Birthing classes- INOVA birth classes, Lamaze.dc, any suggestions?

[Anonymous]

Bradley is great if you want an unmedicated birth.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:What was the "big sibling" class? How long did it take? Do you stay with your child? If so, how many families were in your class? TIA!

Our class was an hour long, and parents stayed with their kids. They had a bunch of those extremely lifelike newborn dolls, and the kids got to practice diapering them, dressing them, and swaddling them. They also made a craft, had a snack, and watched a brief video. And we went over babyproofing, which was nice-- my 3 yr old was then able to help me go through all her toys and put the non-safe ones in a special box for a special shelf. I think there were around five families in our class (some with multiple kids), and most of the kids were preschool age.

[Anonymous]

Here's what I did. I picked Inova Fairfax for the NICU and proximity to home & work. I really wanted to avoid a c-section but I wanted an epidural. I did plenty of research on this and knew the risks/pros/cons of this approach. I started with the 1 day combo class at Inova Fairfax of childbirth, breastfeeding and baby care. It was quick and not a lot of info, but I knew that going in. The BF and baby care was just the right amount for us. The childbirth portion was a waste of time - not enough info at all. Again, I knew this might be the case going in.

We then did the Mind the Mat childbirth class which was 2 days, 8 hours total. This was perfect for us and really helped so much in labor with positioning and breathing and taught my DH to be an awesome labor partner and advocate for me. The labor and delivery nurses and my OB praised him so much. I had really contemplated the whole unmedicated with a doula thing but I figured I would want an epidural. I also considered Hypnobabies and Bradley, but again, wanted that epidural. I ended up getting an epidural but before that labored for about 24 hours at home. The epidural got me from 4-10 cm in a few hours (and was HEAVEN), had a vaginal birth, 48 min of pushing, and didn't need a doula at all due to my DH's help to labor at home as long as possible and work through with breathing and the skills we learned at the class. I heard about the class b/c I did prenatal pilates there, which I also think really helped to prepare for labor and delivery.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Here's what I did. I picked Inova Fairfax for the NICU and proximity to home & work. I really wanted to avoid a c-section but I wanted an epidural. I did plenty of research on this and knew the risks/pros/cons of this approach. I started with the 1 day combo class at Inova Fairfax of childbirth, breastfeeding and baby care. It was quick and not a lot of info, but I knew that going in. The BF and baby care was just the right amount for us. The childbirth portion was a waste of time - not enough info at all. Again, I knew this might be the case going in.

We then did the Mind the Mat childbirth class which was 2 days, 8 hours total. This was perfect for us and really helped so much in labor with positioning and breathing and taught my DH to be an awesome labor partner and advocate for me. The labor and delivery nurses and my OB praised him so much. I had really contemplated the whole unmedicated with a doula thing but I figured I would want an epidural. I also considered Hypnobabies and Bradley, but again, wanted that epidural. I ended up getting an epidural but before that labored for about 24 hours at home. The epidural got me from 4-10 cm in a few hours (and was HEAVEN), had a vaginal birth, 48 min of pushing, and didn't need a doula at all due to my DH's help to labor at home as long as possible and work through with breathing and the skills we learned at the class. I heard about the class b/c I did prenatal pilates there, which I also think really helped to prepare for labor and delivery.

PP here - I also bought a couple of books and both DH and I read The Birth Partner. He didn't pick it up for a long time but then there is nothing quite like having a 38 week pregnant wife. He started reading it on his own and I think that really helped too.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Here's what I did. I picked Inova Fairfax for the NICU and proximity to home & work. I really wanted to avoid a c-section but I wanted an epidural. I did plenty of research on this and knew the risks/pros/cons of this approach. I started with the 1 day combo class at Inova Fairfax of childbirth, breastfeeding and baby care. It was quick and not a lot of info, but I knew that going in. The BF and baby care was just the right amount for us. The childbirth portion was a waste of time - not enough info at all. Again, I knew this might be the case going in.

We then did the Mind the Mat childbirth class which was 2 days, 8 hours total. This was perfect for us and really helped so much in labor with positioning and breathing and taught my DH to be an awesome labor partner and advocate for me. The labor and delivery nurses and my OB praised him so much. I had really contemplated the whole unmedicated with a doula thing but I figured I would want an epidural. I also considered Hypnobabies and Bradley, but again, wanted that epidural. I ended up getting an epidural but before that labored for about 24 hours at home. The epidural got me from 4-10 cm in a few hours (and was HEAVEN), had a vaginal birth, 48 min of pushing, and didn't need a doula at all due to my DH's help to labor at home as long as possible and work through with breathing and the skills we learned at the class. I heard about the class b/c I did prenatal pilates there, which I also think really helped to prepare for labor and delivery.

NP here. So glad to hear a recommendation for this! I'm a FTM, and feel overwhelmed about everything. After reading the description for Mind the Mat, it seemed to be the best fit, because it covers a little bit of everything, including newborns and we have zero experience with babies!

