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YES! We took Bradley Classes with Moose, which we didn't finish because I went into labor before they were over, but they really helped us. We both knew what was happening, he could coach me through everything, and I knew to listen to my body. Now that we're pregnant again, we're taking them. I cannot speak highly enough of having a good birthing class. Oh, also, since we had Bradley, my husband was my "doula." It brought us clsoer than ever and, even though I wanted a doula originally, I'm so glad we didn't have one.
Also, we took the "birthing center" birthing class. It was bogus. It didn't teach anything which really helped. It was only 2 days for 2-3 hours each. Bradley is 10-12 weeks, so it had time to go really in depth.
Edit: I'm not saying you have to take Bradley. It's just what we did and it worked for us. You should take the class which works best for you.
I've looked into them, and I am not impressed after talking to other Mommies in my area. I'd rather not waste my time on something pointless.
P.S.: I've looked into Bradley but for me I don't think it's the right approach. Glad others like it though!
@TheFutureMcBride: Would you recommend Bradley for couples who aren't sure they want to have a completely natural childbirth? It seems like the best type of prep course for us, but I am still open to the idea of an epidural.
Any youtube substitutes? I'm too lazy at this point to take myself to a class, I'd rather sit on my couch and watch a video about it.
We did a one day prepared childbirth class (not affiliated with the hospital) and it was just right for us. It lasted about 4 hours and covered the main topics (focused on natural childbirth since that is what we wanted). I'm not sure we would have been happy if we'd done a longer course.
We did a six week, 2 hour/week course through our hospital. I thought it was useful- it was taught by a Labor and Delivery Nurse at the hospital where we'll be delivering, and so she was able to answer a lot of specific questions about policies and resources at that hospital. It was also really good for DH- I've made him read a book or two, but the class sunk in more, I think.
We've also hired a doula, and I'm happy with the decision so far- ours is really non-judgmental and helpful, and I really like the idea of having someone around the whole time who knows (more or less) what is going on and can give you an idea of where you stand and what to expect, and be there with suggestions of how to manage pain, etc.
It sounds like TheFutureMcBride's husband was able to do that for her after the Bradley classes, and maybe if we'd done that I wouldn't have wanted a doula as much, but knowing that we have one kind of just takes some of the pressure/stress off both of us since neither of us know what to expect!
@sarahcisme: I think that depends on your teacher. Some teachers are all about Bradley and think there's no other way to go. My husband and I took what we wanted from Bradley, but really looked into what we were told and read a lot. Honestly, you may want to read more before you decide to take Bradley Classes because it may not fit you. The best birthing class for you is one that you believe in and you can grab ahold of when you need a little stregth. Make sense?
@Lozza: My husband was actually offeded that I wanted a doula. It was a pretty funny conversation looking back on it, but he really wanted to do everything. Fortunately, he pulled it off perfectly with Moose. I was really nervous and had he not been so offended, I would've totally had a doula.
We skipped them. I did a lot of reading about labor and delivery, so I'm comfortable that I know what all of the possible interventions and medications are and why they would be used. I like to do my own research. I also want a natural childbirth and felt comfortable looking at a avariety of resources. We would have considered Bradley classes but DH's schedule didn't work for us to take the classes.
@TheFutureMcBride: Nice, my DH is the opposite- he was one who was all gung-ho about getting a doula! I think he thought about the fact that I can get cranky and irritated when I'm in pain, and is hoping to have me channel that towards the doula instead of him :) (we've warned her, she's fine with being bad cop!)
@Lozza: I love how varied people are in their choices about delivery.
Thanks for your responses so far ladies!
I guess I'm just really skeptical that I'll actually get much out of birthing classes, and would get more out of reading about L&D and hiring a doula to coach us through.
@TheFutureMcBride: I think that's so great that your husband was able to be such a good birth coach! My husband, while extremely supportive, gets a little uncomfortable with medical stuff/blood, etc. I think we're both more comfortable with having an extra neutral person around to help coach. =)
@mrstilly: I think my situation is similar to yours! Mr. Toucan doesn't have a lot of free time these days (trying to cram for an actuary exam before the baby comes), so any birthing classes we take would likely be the 1-day/weekend classes. I think I'd rather do the research myself.
@toucan: Oh, if my husband was having the baby, we'd have a doula because I can't take any of the stuff when it's not happening to me. I completely understand.
@TheFutureMcBride: haha... imagine that... husband having the baby! ;)
We are taking a Lamaze childbirth class that my doula teaches. It's been nice to connect with other couples who are due around the same time as us. The class talks about childbirth and we also work on relaxation and hypnosis exercises. At first I was skeptical about taking a class, but it has been helpful to hear that other couples have similar fears as us and what other people are doing to prepare.
@toucan: Oh, I've been telling my husband since Day 1 of this pregnancy that he is totally in charge of gestating our next kid, I don't care how he does it.
Both my husband and I are currently working up to 50 hours a week -- we just didn't have time for a multiple week class, and we likely would have had to miss many of them anyways. For us it wasn't worth the time or the money. We're having a private class (just for us in our home) in a few weeks.
I/We didn't take any classes. We had a doula and met with her 2-3 times before the delivery. I feel like I read enough birth stories and books plus watched a couple movies to know what was going to happen. I was depending on the doula to support me through trying different positions and what not. It worked out great for us.
I was disappointed with our classes which were offered through the hospital. We took prepared childbirth, newborn care, and breastfeeding. I wanted them to be useful and I'm sure there were bits and pieces that were useful, but in general they just were not as good as I wanted them to be. I think this really varies depending on who is providing the classes and what is offered. I would check with people who have already gone through the specific classses offered in your area and make your deicison from there.
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Out of curiousity... are birthing classes worth it? (also worth noting, though I'm not sure if makes a difference, but we are looking into hiring a birth doula)