Anonymous wrote:I'm very high risk for pre-eclampsia (had HELLP and emergency C under general last time) and will almost certainly need an induction and am likely to need a repeat C. I'd love to be able to go unmedicated, but that's not realistic for me.

All the classes I see are geared towards people who totally want natural birth. I think GW has one for people who want epidurals. Neither of those categories are me. Last time we did Lamaze, which taught us some useless breathing techniques and to avoid induction if at all possible (ha!).

Is there a class you'd recommend? We don't have a car, so really need something easy to get to in or just outside the district, preferably via metro.

I’m confused by this “very high risk” and “almost certainly need...” If you’re still looking at birth classes then you’re not far enough along to to already be experiencing symptoms of pre-e again. I also had HELLP and an emergency c with my first and know that I’m at an increased risk of it happening again but there is no “very high risk” or “certain induction” just because it happened before. I’m 36 weeks and hoping for a VBAC if I go into labor on my own but otherwise having a c section if things go south again.

If you already took Lamaze and are open to an induction (I’m absolutely not because of the increased risks) and you therefore plan for an epidural (which is smart with an induction especially when a second c section is a possibility) then there isn’t much need for a class. You can read up on the stages and dynamics of labor but I don’t see what you think you’ll get out of a $200 class when you’re convinced you won’t be going into labor spontaneously and will be medicated.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:MomEase has classes that teach the full spectrum. Run by Doulas who have seen it all and want you to have the best experience for you.

Second this. I took a Momease class and worked with a Momease doula during my first pregnancy. Although I medicated delivery was the main focus of the class, the instructor (who was also my doula!) also covered inductions, C sections, and other interventions. I ended up having an induction and a C section, and my doula was very supportive both during and after the birth.

*unmedicated

Anonymous wrote:MomEase has classes that teach the full spectrum. Run by Doulas who have seen it all and want you to have the best experience for you.

Second this. I took a Momease class and worked with a Momease doula during my first pregnancy. Although I medicated delivery was the main focus of the class, the instructor (who was also my doula!) also covered inductions, C sections, and other interventions. I ended up having an induction and a C section, and my doula was very supportive both during and after the birth.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:What are you hoping to get out of the class for your situation?

general info about labor and pain management techniques, medical pain management options, what to expect from an induction, and what to expect from a c-section _not_ under general

It seems like the class at your hospital should fit your needs well, assuming they offer one.

Anonymous wrote:What are you hoping to get out of the class for your situation?

general info about labor and pain management techniques, medical pain management options, what to expect from an induction, and what to expect from a c-section _not_ under general

Anonymous wrote:Are you sure they’ll offer you an induction for a VBAC? I thought most hospitals didn’t allow that.

yes, i'm sure

Are you sure they’ll offer you an induction for a VBAC? I thought most hospitals didn’t allow that.

I don’t think you need a birthing class. They won’t cover what you need to k ow in depth at all and most of it won’t apply to you - waste of time.

Get a hospital tour and ask questions there and of your OB. Mosttuons will depend on hospital policy which the birthing instructors don’t always know.

What are you hoping to get out of the class for your situation?

MomEase has classes that teach the full spectrum. Run by Doulas who have seen it all and want you to have the best experience for you.

It is not super cheap but a lot of the places that do birth classes will run private sessions. You could do that and ask them to cater it to your situation. Look for one run by former L&D nurses. Will most likely need a private company not one from GW hospital

I'm very high risk for pre-eclampsia (had HELLP and emergency C under general last time) and will almost certainly need an induction and am likely to need a repeat C. I'd love to be able to go unmedicated, but that's not realistic for me.

All the classes I see are geared towards people who totally want natural birth. I think GW has one for people who want epidurals. Neither of those categories are me. Last time we did Lamaze, which taught us some useless breathing techniques and to avoid induction if at all possible (ha!).

Is there a class you'd recommend? We don't have a car, so really need something easy to get to in or just outside the district, preferably via metro.