With our Oldest, my wife went into pre-term labor before we even started our birthing classes. With subsequent kids, we sort of felt like we already knew the routine. So I never took one. Did those of you who did take the classes find them useful or valuable? What specifically did you take away? Did it please your wife that you went? How did you decide on which class to take?

My wife and I just finished taking a birthing class. We are also taking breast-feeding and infant CPR. Our birthing class covered Lamaze, what to expect before, during and after labor, diaper changing, how to wash your baby, signs to look out for, just a basic run-down on what to expect. Even a seasoned parent could probably learn a thing or two. Did you know you're not supposed to use baby powder on a baby?! I certainly didn't. The talc in the powder can get into your babies lungs and increase the risks of SIDS. If anything learning about the causes of SIDS and how to prevent it was the most important to me. I personally wanted to attend these classes and I'm certain that my wife appreciates it. Being a new parents-to-be, we wanted to take any classes the hospital provided.

I agree with Michael. It was well worth it. At the end of the class my wife and I went to, they took us on tour of the birthing unit as well. That was great. We were able to see the room, and everything that will be available to us when she goes into labor. I wouldn't mind taking the class again if we have more kids just for a refresher on what to expect. It was very reassuring, and I'm sure it would be helpful for anyone whether you have kids, or are expecting your first.

I would recommend taking a class or two. We still haven't taken the baby CPR class... bad bad bad parents. (Will remind the woman immediately.) We did an all day thing (about 5 hours) and the class hit on everything. It was 3 classes that are normally split up. But then a bit later, I got the Due Dads DVD, and it covered pretty much the exact same things! I'm NOT kidding.<br><br>I wouldn't say I wasted my time though. It was cool to be with other parents and you could sense the anxiety in all of them(us), it was comforting knowing we weren't alone. They might ask a question that maybe you hadn't thought of, or vice versa. Being able to talk to someone who delivers or cares for babies all day every day certainly helps. Def. worth it, and it was free.<br><br>We did not take any labor classes or anything specific like that. The wife was glad I went, but she couldn't have kept me away. I needed to know what to expect too. I def. found the class useful, and left with confidence that even though it might get scary, it was going to be ok, they knew what they were doing, they know that YOU don't know what you're doing, and it's their job to help you when the time comes. I dare say I would take it again next time for sure.<br><br>We also got a tour of the facilities, from coming in when in labor, all the way through the process. That certainly helped, knowing exactly where I needed to park, go in, sign in, get her, and where I could send parents/family.<br><br>(I will admit I still didn't watch when they showed sacred regions 'during' a birth. I NEVER need to see that. Didn't really need to see the computer animated baby positioning itself either.)

These responses are awesome. Writing a script on this issue tonight and really reading these closely. Good stuff.

My wife and I found the hospital tour at the end of the class very comforting and useful.<br><br>We found that the actual teaching part of the class was a little bit less useful. It was, however, a great opportunity for my wife and I to act like childish, impish snots and covertly make disparaging comments and knowing glances about other future parents in the class who we judged to be too young or too old or too clueless to be having kids. So, yeah, that part was kind of fun......<br><br>Also, my observation is that the maternity ward is a major profit center for most hospitals, so they often offer these classes at a nominal charge in order to make parents feel more connected and positive about the hospital. (It's not exactly a sales pitch....but, yeah, it kinda is....).

The thing I got from the class was peace of mind. It's funny, the hospital we delivered at had to cancel their class so we went to an afiliated hospital, but our tour and such had nothing really to do with our experience.<br><br>Sean is right - it is nice to look at the other couples and size yourselves up. There is the couple that was an hour late every single time. There was the couple that was incredibly early, despite having the longest drive. (that was, unfortunately, us.) There was indeed the too young and too old couples, with a bonus of she's too young and he's too old couple.<br><br>I had no problem with the video - kind of funny really. I got lightheaded when they were talking about the C Section process in great detail. I still try to block that part of my mind out, and luckily didn't need the knowledge.<br><br>I found the diaper pictures amusing, until we had our daughter and saw that the pictures we very, very real.

Aha! I knew we weren't the only ones!<br><br>As we all know, there is, in fact, a secret club only for parents. Birthing class is the gateway to that club.<br><br>If parenting was a fraternity, then birthing class would be Fall Rush.

