Birth classes

cutekate · September 2011

I was not/still not interested in taking any besides a beeastfeeding one but it seems most are offered on the weekends. I'm thinking of renting a birth video from the library and calling it a day. Is this a mistake? Am I missing out if I skip the classes?

mrsredmoose · September 2011

DH and I got a lot out of our birth classes. We took the Bradley series with a teacher up in Wappingers Falls. I think it depends on what you expect to gain from them and how good of an independent learner you are. I know DH would not have gotten any of the info if he was left to his own devices. A lot of it was redundant for me because I read a lot, but I still learned a ton and it was great to learn from the other couples' experiences who were enrolled in the class.

mrsredmoose · September 2011

We also took a 1 session BF class through the hospital. It was useless- a powerpoint presentation of the BF info found in Chapter 1 of What to Expect the First Year. Literally a cut and paste job.

Our Bradley instructor brought in a Lactation Consultant from the Dutchess County Breastfeeding Coalition. Her session was very informative.

lisa5ny · September 2011

I only rented a video, and I felt it was all I really needed. I can't remember the name of it though! Jennynel and Nikosmom told me about it so hopefully they remember and see this post.

I thought the video was great! I didn't take any birth classes and I didn't feel like I was missing anything at all.

Nikosmom · September 2011

lisa5ny:

I only rented a video, and I felt it was all I really needed. I can't remember the name of it though! Jennynel and Nikosmom told me about it so hopefully they remember and see this post.

I thought the video was great! I didn't take any birth classes and I didn't feel like I was missing anything at all.

This! The video is called Laugh and Learn about Childbirth. It covers everything a class would cover without the cost. I couldnt justify $175 (at nyack hosp). DH watched the video with me as well, I think we watched it over a few nights since its fairly long but very informative.

I also read books. I have a breastfeeding book if you'd like to borrow it.

GL with your decision!

liljen7755 · September 2011

I think either is fine. I took a childbirth, breastfeeding and infant care class. I only took that many because they were free since I was delivering at that hospital and the childbirth class was only 40.00. I absolutely loved the classes. I would enjoy a video too but you cant ask questions like you can in a class.

lisa5ny · September 2011

liljen7755:
I think either is fine. I took a childbirth, breastfeeding and infant care class. I only took that many because they were free since I was delivering at that hospital and the childbirth class was only 40.00. I absolutely loved the classes. I would enjoy a video too but you cant ask questions like you can in a class.

I wrote down any questions I had during the video and asked my OB and my next appt.

liljen7755 · September 2011

Perfect! Smart thinking!

Jen&Louie · September 2011

We took a one day childbirth class at my OB practice. For the $150 the only good thing we got out of it was a decent pizza lunch, unlimited snacks and a tour of the hospital maternity ward and nursery. Unless you are thinking about a Bradley or Lamaze class I wouldn't bother. As for a BF class, I'd skip that and just read The Womanly Art of Breadtfeeding. The reality IMO is that you can't prepare for BF'ing since it us all about you and the baby learning together. The most important thing will be to use the lactation consultants at your hospital (or hire one privately) to help once the baby arrives.

Birth classes

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