Childbirth classes -- Sibley or LaMaze or something else?

[Anonymous]

I am delivering at Sibley this summer and still haven't figured out what to do about childbirth education. I don't want anything as intense as Bradley, but would like to learn some breathing techniques and know better what to expect at the hospital. I've seen that Sibley has classes and have also looked into the Lamaze classes offered in the area. I think that with our schedules, my husband and I would be most interested in the intensive weekend classes rather than the multi-part evening ones. Do you have feedback on these classes? Any advice on which are better/more useful? Thanks.

[Anonymous]

My husband and I took the Sibley childbirth class and thought it was great. We learned a lot about the childbirth experience, plus what it's like at in particular Sibley. We did some breathing, but not a whole lot of it. It's better for the practical stuff. We also liked the babycare skills and breastfeeding classes.

[Anonymous]

We took an express LaMaze class, and are currently taking the hospital birthing/infant care classes from VHC-Arlington.

Both DH and I found the LaMaze class a total waste of time. It was just one Saturday, but if you've read even one book, or anything online, you probably already know what's going on.

OTOH, so far the hospital class has been pretty good. Plus, the last class is on breastfeeding, which I think will be useful, and you get a tour of L & D.

[Anonymous]

I signed up for a Bradley class (which hasn't started yet) but I still wonder if Lamaze would be better. In Lamaze you distract yourself from the pain whereas in Bradley you almost embrace and breathe through the pain. Which one would be better for me? I have no idea!

[Anonymous]

I did Lamaze... not sure if their pain approaches are all that different. Bradley seems more comprehensive/intensive, but I liked my Lamaze classes a lot. I think both teach good coping skills, which is really what you need. Hope you enjoy your Bradley class!

[Anonymous]

I had the same question, OP, and asked my doctor today. She recommended taking a lamaze class and just the tour at Sibley, for what it's worth.