This workshop is designed for first time couples. It will prepare participants for both medicated and unmedicated births. The class provides evidence based information on discomforts, signs of labor, stages of labor, comfort measures including proper breathing and relaxation. Medications are also discussed. In addition, the class covers newborn procedures, cesarean delivery and postpartum emotional and physical changes. The instructor is Carol Wyman RN, LCCE, FACCE, who is a registered nurse with over 25 years of experience teaching in the Maternal-Child field. She is a Lamaze Certified Childbirth Educator and is a Fellow of the American College of Childbirth Educators. Class will be offered each month. This is a Workshop. Sorry, no drop-ins or refunds. Studio account credit is possible if workshop enrollment is canceled at least 24 hours before the start of the first class in the series. Make ups available with instructor permission. $175 per couple

[Anonymous]

PP here that recommended the Mind the Mat class. It didn't cover newborn care, but really what to expect after the baby is delivered and all the stuff that they do right after birth and how the first couple of days go. It's not about caring for the baby. If you want a class on that there are lots of great classes at hospitals and the nurses in post partum room will really help you with that -- just ask them!

[Anonymous]

I'm starting Hypnobirthing at Yoga, Birth and Beyond in Alexandria (landmark) this week. I've also taken Prenatal Yoga with the instructor. I've really liked her so far. I'll let you know how it goes...

[Anonymous]

We took Susan Messina's Birthworks class. I noticed on her website that she is now teaching a different curriculum focused on unmediated birth in a hospital setting. So I can't speak to the new curriculum but I found her to be open and non jugemental (I wanted to be prepared with some unmedicated techniques but took a wait and see approach regarding an epidural).

http://www.susanmessina.com/birthworks.html

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Here's what I did. I picked Inova Fairfax for the NICU and proximity to home & work. I really wanted to avoid a c-section but I wanted an epidural. I did plenty of research on this and knew the risks/pros/cons of this approach. I started with the 1 day combo class at Inova Fairfax of childbirth, breastfeeding and baby care. It was quick and not a lot of info, but I knew that going in. The BF and baby care was just the right amount for us. The childbirth portion was a waste of time - not enough info at all. Again, I knew this might be the case going in.

We then did the Mind the Mat childbirth class which was 2 days, 8 hours total. This was perfect for us and really helped so much in labor with positioning and breathing and taught my DH to be an awesome labor partner and advocate for me. The labor and delivery nurses and my OB praised him so much. I had really contemplated the whole unmedicated with a doula thing but I figured I would want an epidural. I also considered Hypnobabies and Bradley, but again, wanted that epidural. I ended up getting an epidural but before that labored for about 24 hours at home. The epidural got me from 4-10 cm in a few hours (and was HEAVEN), had a vaginal birth, 48 min of pushing, and didn't need a doula at all due to my DH's help to labor at home as long as possible and work through with breathing and the skills we learned at the class. I heard about the class b/c I did prenatal pilates there, which I also think really helped to prepare for labor and delivery.

INOVA Fairfax is probably were I will deliver. Who was your OB if you don't mind sharing that? I hope to find an OB who will be happy to let me labor w/o tons of interventions if I chose not to have them. Did you find L&D flexible in trying different positions?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Here's what I did. I picked Inova Fairfax for the NICU and proximity to home & work. I really wanted to avoid a c-section but I wanted an epidural. I did plenty of research on this and knew the risks/pros/cons of this approach. I started with the 1 day combo class at Inova Fairfax of childbirth, breastfeeding and baby care. It was quick and not a lot of info, but I knew that going in. The BF and baby care was just the right amount for us. The childbirth portion was a waste of time - not enough info at all. Again, I knew this might be the case going in.

We then did the Mind the Mat childbirth class which was 2 days, 8 hours total. This was perfect for us and really helped so much in labor with positioning and breathing and taught my DH to be an awesome labor partner and advocate for me. The labor and delivery nurses and my OB praised him so much. I had really contemplated the whole unmedicated with a doula thing but I figured I would want an epidural. I also considered Hypnobabies and Bradley, but again, wanted that epidural. I ended up getting an epidural but before that labored for about 24 hours at home. The epidural got me from 4-10 cm in a few hours (and was HEAVEN), had a vaginal birth, 48 min of pushing, and didn't need a doula at all due to my DH's help to labor at home as long as possible and work through with breathing and the skills we learned at the class. I heard about the class b/c I did prenatal pilates there, which I also think really helped to prepare for labor and delivery.

INOVA Fairfax is probably were I will deliver. Who was your OB if you don't mind sharing that? I hope to find an OB who will be happy to let me labor w/o tons of interventions if I chose not to have them. Did you find L&D flexible in trying different positions?

I delivered with Nova Group for Women. Dr Yoon delivered me. She encouraged me to stay home as long as I was comfortable and we did. When I got to the hospital I got the epidural soon after so I had an IV and then monitoring so I couldn't move around a lot. I was also resting comfortably and I didn't need to move around like I did at home. At home I used the birth ball, leaned on DH, did a ton of breathing etc. Walked around. But with the epidural I didn't need any of that. Just rested and slept a little. before I knew it I was ready to push.

[Anonymous]

Anyone can take the Momease classes, not just people planning on GW class (they also teach at Sibley). HOpe that helps!

[Anonymous]

Grandparents classes are funny. Really? How to be a grandparent?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Grandparents classes are funny. Really? How to be a grandparent?

You know, grandparents might want to donate to the hospital.