We went to the class and it was enjoyable. The main thing they covered was breathing, but what was nice was the last night when they went over what to expect, how to clean the baby and so on. It was all the stuff that I felt was what I was going to have to worry about. Besides about 5 minutes holding a baby I had no clue as to what I would need to do with a baby, or how to take care of it. It definitely eased my mind. It was also nice to see the rooms ahead of time.<br><br>My wife was also really interested in the people as well. She actually saw a guy she went to elementary school with. She enjoyed seeing the different people. We also don't have many couple friends with kids in our small town so we met up with another couple in that class a couple of times. That was nice to talk to some people that were going through the same thing. I would suggest going.

I also went to the breast feeding class because my wife really wanted me to go. There were about 10 women and 3 guys. I was a little outnumbered. I mean, I did get to see some boobs (on videos, not women in the class), but it was definitely to support my wife. Really, this is definitely something that she is more in charge of, but I was happy to be there for her.

My wife and I are attending our first birthing class this evening. Our Doula strongly recommended we take the class. I, for one, have never changed a diaper in my life (except in a game at our baby shower last week, that doesn't count...) so they'll be dealing with a newbie. My wife has changed tons, as her siblings are 10 and 11 years younger than her.

I'm looking forward to the class and am sure I'll be able to provide a more 'learned' opinion soon. Thanks to all of you dads for your input on this subject!

My wife and I just last week completed a 10 week birthing course offered by the hospital. It wasn't very expensive, about $100-150 if I recall. Weeks 1-6 covered labor and deliver (breathing, comfort, what to expect, etc), 7-8 were newborn care (swaddling, diapering, etc), and 9-10 were breastfeeding.

I thought it was great. We are first time parents and I feel like I need all the information I can get. I've never swaddled a baby or changed a diaper before, so getting some practice on the plastic baby doll was helpful. Some of the material they covered in class was a repetition of things I've learned reading or watching DVDs (including the Due Dads DVDs!) but there are so many new ideas to absorb, that I didn't mind the review. I am the sort of guy who sometimes needs to hear something more than once before it sinks in.

I agree with Sophiasdad, for me the best part of the class was meeting the other couples. We often broke down into smaller groups and did exercises together... some of the exercises were a little bit cheesy, but the great thing was getting to know other couples who are going through the same thing in life. (All of the couples in class are due within the Oct - Dec timeframe). We have a class reunion in January and I'm looking forward to seeing all of the happy new families.


Cheers

Roger

We just finished a birth class put on by a Doula at our Midwifery Birth Center. The class covered pregnancy and labor, but did not get to newborn care. It was very helpful (I think, we're still waiting on our little one). I think the most useful information will be our new views of the process of labor. The class helped us get past the preconceived ideas imprinted on us by movies and TV. We now seem ready to allow this natural process to unfold as it will. As this is our first child, I had thought of labor and the birthing process as this hugely dramatic, intense medical procedure, that is going happen with the greatest sense of urgency. Who knows, maybe it will be for us, but knowing the more common pace of a first child will be helpful.

As mentioned above, meeting other couples in the same boat as us was great. We don't have many couple friends that have entered, or are entering, parenthood, so to meet people we can relate to was an added bonus.

I would suggest it for all first time parents. This however is subject to change after our impending arrival, and I'll update this post if my thoughts differ post birth

Cheers,
LivsDad

I'm fresh from taking many birthing classes recently since my wife is due in 5 weeks. Before the classes, I had no clue on what goes on (or what can potentially go on) with labor and taking care of a child. I even had a Daddy Bootcamp class which really helped me with learning about the role of fatherhood from a medical and social standpoint. Something that I really took away was from the Daddy Bootcamp class that talked about trying to stick with the same scent when you wear cologne or body wash. Newborns develop their sense of smell early on so it's nice to have the same scent coming from this big burly creature who insists on holding them instead of Mommy! It's kinda simple but for me, I really took it to heart that I can sacrifice my endless supply of Old Spice, Axe, Nivea for Men, etc body washes and stick to Irish Spring wash and soap (with a little bit of Michael Jordan cologne behind the ears). My wife knows I love to change it up and to see that I put forth the effort to make this change really pleased her. The class talked about how your sense of smell is so important and how certain smells trigger fond memories, (or unpleasant ones). Learning that really put things into perspective and made me remember how my dad used to smell when I was a little kid.

My wife and I took the Conscious Birthing class here in Austin, given by Lanell Coultas.

I'm very pleased with what was taught as it really helped my wife strengthen her belief that she is mentally and physically capable of a natural birth.

She picked it. I attended. We loved it. Highly recommended to any local parents to be.

Great review. We'll have to interview Lanell some time. She sounds great.