Lamaze Class...Worth while?

[faithwalkin]

My husband and I are starting a new business 150 miles away. My hubby will be staying there 5 1/2 days a week and coming home on the weekends when the shop is closed for the first few months. We are opening Oct. 15th. I am really wanting to take a lamaze class, but my hubby would only be able to make it to 2 of the 4 classes. Would it still be worth while? This is our first child and I want us to be as prepared as possible. What do you gals think? Has anyone only had their partner for half of the class? Also, my hospital offer several breastfeeding classes one for knowledge before the baby is born. Has anyone taken any of these classes, are they helpful?

[gostomskiart]

I too am curious about these classes. I plan on taking the breastfeeding class because I figure it can't hurt. Plus I have read that if the baby doesn't latch on properly it can really hurt and be frustrating for both mom and baby so they probably have great ideas if that happens. As for lamaze, I would call the class instructor, ask her what she thinks. It seems to me you would still benefit from it even if hubby can only make half the classes (you can help fill him in on the rest too).

[craftyashley]

I totally skipped these classes. I've heard about what they teach, and honestly I found a lot more knowledge from the great books that I had found. I didn't want to do the breastfeeding classes because I didn't see how learning about something I couldn't physically do yet was going to help. I think I was right. You need to be in the trenches to really understand how it's gonna all work. We went to a lactation specialist after the twins were born. There we could actually breastfeed and she could show me how to help them relatch.
So anyway, I would say skip the birthing classes.

[Mommy2Beans]

I took them both. Although my dh was able to make it to all the classes I think we would have done fine if he hadn't. The most important ones are the last few where you are actually practicing the techniques and breathing exercises. If he can make it to those I think you'll do fine. You could always take a friend/relative with you in his absence so someone would always be there. I was signed up to take the breastfeeding class in Sept. but delivered in Aug. so I found it kind of repeating the information I had already learned. As craftyashley said "you need to be in the trenches to understand how it's all gonna work". That's how it went for me! Good luck!

[lcc7c]

I just gave birth on Sept. 17, 2008. I didn't do any classes whatsoever because no one can really teach you how you should breathe on that moment. I'm a first time mom and I think I did great. Well, the doctor and nurse told me that too but I want to tell you to just save your money and time. I would suggest for you to spend the time for yourself right now. Get a lot of sleep, and any form of relaxation that you like. Everything right now doesn't consume me too much (waking up every 2-3 hours, or no sleep at all during the first 3 days with my baby) because I did spend a lot of time at home getting the sleep and rest I needed to prepare myself once the baby's born. Also, exercise! Simple stretches are very good for you. If you can also do all your shopping now for all the baby needs, do so! That's something I wish I spent more time on. And, don't buy too much newborn sizes especially if it's Gerber brand because my baby is only 10days old and they are now super tight and short! I know all you asked was about the Lamaze but I threw in my 2 cents for you!. Goodluck!

[lcc7c]

Oh, and yes, read a lot of articles or buy a book about having a baby like "What to expect when you're expecting". I learned a lot from reading online. If there's anything you'd like to know, this forum is also great but the thing is it is always different for everybody. But atleast you get ideas from different moms here online. As far as breastfeeding, correct latch-on, etc, They do teach you that once you give birth in the hospital. Nurses do ask you FREQUENTLY if you need help. They also have lactation consultants there and you don't have to go anywhere or spend a dime - IT'S FREE! It's great! They emphasize breatfeeding for every mom. That's how I felt when I was in the hospital. Nurses do come in and ask you if you need help, if you wanna try breastfeeding, a lot of help without having to spend money or going anywhere.

[lena241]

I totally skipped the classes too!
In thru your nose, out thru your mouth (breathing 101 complete)

[mommy2boftwins]

I was going to take both classes. I gave birth on the day I was suppose to take my Childbirth Class. My twins came 11 weeks early due to me developing enclampsia and high BP and having to deliver for my health.
Check and see if you can take the class on a Saturday. My class was going to be a day class instead of going several times. My hospital also had free breastfeeding support classes once a week. You could check and see if those are offered too. That would be a great networking oppurtunity. I didn't get to go to any because my babies were in NICU for 9 weeks and I went there everyday. Then when they came home I didn't go anywhere.
I can't remember who recommended the book "What to Expect When Expecting" to you, but it is a good book. I read it too. I also watched a lot of Discovery Health programs such as Special Deliveries and Bringing Home Baby. I am glad I did since my delivery didn't go as I had planned.

[faithwalkin]

I was able to find a Sat. class. My hubby really wanted to go, so we did. I don't think I really learned much. Everything they talked about I had already read online. The breathing was very basic and the instructor told us that if we get meds that we don't even need to learn the breathing. But my hubby said he learned alot and he feels more prepared now.

[leciabiche]

Faithwalkin, I didn't take any of the classes while I was pregnant with my son. The schedules only worked where I would have been able to attend half of them, and that just didn't make sense financially to do that. There is one piece of breathing advice that really helped me while I was in labor. Make sure the sounds that come out of you are low (breathy, gutteral) like a groan or a low sigh. It naturally helps your body relax and lets the contractions work better. If you start getting high pitched, refocus, or have your husband remind you to make low sounds. That's the only real piece of information that I wish I had learned before I started labor...but halfway through it still helped me out. Good luck and congratulations!