whether to take a birth class

[Anonymous]

I'm 15 weeks and starting to think about whether or not to take a birth class (and then if so, which one). My main concern about taking one is that it'll end up with me being even more nervous and apprehensive about labor than before. Generally, I'm not the type of person who likes to think ahead, cover all bases, and plan out every detail. Instead I'm more likely to acknowledge that X is going to happen and then deal with it at the time (although I'll worry right up until the point that X happens). Also, I'm a bit squeamish and can't stand the idea, for example, of watching video of anyone else giving birth. I know what happens - I'm not in denial - but do not particularly want to see it!

However, my sister took the 'head in the sand' approach with her first and now admits that her nervousness and fear probably did not help matters at all. She was induced at 36 weeks, which certainly added to the stress, but had a fairly difficult labor overall. So that's weighing heavily on the 'be prepared' side of the equation. Also on that side of things is that my husband would get the benefit of a class. He's not a big reader and isn't likely to read any books that might be helpful, no matter how much I urge him to.

Has anyone else had similar concerns or fears? Did a birth class help? And which did you take? Maybe obvious but I'm not necessarily going for a natural birth, although I wouldn't rule it out if I were doing ok without any pain relief. Bradley seems a little to much pro-natural from what I've seen - any opinions on Birthworks? Or others that are more balanced?

Thanks!

[Anonymous]

Hi,
I took the Bradley class but I swear I'm not some crazy fanatic or anything. Like you, I was open to the idea of pain relief, until I started talking to my friends and reading up on the matter...Look, the main motivation for me to go natural is the shorter recovery time. I don't want to be in the hospital for ever, and I really don't want to have to deal with stitched up vaginal wounds or C-Section incisions for weeks after birth! And yes, natural births are less likely to result in tearing and c-sections, it's a fact.
Anyway, the Bradley birth class helped me to "commit" or get really comfortable with the idea of a natural -- i.e., no tearing and being cut up -- birth. Without being armed with some knowledge and confidence, it is likely that nurses and OBs will 'push' you into an unnatural delivery. This is not paranoia...watch The Business of Being Born--a really well-made propaganda film with Ricki Lake (not a crazy) that exposes how women get pressured into epidurals, inductions, and c-sections. And yes, take a birthing class. Bradley was especially awesome because it teaches dads (and for that matter, you) who don't want to read a million books about births all about the process...
Sorry for the long post. Last thing: watch all the videos you can. For me, watching all the gore has made me *less* squeamish.

[Anonymous]

The birth class we took (through our OB's office) did not show a video, though there were slides. It was useful for the "what will happen, what could happen" scenarios, but I am someone who does like to have an idea of what the plan is. It was most useful, in my opinion, for the husband reason you mention. I'd read lots and didn't learn a whole lot that was new, but he really appreciated the class. We were both of the opinion that whether we took a class or not, the baby would come, and he was much more concerned about taking care of the baby after he'd already arrived. So it really was good for him to learn things about the stages of labor, his role, etc.

[Anonymous]

OP here: thanks to both of you so far for your perspectives.

A little more on why I don't think Bradley is the right class (if any is) for us: if we take a class, I really would want it to cover ALL of my options, pain relief and "unnatural" birth included. A class - on anything! - that emphasized only one side of the story would just end up annoying me. I think I'd like to know enough about interventions to have an idea of when they're necessary and when they're being pushed for the nurses'/doctors' convenience, and to be able to say (or have my husband help me say) no to the latter. At the same time, I'd like to know what the options are if I just can't take it any more and need some relief.

The husband factor seems more and more important as I think about it. He's not good at not knowing what to do or how to help and I don't want him clamming up or withdrawing while I'm in labor because he doesn't have a clue what to do or expect...

More opinions and advice definitely appreciated!

[Anonymous]

We took the Inova Birth Express class - one day for a few hours. It covered the feelings, progressions of contractions, what to expect, the what-if, possibilities, and a variety of birthing plans.

Plus, there was a short segment on what your baby looks like after birth (not the nice clean appearance of Hollywood sitcoms) and what to expect from yourself physically (post partem, nursing, c/s recovery, etc.) and from the baby (poopy diapers, umbilical cord care, circumscision, jaundice, etc.).

