Do you think lamaze classes are pointless or helpful?
ByWhen I have a baby I am planning on getting an epidural since I have a low pain tolerance. Although I may choose to have a natural birth, I don’t know till it happens.
Should I still go to lamaze classes? Will it help you even if you plan to get an epidural?
Several of my friends, who all had an epidurals, said that their lamaze classes didn’t do them any good. My mother had four children and didn’t take any lamaze classes either. I just haven’t heard of it helping anyone I know.
What do you think?
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10 Comments
January 29th, 2010 at 5:40 pm
WELL I WAS JUST RECENTLY PREG AND I DIDNT THINK THAT TAKIGNG SOME CLASS TO TELL YOU HOW TO REACT WHILE HAVING A BABY WAS THE BEST IDEA .. THINK ABOUT IT THIS WAY WE WERE CREATED TO HAVE BABIES SHOULD A WOMANS REACTIONS COME NATURAL?? AND IT TURNED FINE FOR ME I NOW HAVE A 7 MONTH OLD BABYGIRL WHO I LOVE SO MUCH ..
January 29th, 2010 at 6:34 pm
i think its beneficial….it teaches you to breathe and push….during an epidurmal you are still going to have to wait till the baby is crowning before you can push
January 29th, 2010 at 6:56 pm
I was 19 and going thru lamaze classes. I was led to believe that childbirth was a step away from death, however, it was not that bad. I drove to the hospital with my contractions 2 minutes apart and when I got there I was dialated to 4 cm. Had my daughter not gotten lazy she would have been born within 3 hours of getting to the hospital. I would get the epidural, it is awesome! You can enjoy the birth and look back at it and smile and think what a great experience.
January 29th, 2010 at 7:07 pm
I am a mom of three and took the class the first time. I believe it was helpful in the sense of making me comfortable with my surroundings as that was my first hospital stay. They teach more than just breathing. Positions, what to expect from nurses, what you get during your stay, nursing/feeding, etc. I also agree with you about who knows what you will choose or need for pain. I wanted epidural with all 3 but only got for the first 2. Doc was too late to give it for the third and the experience was very different. Good different. When the time comes every plan you had pretty much goes out the window and you end up flying by the seat of your pants. Good Luck with whatever you decide and remember you have choices and a voice to get whatever you need to make it a wonderful experience.
January 29th, 2010 at 7:17 pm
i have never took those classes but I think that they are not necessary. All you need is your mother. Pushing will should come naturally. the ones I have seen on TV are breathing, changing diapers and how to hold a baby. Most people know how to do that by the time they have a baby anyway.
If you feel better taking the classes then do that. Just relax and you will be fine. GOOD LUCK!
January 29th, 2010 at 8:16 pm
I never took them…and I lived…but if I had it to do again…I would take them…the breathing exercises the nurse showed me, while in labor, really help me.
January 29th, 2010 at 9:04 pm
I live in the UK and we don’t have Lamaze classes as such. However we have antenatal classes which run through what happens in labour, what you can take, breathing techniques and what to expect in hospital etc. It also followed up on baby care.
Although I could have got as much information from reading a good book, it did give the opportunity to ask the instructor any questions that I had and also was a great way of meeting new Mums. They are a valuable network of support after the birth to share all your experiences of labour and being a new Mum. I have had two children and have made one or two lasting friendships from both my antenatal groups.
Also if I had been taught better how to control my breathing I may not have torn quite so badly with my second child which would have been a bonus! Be aware too that with epidurals that you are more likely to require intervention during the birth. I was advised with my first child to have an epidural as she took so long to come, and with the second I just did gas and air. By the time I asked for an epidural it was too late as I was fully engaged and ready to push! All I can say on this is don’t set in stone what you will or won’t do in your delivery as labour never seems to go as you expect it! Just be informed about what you can expect and ask for and then go with the flow! Also make your partner aware of what you would like in an ideal world. They can help you make a decision or look out for you if you start losing the plot during labour!
Good luck with your new baby!
January 29th, 2010 at 9:27 pm
I never took any lamaze or birthing classes and I’ve given birth to two boys. First one I had an epidural and it was great for the labour, but when it came to pushing, I had forgotten to press the button which releases the drugs and I was able to feel EVERYTHING which was very painful.
The second time around I didn’t have time to get the epidural and the labour was perfectly fine. Just painful.
All you need to do is to breathe deeply and slowly when you are in pain. Either think of something (a song, word, baby names) to keep you distracted from the pain enough. If the pain gets REALLY bad then, go for the drugs.
Also, your body is designed for this, your body knows what it needs to do, what you need to to is co-operate with your body and listen to your midwife when she instructs you in what to do.
All the best and have lots of rest, you are going to need it.
January 29th, 2010 at 9:59 pm
I didnt take lamaze with my first child, didn’t need it. So I havent really thought about it with this one. All it really does is teach you relaxation techniques, but when youre in labor I’d think all of that BS goes out the window. lol
January 29th, 2010 at 10:01 pm
A birthing class that includes some Lamaze techniques would be the most beneficial. Do not look at the classes as a way of learning exactly what will happen and what you will do during labor. Just use them as a way to gather information on different scenarios. When you are in labor, the best laid plans do not always pan out. They should be used for guidance. I found mine helpful, but they included care for the baby after the birth and information other than just breathing techniques. It is up to you whether or not to take a class, and don’t feel any less if you decide against one. Good luck!