Birthing/Breasfeeding Classes?

[jenn_0629]

I have been interested in taking each of these classes. My husband doesn't feel as though it is really that important, and that we will figure it out when we get there. I would still like to feel prepared, so my question is, what takes place in each of these classes from your own experiences? Should I keep pushing the issue with my husband? (I am at 34 weeks.)

[myboysmom]

I am pregnant with my 3rd and just asked my hubby the other day if we should take another birthing class, or at least a refresher. It's been 5 years since the first one, and I'm feeling a little nervous with this one. To me, the class seemed kind of silly at the time of taking it, but a month or so later when I was giving birth naturally, I remembered what we had talked about/practiced and it wasn't so silly! LOL I never took a breastfeeding class, so I can't give you any advice on that, but I would try to stress to your hubby how much more at ease it would make you feel if you could go to at least a one-day birthing class.

[lovin3]

Birth and breastfeeding are entirely about being prepared. I had done some reading about both subjects prior to taking either of these classes, so I had a good background. As for the childbirth class, I think my husband got more out of it than myself. He didn't really know what to expect, and this class clued him in a bit. As for the breastfeeding class, a lot of it was information that I was familiar with from the reading I had done. It did provide several resources that were available if I needed them after the baby was born. For me, the most learning occurred when the lactation consultant visited during our hospital stay. I'm expecting my third in just over three years, so I don't think I'll be taking any refresher courses. The one thing I would do is to take a lamaze or similar class if I decided to go completely naturally (I've had two epidurals and uncomplicated deliveries so far). I would definately recommend for someone to take the classes, or atleast to prepare themselves before the big day is here!

[latia]

You are the one that has to go through the delivery and you are the one that will be breastfeeding, so you need to do whatever you feel you need to prepare yourself. I had a childbirth class with my first, and it did help some. You will appreciate it during the delivery. I've never had a breastfeeding class but I wish I had. I learned through trial and error a lot of things. I think I could have saved myself a lot of pain. Preperation is the key.

[MommaC]

The content of the classes varies, I'm sure. I would definitely recommend taking the classes (and so would my husband!). I think that knowing what to expect in labor and delivery and having an idea of how to nurse were very helpful when our baby arrived. If he doesn't want to go, go by yourself so YOU can be prepared.