teacher (who had just had a homebirth herself, after 4 previous and varied births), DH got to learn some stuff he never would have read about for himself, and we got to spend time together dedicated to baby-stuff, and we got to meet some other couples due about the same time we were.

I didn't feel I *needed* it, though.

If I can find a Birthing From Within class this time I will take it because I really love the book and I'd like to become a Mentor with them. But it's not a "method" and I have the impression that the classes evolve depending on the interests of the participants.

I agree that you don't need a method.

[maybebaby]

Nope, took a LaMaze class with the first one and it was a waste so we haven't taken other since.

I figure if I don't know what I'm doing the fourth time no class in the world is going to help me figure it out But really, I'm like you, I read a lot and don't need classes to "get ready" for the experience. I relish the experience!!

Good luck!

[flowmom]

We did a two day natural childbirth preparation class. I enjoyed it, but didn't learn anything new. My labour was very different from what was described and discussed in the class so it wasn't very useful from that point of view (e.g. "rest between contractions" - what, there's supposed to be a between??? : ). But I think my dh did learn a bit, and it was obvious that the classes really were helping the guys to know what to expect - before and after the birth. Most of all, I think the class helped to make it seem "real" to the dhs (my dh wasn't into reading or preparing in any way). The class didn't focus on dhs "coaching", but there was discussion about labouring positions and how dhs could support those and offer comfort measures.

I have heard great things about hypnobirthing and I would definitely consider pursuing that.

As far as husbands being involved in the birth, I guess that's very individual. My dh played an absolutely critical role in ds' birth. I was very dependent on his physical and emotional support during my very intense labour where I had almost no breaks between contractions for hours and couldn't talk. He helped me to stay grounded, maintained connection with me, and applied pressure where I needed it almost telepathically. He worked really hard and I was so grateful for it. A doula or midwife could never have played that role for me.

Trust your instincts. If you don't find a class that resonates with you, don't bother. You can learn a lot from reading a ton of birth stories.

[Unreal]

I didn't take a class with my first--and I wish I had, only because I was completely clueless as to what was going on and it led to me being railroaded by the hospital.
But, keep in mind I sure as heck wasn't on MDC at the time (that was 10 years ago) and the only book I had read was Dr. Sear's Baby Book.
I didn't know there were books on childbirth....

With #2, I did take a hospital sponsered class and tried not to laugh my way through it. I definitely laughed a LOT when we did the lamaze junk.

Now I'm in the middle of certifying to become a childbirth educator through BirthWorks.
I believe women have the right to make INFORMED decisions about their pregnancy and childbirth.....and I think I can help with that.
But, MDC is a HUGE source of information. Way more than I could offer in 8 classes..and there are so many books you can read on your own....

On the other hand, in a class you are exposed to things you can then look up/talk about here...Things you might think to check out on your own.

Birthworks is very unstructured--it isn't a method....it is all about information.
Maybe you can see ifthere is a instructor near you?
Http://www.birthworks.com

[Mama2RMM]

We took Lamaze classes offered through a doula at our birthing center with Rachel. They were really beneficial to my husband for technical information about pregnancy, labor, and delivery, and we did learn a lot. The class centered on all sorts of pain management techniques ranging from massage, to aromatherapy, to visualization, to breathing techniques. It was certainly not a class full of medical blah blah.

I also have to say that my husband was an imperative part of the labor and delivery. My Mom and MIL were also on-hand, but I did not want either of them helping or participating as my husband was coaching. Having gone through 20 hours of labor, 9 more with pitocin, and an eventual section he came through everything wonderfully. If anything, he had a greater appreciation for the entire process. I wouldn't say he was traumatized by the birth at all, and he was there every second.

[strawberryprincess]

We took Bradley with dd, and i'm so glad we did. i wasn't totally clueless about pregnancy or childbirth, but i still learned a lot (though much was repeat for me). but, like many pps said, it was indespensible for dh, who is not an intrinsically motivated learner, like i am. during much of birth, i did my own thing, but i felt empowered from the info i learned in the classes. also, the classes really helped me know what questions to ask, so i could make more informed decisions about interventions, and what would happen after baby was born.

i know lots of women who took really unhelpful classes (the how-to-be-a-good-patient kind) and many who didn't, but self-educated, and had a satisfying birth. so it really is your call. you sound very informed, and like you'll be reading lots and lots before labor begins. if you don't feel comfortable taking a class, or that it will help, then don't. i really don't think classes are vital to a happy birth, but i still whole-heartedly recommend them, esp. to those who wouldn't otherwise educate themselves.

[newmainer]

We took _Birthing From Within_ and i loved it so much, i decided to teach them.. and now i do (when I can round up parents... that is!) I had a homebirth, but it is relevant to anyone.

Check out the book, and if you like what you read then check out the website and see if there's an instructor near you. I just finished working with a couple this morning, so my brain is a bit mush, but PM me if you want more info or have questions.

[susannella]

"I am totally not interested in taking childbirth classes"

Sounds to me like you know what you want and need!

I think this is a very personal decision, and everyone has their own needs/wants. I didn't really think I wanted cb classes, or not the ones offered around here. I knew for sure that I didn't want to take the hospital class! We ended up doing hypnobirthing, which was nice, but I think I could've done without.

I'm hearing that you trust your body to birth, and that you feel classes will just get in the way. Keep trusting yourself!

btw, I find your comments on husbands/partners really interesting. I'll check out the guy you referenced.