I'm looking for feedback on taking classes for childbirth, infant care, breastfeeding, etc. Worth it or not?
I have a feeling childbirth classes are like dancing lessons before your wedding- sounds like a good idea, but once you are in the heat of the moment, you forget everything you learned.
Thanks!
4 comments:
Breastfeeding class was helpful - childbirth class not so much. We basically watched a movie and the bretahing exercises were a joke. I'd advise just watching some births on babycenter or watch The Business of Being Born. We didn't do infant care but I've heard decent things. I just read books and would recommend the Baby User's Manual (funny and written for men, but helpful) and Happiest Baby on the Block.
my childbirthing class was stupid - because i already read a lot of books - i was told stuff i already knew...
i wish there would have been breastfeeding classes in my area!
I thought classes were ridiculous.
Like you said, in the heat of the moment I forgot everything. I didn't think that the c-section part applied to me, so I tuned it out (and had an emergency c-section). And nothing I learned in breastfeeding classes seemed to apply to the tiny, wobbly, hungry, breakable infant that was actually in my arms at that moment wanting something that I did not know how to provide!
My advice: Don't overload yourself with information beforehand. Maybe read a book about each topic if you feel the need. Hire a doula (if you're not having a scheduled c-section) and get some good recommendations for a (non-militant) lactation consultant. Keep it simple and deal with problems as they arise. And buy about a dozen Medela nipple shields. :)
I have to say, I loved my childbirth classes. It was a designated hour, once a week, for Chris and I to focus together on what was coming. Because he was sleeping fine, not gaining 40 pounds or vomiting or having mood swings, and thus, not thinking about the baby 24 hours a day, the way I was, I think Chris really appreciated being involved in the class. We met some really great couples there, too. It was a Bradley Method class, as opposed to one the hospital offered...maybe that's why we liked it so much? And she was careful to teach us about the many different things that could happen during labor and delivery. True, you never know what will happen (I planned for a drug-free water birth and 22 hours later had an emergency c section), but I really learned a lot about my pregnancy, breastfeeding, what would happen to my body after delivery (I had no idea that people bleed for weeks afterwards, for example)....and for Chris, it was invaluable. I also agree that a doula is a must-have, if you can manage one.
Post a Comment