Is taking a Lamaze class or a childbirth prep class necessary?
ByI am signed up for a Childbirth prep class/ Lamaze class and not sure if I need it? I have friend’s telling me two different things. Have you taken the class? did it help you ?
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7 Comments
January 29th, 2010 at 9:40 am
Had four babies, used no pain meds or epidural..never took a Lamaze or Childbirth class.
So no, I do not think they are “necessary” but they might help give you some insight on what to expect.
ADDED: I find it hilarious that people are immature enough to give thumbs down to people for their experience and opinion. How can an opinion be the “wrong” answer?
January 29th, 2010 at 9:59 am
I WATCHED one at home becasue I didn’t have to to actually go to the classes when they were scheduled. I found it extremely helpful and I had already had one child. They are very informative and allow you to go into that delivery room knowing what is going to happen and what to expect. They also teach you what will be going on during labor at home and what to look out for. I HIGHLY recommened them to my friends.
January 29th, 2010 at 10:42 am
It was great! My husband and I loved it! I feel so much more comfortable with what is going to be happening with my body and my baby. I know so much about what to expect and thanks to the class I am not nervous to have this child at all! They also teach hubby/coach how to massage.. how to relax us.. when it’s time to go to the hospital.. breathing.. and how to productively push. I absolutely Loved it and wish I would have signed up for the breastfeeding course as well! Make sure you bring your coach with you to the class.. most likely what you learned will go out the window when the contractions hit and that is where you need a calm person to step in and tell you what to do.
January 29th, 2010 at 11:21 am
A childbirth class can be very helpful, but of course it’s not vital. (Women gave birth for millenia without them.)
If you plan on going unmedicated, some sort of class to teach you how to manage the contractions will be extremely useful; though Bradley has a better reputation than Lamaze for that. Even if you plan on getting an epidural, there will be several hours (possible a LOT of hours) before you’re dilated enough to get it, and again, some method of coping will be useful.
Having said that, be aware that there are some classes that call themselves ‘childbirth prep/lamaze’ that are more like ‘How to be a good
January 29th, 2010 at 11:52 am
I didn’t take any classes because I personally think it’s a waste of time and money. Some people say that it is very useful and it teaches some really good techniques but I don’t think so. I went online and saw breathing exercises and pain management techniques and didn’t have to take a class. Plus I know a bunch of people who have had kids and can give me tips. It’s up to you what you decide is best for you.
January 29th, 2010 at 12:06 pm
its not really necessary, but i would love to be able to participate in those types of classes. unfortunatly we live 70 miles away from them and the hospital, so its really not an option
January 29th, 2010 at 12:29 pm
I never did take it.
I did a lot of research on the Internet. My OBGYN really only wanted me to research Shaken Baby Syndrom and Post Partum Depression. Those are the 2 things he was really adament about.
I did just fine during Labour and Delivery. I did get an epidural but I was in enough pain. I had my own way of dealing with it and I’m pretty sure that if I did take lamaze classes everything they would have said wouldn’t have been anywhere in my mind. I was so out of it. I didn’t even know what mydaughter was when she was born, then it finally dawned on me that she was the baby I’d been carrying around for 41+ wks.
The only part I really had difficulty with was when the pressure started. They told me to concentrate on something and I tried but it took me 5 minutes before I mastered the concentration thing they were talking about.
Pushing was easy, it just came naturally. And listen to them when they say push like you’re taking a poop. Cuz that is EXACTLY what you’re doing.
join up at babycenter.com if you haven’t already. It’s a great site, they don’t harrass you with annoying email either!
and kellymom.com if you want info on breastfeeding – beautiful site!
you can also get free samples of formula and diapers on the brand sites like Enfamil, Nestle, Huggies etc…
Best of luck!!!