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| Yes | 73% | 609 votes | Total: 833 votes | |
| No | 27% | 224 votes |
Yes
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Add to FavoritesI would have to say that taking a childbirth and labor class is an excellent way to calm some of the fear and apprehension new parents will naturally have when they are expecting a baby.
My wife and I were scared to death when we found out we had a newborn coming. We didn't know what to expect, what to do, or who to ask? My only experience with childbirth had been puppies, hamsters and guppies. Just as in Gone With the Wind, I was thinking, "I don't know nothing 'bout birthin' no babies Miss Scarlet."
We wanted reliable answers about labor and childbirth. We wanted to be ready for every possible contingency. After all, the life of our child could depend upon our the choices we would make.
One choice we were happy with was signing up for a Lamaze class. This is where we learned some helpful breathing techniques. I got to be her coach. They taught me how I could be her support person. They explained to us about things like contractions and dilation and how many centimeters the cervix needed to be dilated for delivery. We had other preggo couples to talk to and socialize with. We learned about things like minimizing stretch marks. We got answers about having sex during pregnancy. We learned about prenatal vitamins, the dangers of smoking and alcohol. They even gave us a recipe to make money saving baby wipes with a roll of paper towels, a coffee can, some baby shampoo and a few other ingredients that I no longer remember.
Before taking the class, I had all kinds of panic racing through my head. I wanted to be there to experience the birth in the delivery room. But I didn't want to be like a deer in the headlights. I wanted to participate and understand exactly what was happening.
The hospital was appreciative of the fact we had taken a class. I think it made them more comfortable having me in the delivery room, knowing I had gone through Lamaze. Our first baby was born in 1982, and it wasn't as common to let dads in the delivery room back then as it is now.
Another thing we did to educate ourselves was to watch a film the hospital offered to expecting couples which detailed the C-section procedure. They told us if a C-section became necessary, this educational film was required viewing for the dad to be allowed to stay.
We went on to have four more babies (including a set of twins). Although we didn't repeat our Lamaze course with any of the following children, the techniques we used carried over into the other pregnancies and deliveries.
I strongly recommend classes for expecting parents, particularly first time parents. It will help you to be prepared for what to expect, and it's fun too.
Learn more about this author, Michael Mccormick.
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No
When I had found out that I was pregnant in May of 2008, I had every intention of doing things the so-called, 'right way.' I had plans to go sign up for childbirth classes and whatnot, but with my already busy life, I never made it. One thing always led to another and I would miss the time slot, or I would just be too tired to go. I worked up until December 16, 2008, just 9 days before I gave birth. I just did not have the time!
Looking back now, many people had told me I should have taken the classes and that I would regret not doing so. So of course, after everyone telling me I should have done it, I started to get a little nervous about how childbirth and labor was going to pan out. This then added to the nervousness and anxiety I was already experiencing, I was beginning to think I should have taken the classes.
December 25, 2008 at 6:10 p.m., I gave birth to my daughter. From the last contraction, to when my daughter came out, took approximately 10 minutes. My doctor was not prepared for it to happen that fast, as she did not even have her gloves or anything on yet, when she started coming out! When my daughter arrived, it was then that my doctor had laughed, asked me if this was my first time having a baby, and said that she had never seen a first time moms' labor and birth go so quickly.
After the epidural and pain medication wore off was when I realized that it really was not as bad as everyone had made it seem. Was I sore? Very. Did it become extremely awkward when I had to go to the bathroom? Yes. BUT, I did just fine without the classes and without any prior instruction, which leads me to believe they really are not needed.
Everyone has their own surefire way to ease childbirth and labor, but 'you' are the only one who 'knows' what will be best for you. To me, the classes are just another pointless time consuming thing to spend your money on, which you really can't frivolously do any longer.
If they are something you are looking into look at it this way - - you can pay someone to teach you in a class full of other expectant mothers and coaches OR you can practice at home. There are countless videos and teachings on the internet. Ultimately it is the expectant mothers' decision, but why spend extra money on a Do-It-Your-Self? All-in-all what it comes down to is that the hospital childbirth and labor classes really are not worth taking, or necessary for that matter.
Learn more about this author, Whitney Parker.
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