Childbrith class geared toward c-section?

[Anonymous]

Because of a pre-existing health problem, I will most likely be having a c-section and would like to feel prepared. I am wondering if anyone is aware of any prenatal/childbirth classes that focus on c/s deliveries? Or any other good resources that will help me feel educated about the process and my options?

[Anonymous]

There's really nothing to prepare for when you have a c-section aside from the recovery. The procedure itself is really quick and while you are awake, you do not feel anything aside from some tugging. Try to line up some help while you are in the hospital and for your first few weeks at home so that you can get plenty of rest and allow your body to heal. Folks who push themselves too soon tend to have more trouble healing.

[Anonymous]

The Inova system offers a plethra of classes including one that covers c-section. It appears from the website that the most courses are offered through the Inova Loudoun Birthing Inn in Leesburg, but you may want to call Fairfax or the other hospitals to inquire about courses at those hospitals. I am in the same situation and have discussed c-section with many friends and have been advised of a few other things then just "tugging", like funny smells and the epidural block, breastfeeding post op, etc, following a c-section. I agree that being better prepared through a class would be comforting.

[Anonymous]

I think Shady Grove Hospital also offers a c-section class as one of their birthing classes.

[Anonymous]

Georgetown offers one just for csections, it is about 2 hours long. I would check with your particular hospital to see if they have one because the GUH includes a hospital tour and things specific to GUH, so it would probably be better if you could go to one that your hospital offers, if they do, so that you can get the hospital specific info. Also, the one at GUH is offered less frequently than the regular birthing class, I think once every 2 months, as opposed to a few times a month for the regular birthing class (so for me, I have to take one in January for a March delivery). Hence, depending on your due date, I would recommend getting a schedule of the classes sooner rather than later, so that you have time to take one before your due date. Good luck.

[Anonymous]

We took the one day Preparing for Childbirth class at Sibley and felt very prepared for my c-section (mine was elective). They spend a good amount of time on every aspect of the procedure and even use the dads in the class to set up a mock operating room so you will know who will be there and their purpose. Good luck to you, my recovery was very easy and I hope yours will be as well.

[Anonymous]

From the OP: Thank you all for your suggestions! Unfortunately, I have to deliver at WHC - apparently the only hospital in DC without a c/s prep class - but I think I will take a class from one of the other hospitals.

[Anonymous]

To OP: if this is your first child, you may want to take one or more of the classes offered at the hospital anyway. I ended up with a C (I knew I was having one around 37 weeks) and was already 4 weeks into a 6 week class. I learned a lot of general information about baby care and got some tips about being my own advocate as a patient in the hospital. Plus they did cover C-sections in a 1 or 2 hour segment. Also, if you are planning on breastfeeding, I highly recommend a class, and signing up with the lactation consultant on staff at the hospital as soon as you arrive (assuming that's how it works there--I delivered at Holy Cross). Keep in mind that many C-section moms have difficulty getting started with breastfeeding.


All the best!