Comments on: Are lamaze classes necessary?

By: blueviolet

blueviolet — Sun, 11 Apr 2010 22:29:47 +0000

Absolutely not. In fact, I wouldn’t recommend Lamaze at all. I’d do a search for “childbirth education” on the internet — there are a lot of different choices with very different philosophies of birth. If I was going to take a class I’d look for a Birth Works practitioner. Stay far, far away from hospital birth education, it’s usually useless. You might look into Birthing From Within as well.

By: SheepLuv

SheepLuv — Sun, 11 Apr 2010 22:14:16 +0000

Classes are not necessary, but can be helpful in other ways. Its nice to meet other couples who are pregnant, sometimes you can end up making friends for a long time. Also its good to have an idea about what you can expect at the hospital where you will have the delivery. This web site offers get information on how to have a natural childbirth. Good luck with everything!

http://www.birthingnaturally.net

By: Kittieashy

Kittieashy — Sun, 11 Apr 2010 21:33:11 +0000

I had that question when I was around 23 weeks also but decided to take the classes. Mine were childbirth classes though, not Lamaze. At first I wasn’t going to because I was convinced I was going to have an epidural and that the nurses and doctors would be able to help me. I am really glad I took them now though because I feel I am much more prepared for what’s going to happen, the stages of labor, different types of pain relief, etc. Also, my hubby turns out to be a good coach and I believe he feels much more confident in knowing what’s going to happen and how to help me. I have also decided not to jump so quickly into getting the epidural. If you have the time and money I’d suggest it just so you’ll be prepared. Good luck and congrats on your pregnancy!!

By: doggiemom26

doggiemom26 — Sun, 11 Apr 2010 20:56:49 +0000

I have had 2 babies without classes and both labors were fine. I had complications with my first but no class would have helped that! And with the second labor I pushed 4 times and she was here. Just remember to breathe and listen to your nurses, they help you through it!

By: Baby#1

Baby#1 — Sun, 11 Apr 2010 20:21:40 +0000

I’m 29 weeks and I didn’t take them personally I feel it was a waste of money and time. Your going panic either way, so why waste the money that you could spend on diapers.

By: hope03

hope03 — Sun, 11 Apr 2010 20:02:30 +0000

No. In lamaze class, you learn how to keep relaxed and focused by concentrating on breathing steadily. Fathers-to-be learn how to support and help the mothers keep relaxed to ease the birthing process.

That’s really it. Lamaze exercises can help by keeping the women distracted from the pain and can ease anxiety. However, lamaze doesn’t teach anything that is crucial. If you don’t know these exercises, it will not result in a bad birthing experience. The nurses will coach you through it all.

Women throughout time have given birth without lamaze classes.

Besides, once labor begins, most women let nature take its course. The men may try to get the women to focus on all the lamaze stuff, but truthfully, once you’re in labor, you can try to do that stuff but it will be hard.

Better to let nature take its course. But if you would like to understand and prepare for each stages and symptoms of childbirth (contractions, false labor, dilation, etc.) then the classes are informative. It was nice to know what 3 cm dilated, water breaking meant. I knew what was going on when it happened. That brought a great measure of peace.

The breathing though…well, we breath anyway. And when in pain, long breaths only hurt more.

You’ll be fine. Good luck!

By: Kim

Kim — Sun, 11 Apr 2010 19:53:33 +0000

I took them w/ my 1st child….I forgot everything when I got into labor & delivery…lol….I did not take it w/ the other 2 it does really just come naturally but if you want to take them they do offer help & usually you get a tour of how everything works & what type room you will have that kind of thing. So for the 1st child I’d say yes just for the experience. Good luck

By: CaM1051Sec

CaM1051Sec — Sun, 11 Apr 2010 19:49:07 +0000

The classes can only help. What if your labor lasts for 32 hours? Wouldn’t you want to have some training before this? Take them, you can’t lose.

By: keevelish

keevelish — Sun, 11 Apr 2010 19:44:36 +0000

No one I know has ever gone to a birthing class. Women have been giving birth naturally for thousands of years without lamaze. Not necessary. Believe me, when you are in labor, you will get through it by your own means, or medication, whatever suits you, and the nurses are there to coach you through it.

By: farmergirl100904

farmergirl100904 — Sun, 11 Apr 2010 19:36:17 +0000

I’d be surprised if you found a class that was actually called Lamaze anymore. Now, they just go over basic childbirth. I took the class, and am very glad I did. I also did a lot of research before-hand (I LOVE webmd), but still found the classes helpful.
They really go into detail about the difference between false labor and real labor (i.e it will save you a trip to the hospital when you are only having false labor). It will also help you get over the shock factor (do you KNOW what you’re about to go through?). Plus a tour of the maternity unit, review of pain management options, etc.

Like they say, knowledge is power. I would take the classes.