Saturday, May 3, 2008
Birth / Infant Classes
I am looking into birthing classes and am overloaded by the number of options. I imagine I'll probably have an epidural (I know a few of you are calling me a sellout). I know that a lot of people can do all natural, unmedicated births but I don't know if I'm willing to take the time it takes to practice everything. I also don't want to go without classes because I like to know a lot of things and flying blind in birthing doesn't sound like fun. But, I know that works for some people as well. Plus I think Jason would appreciate any information or encouragement as my 'coach' that a class may give. So, I want to know if you took classes and if so, which ones?
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7 comments:
I know a lot of times the hospitals provide some sort of birthing classes. Have you checked those out? They might be nice because they'd probably tell you specifics about what to expect at that hospital. If St. Joe's doesn't offer any good ones, I know Rush does, and anyone can go to them. Otherwise, I don't know of any others. I'm actually not going to take a birthing class, maybe that's strange. I guess I consider my on-the-job experience enough class! I hope it is!!! I will be taking a breastfeeding class though. Maybe I should just send Josh to a birthing class! :)
I went through our insurance and sent me to one they would help pay for. Just a thought.
My first delivery I decided that I would go natural. I made it a grueling 12 or 16 hours and then was so exhausted that I had to get one in order to even be able to then continue on. This time I am definately going with an epidural as soon as I get to the hospital. Then I plan to play Wii until the baby arrives. Ha! No more crappy birth stories for me. Just my opinion and experience though.
We took the class at St. Joseph's and we felt more educated and confident about the whole labor/delivery after the class. I also made the contact with the wonderful lactation specialist, Nikki, there.
Oh good! I feel so much better. I think I'll do the St. Joe's class after we get back from the summer.
Deven and I took a class at the hospital a couple of months before McKayla was born. It was nice to know all the different things that could happen or choices you have before you have to make them. I know it sounds silly, but I was glad to have them walk us through the birthing center so we would know where it was. I can't imagine being in labor and not knowing how to get to labor and delivery! ha ha
Hi Cami- Thank you so much for you r kind comments on my blog.
I did natural childbirth with 3 of my 4 children. I was induced with my first son because I was borderline for hypertension, and I had to lay on my side the whole time while in hard labor. I didn't have an epidural with him, but I had nubain, a narcotic that helped in between contractions.
The best thing you can do is be educated about all the options, and be prepared for anything to happen. I have had several friends that swore they would get an epidural, but they went so fast they didn't have time. If they had learned how to relax their bodies, their birthing experiences would have been easier. With my first son, I tool a Lamaz class offered through my hospital. It ended up being pretty worthless, in my opinion, but I had wanted natural childbirth, and it didn't prepare me for that.
For my next pregnancy I read the book , "Natural Childbirth the Bradley Way", and it was awesome. The author walks you through the stages of labor and delivery, and it has sections for your husband read so he is able to help you during your labor. I was SO glad I read it, my last 3 delivery experiences were perfect!
I always tell new moms to do what they want in delivery, so it is a positive experience for them. If you want an epidural, that is great. You should have one. No sense in being uncomfortable if you don't have to be. But I also advice them to educate themselves from several sources, and be prepared for things to not happen exactly how they expect.
Good luck!
From someone who has gone unmedicated, I can personally say that you are in no way a sell-out if you have an epidural. It is your own personal choice, and labor is hard already, even with one. The hospital should offer a birthing class, but I found "Natural Childbrith, the Bradly Way" the most informative and helpful. I have it, if you want to borrow it. It gives you great relaxation techinques and also describes the stages of labor and what is happening in a very easy to understand and descriptive way.
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