Child birth class for second baby

[Anonymous]

Having my second baby. I took a child birth class for my first three years ago and didn’t find it helpful (was also virtual/pre recorded during 2020 covid). I ended up with half an epidural and labor went faster than expected. No complications but I think I had really ineffective pushing, doctor thought I was going to burst blood vessels in my eyes. At one point I was certain we were going to have to do a C-section. Doctor eventually used suction and forceps I believe.

Any recommendations for a refresher course, website, YouTube video, etc? I don’t want to fork over $100 for another mediocre class that doesn’t help when the time comes, but also want it to go better than last time.

[Anonymous]

What are hoping you will learn that you didn't when giving birth the first time? Are you looking for breathing techniques?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:What are hoping you will learn that you didn't when giving birth the first time? Are you looking for breathing techniques?

I don’t know what I didn’t learn the first time.

[Anonymous]

A class is not going to teach you how to push.

[Anonymous]

My second birth was so different from the first. Both of them were different from the two shown at the childbirth class I attended. I wouldn't bother with a class.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:A class is not going to teach you how to push.

+1 a birthing class isn't going to teach you that.

[Anonymous]

Agree I wouldn’t bother with a class. Read the labor and delivery section of the Mayo Clinic pregnancy book and be done with it.

You will be better at pushing this time regardless

[Anonymous]

Not worth it. I took a class, it didn’t tell me anything the nurses didn’t also say day of delivery. I think a lot of classes are targeting the anxiety of (rightfully) scared first time moms.

[Anonymous]

What do you need a class for? You already mastered birthing. You already know everything you need to know.

[Anonymous]

Never took a class, but the most helpful advice I ever got was to push like you do when you're having a lot of trouble going number 2.

Worked like a charm.

[Anonymous]

I think maybe a pelvic floor physical therapist might help you learn how to engage your muscles properly? Worth a shot.

[Anonymous]

This is all oddly reassuring. I thought I just had a bad class!

[Anonymous]

I took a second time around refresher class through birth you desire. It was 3 hrs and I found it incredibly helpful! Their first time labor/parenting course is 12 or 15+ hrs.

The first time around I did the hospital course and it was such a waste of time.

The 3 hr course went over things I didn’t even realize a course would cover. To name a few - 6 stages of labor, what to anticipate etc… how to prepare your marriage for labor and postpartum, how to prepare for self care in postpartum, what to expect in hospital setting and diff hospitals in area do things differently, what to expect with ob versus midwife care etc…, how a doula can support you, your birth preferences and how to navigate.

After the course I was blown away that this is not the standard level education offered by hospitals.

I highly recommend it. Knowledge = power. You do need to find a good course though.

[Anonymous]

I would recommend a doula, honestly. It’s more expensive than a class, but she’ll be there with you in real time to address how to manage your specific labor.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I took a second time around refresher class through birth you desire. It was 3 hrs and I found it incredibly helpful! Their first time labor/parenting course is 12 or 15+ hrs.

The first time around I did the hospital course and it was such a waste of time.

The 3 hr course went over things I didn’t even realize a course would cover. To name a few - 6 stages of labor, what to anticipate etc… how to prepare your marriage for labor and postpartum, how to prepare for self care in postpartum, what to expect in hospital setting and diff hospitals in area do things differently, what to expect with ob versus midwife care etc…, how a doula can support you, your birth preferences and how to navigate.

After the course I was blown away that this is not the standard level education offered by hospitals.

I highly recommend it. Knowledge = power. You do need to find a good course though.

And to add - I also did 2 pelvic floor appts with a physical therapist in week 38 and 39 of pregnancy. I found them very helpful. I was able to learn how to engage muscles and distinguish between the different areas of my pelvis I didn’t even realize how to differ from each other!

I got this idea from a mom who had pelvic floor issues after her second kid who said she would recommend doing a session prior to delivery because so much of the pelvic awareness would have come in handy during labor versus after.

I ended up getting an epidural but I could still feel so much during delivery and the classes, PT sessions all helped me so much! I also did additional research that really helped me speak with my nurses during labor and delivery in a way that felt really empowered for me.

My favorite book, not that you asked, to prepare mentally/emotionally for labor was Birthing From Within.