It was bare bones, not thrills. Nothing was "scarey", just informative. No particular birth plan was pushed on us (both DH's and wives in the class) so we didn't feel pressured in having to choose a particular method.

We also reviewed the "unplanned" - what if the baby is breeched, what if the umbilical cord is wrapped, etc.

So, for me, it was informative. Sometimes being naive and uninformed is far more scarier than knowing the facts.

In fact, fear is being scared of the unknown. So, don't make the birth experience an "unknown".

...and in the end your reward is great...why else do folks have more babies

[Anonymous]

I liked Susan Messina's class. It gave a good rundown of what to expect from the hospital, what you should expect during labor, and pain management techniques, though she's not against pain meds. I certainly felt more confident in making my wishes known with my OB and the delivery nurses.

[Anonymous]

http://www.susanmessina.com/

[Anonymous]

Whether you plan to have a medicated or unmedicated birth, I really believe that knowledge is power and a good class will eliminate or at least reduce any fears you might be having about giving birth. I happened to take Bradley and had a natural birth, but I know a 12 week class is a major commitment and that Bradley is not for everyone. I would definitely try to find a class that informs without scaring.

What about hypnobirthing? I think it's a little less militant than Bradley, but does a good job of focusing on relaxation and the idea that your body is equipped to handle childbirth. I know some people on this site have taken it so hopefully someone will chime in. You could try that with a more traditional class for an overview.

Good luck, you'll do great!

[Anonymous]

Having a baby is one of the greatest feelings to me !
I had done 8 times giving birth to my beautiful children,all natural birth no drugs or have any shots at all.

Good to read and study about giving birth so you will be ready and know what to expect when the time is come for you to deliver your baby, must of all have faith.

Mother of 8 on the Hill.

[Anonymous]

I recommend a one-day lamaze class. It was very thorough in terms of what medical inteventions and pain relief options were available, the upside and downside, and showed us various techniques to get through the pain (which you'll need in early labor anyway).

The knowledge was very helpful. I am 99% sure I'll be getting an epidural, but it was very helpful to hear the downside so I know it going in. For example, I won't freak out if I start itching or get the shakes. I also think it was good for my husband and I to practice a few of the massage and positioning techniques that may be helpful before I take the drugs.

then we took a 1 hour tour of the hospital so we were familiar with the procedures and what to expect there.

My big day is a few weeks away, but I thought it was just the right amount of preparation. I'm usually a big planner, but I feel very good about going with the flow on this -- I don't have a birth plan, I don't have any hard-and-fast rules. I mean, I really don't want an episiotomy and I think I will want the epidural, but I'm willing to see how things go and make decisions on the fly.

I think having had the class and educating myself, I will be much better at making those decisions when the time comes.

[Anonymous]

I took a "Labor and Delivery" class at Sibley, which is where I'll be having the baby. I think I felt a lot like you going into it. However, I have to say, by the end of the four-session series, I am feeling more positive and optimistic about getting through the delivery process. I also think my husband got a fair amount out of it. Part of it is confronting the fears/anxieties head-on and trying to figure out how to lessen them, and part of it is the knowledge-is-power idea - knowing more about what to expect (and the different routes things might take and your meds/non-meds options, etc.) has made me easier in my mind and even looking forward to it, whereas before I was starting to get worked up in dread. I wish the instructor had made us do some more practice with the breathing techniques, but overall I'd say it was a very good and worthwhile experience.

Good luck!

[Anonymous]

knowledge is power-take a class.

[Anonymous]

The class at Sibley is very dry. I liked Birthworks with Susan Messina. Great class!

[Anonymous]

If you've taken yoga, you've learned good breathing techniques. Just tell your birth partner to remind you to breathe.

[Anonymous]

OP here: thanks, everyone. I really appreciate the advice/feedback. The baby will come no matter what, but hopefully a class will give me a little more confidence that I can do this! We're looking into Susan Messina's Birthworks class and hope that one of the upcoming sessions will work with my husband's crazy travel schedule over the next few months. If that doesn't work out, I'm sure I'll be back here asking for other recommendations. Thanks again!