Birth Classes

AMM101108

DH and I are signed up to go to a 1-day childbirth class at MMC in a couple weeks. I am wondering if it would be worthwhile to also sign up for the Hypno-birthing class. . .

Does anyone have any experience with hypno-birthing? I would like to approach the birthing process as drug-free as possible, and part of me thinks it would be foolhardy for me NOT to "be prepared" by taking a specialty class. Part of me doesn't want to get too stressed  making a "birth plan" and doesn't want to spend the $ and time to attend a series of classes when the majority of birthing experiences do not go as planned.

 Thoughts/Experiences?

 

mesa81

I'm only doing a 1day class as well... basically because of $ and time. I would have liked to take more just to see what they talk about but I'm too selfish to give up another weekend day at this point!

maeghan21

You could take the 1 day class and see if you can have your questions answered there. I took the 4 week class (couldn't sit still for 1 day) at MMC and the nurse (Katherine?) was so helpful with LOTS of different questions. We were hesitant to even sign up for that class, but it was great to get to know the layout etc. Plus, during my initial 2 week stay at MMC I came across that nurse again and she took me up to labor and delivery and let me chill out in the jacuzzi for a bit since I was in so much pain. I think she teaches most of the classes there. If you don't want to wait, call up their office, they'd be glad to help.

meganmarieCA

I'd say it never hurts to take classes (except financially), but don't beat yourself up if you don't make it.  I was really interested in Hypnobirthing, but I found when I got to the experience of actual labor, that my brain just doesn't do well with those coping methods.  I kept trying to focus the pain, relax the rest of my body, etc., but I honestly coped/felt way better when I tensed up and grabbed onto something during intense contractions.  I needed to hold on for dear life and close my eyes -- I can't explain it, but that's what worked.  And I went natural.  So, in the end, I probably wouldn't have used any of the techniques that I learned in the class.

 

jl&jl

I took the basic class and read, read and read some more books.  I learned a lot from the books (including the Hypnobirthing book), but not as much from the classes.  I did have a natural, drug free birth with a midwife at a hospital.

chayer227

I took a 6-week (one night/week) Prepared Childbirth class - it covered everything from signs of labor and coping with contractions to all the interventions and basic newborn care.  It was great, my instructor was incredibly honest and open. 

I read part of the Hypnobirthing book - went into labor before finishing it - and I will 100% definitely take the class if we have another baby!  I think there's a certain level of "counseling" that occurs in the class that I would have benefited from - I think my labor lasted soooo long because I couldn't let go of my fear about what was to come (the reality of becoming a mom, etc).

tanyamc81

The only class I took was a Hypnobirthing class with MH BUT that was over 5 years ago and it was a very new class in this area!  I'm sure the class has changed and each person who runs it is different! That said, MH and I got nothing out of the class and thought it was silly! But we did love going and talking to the other 3 couples that went and felt the same way! I think it was just the way our lady ran it! I did, however, get a lot out of reading the books and every night I fell asleep listening to the cd!  I was in labor with Joshua for a full 24 hours and the last 7 hours I spent pushing (long story.....and awful experience that I won't share!) but ended up having an emergency c-section!  What I found most helpful about the hypnobirthing class was telling the dr that I didn't want to know how far a long I was every time she checked me and I listened to my favorite bands cd the whole time to keep my mind at ease! And I did really well! If you have any questions about the class I can try and answer them!

elizmag

Hi! I took the hypnobirthing class at maine med in February. We got a lot out of it and the books and CDs. I too fell asleep to the CDs every night! I had a long labor and I spent it in a very relaxed state, and went totally natural. The most important thing to know about Hypnobirthing is that you need to be determined and practice everyday- you're partner should also be into it and learn the techniques. If you don't think you can commit to the method, then you probably shouldn't waste money on the class, but I would urge you to get the CD. It seems silly at first, but it works!