Childbirth Prep Class - time frame question

JLyn821

So the hospital where I'll be delivering offers classes to prep for childbirth.  As I plan to go med-free, I really want to make sure I get in to the Lamaze-focused one.  I'm due April 5th, and the Saturday series (two required classes) has openings for January (class is the 4th and 11th), February (class is the 8th and 15th), and March (class is the 1st and 8th).  Ideally, the February class would be great...except DH is away the weekend of the 8th.  Would the March class be too late?  I feel like I'd be stressing out to do this class at 35 & 36 weeks.  But...would January be early?  I'd be 27 and 28 weeks.  I know I'm over-thinking this, but I'm worried about forgetting everything.  I don't know.  Thoughts?

wiggyslilsis

I say earlier is better. The class I was going to take was all day Sunday when I was 32 weeks. I was put on bed rest the day before it and wasn't able to go. I know that isn't the norm but something to keep in mind.

MadeOfAwesome

I probably wouldn't do the March one.  I think we did our classes from weeks 29-32.  At 35 & 36 weeks you have no idea how uncomfortable you might be. 

JLyn821

Those are both very good points and ones I'd been considering.  I guess when it comes right down to it, classes are great, but my instincts will take over.  Right?

sgautschi

I don't think January is too early. We were due in October and did our classes in July.

lb1117

I think I would go for the January one so you have it done and out of the way. I also think it would be important for you DH to be there, which rules out February. March seems to be cutting it close. 

tdmd09

I'd do January. I'd imagine they would probably give you handouts or something you can review later if needed. DH and I took a newborn care class when I was 37 weeks and I was so stressed about doing it last minute. I wished I had looked into classes way sooner.

smbenevides1989

I'd also do it in January. I would want my H to be there for both classes.

FWIW, I was induced with pitocin and delivered with no pain medication. I did not go to any childbirth classes other than the breastfeeding one. I know everyone likes to be prepared, but I listened to music to help me cope with the pain. If for some unlikely reason you are not able to go, make sure you find your coping mechanism. It will help you.

pennstated912

Earlier the better. I was 22 weeks when we started ours. The next one didn't start until mid-November and ended around New Years (my EDD is Jan 19). That was cutting it a little close for my comfort. I wanted DH there with me.

botanicalbliss

Go with the earlier one just in case you deliver early.  You can always use the extra time to practice or review.

bobcee

I did mine at 36 weeks and preferred that it was later because I feel like the stuff was fresher in my mind when I delivered.  I did both a relaxation course and the birth and newborn care class.  The relaxation class gave us lots of good ways to deal with our med-free births (massage, positions, visualization, etc).

JLyn821

Thank you, ladies!  January it is!  Now let's hope there are still spots open!

Kaiene

I think January is your best bet given your situation. But I'd definitely make it a point to review stuff. I swear everything we learned went out the window when my water broke.