Birthing classes

The majority of the patients that come to our hospital do not have any childbirth education. They normally do fine. Of course it depends on their support systems, you know, the horror birth stories from their mothers, other family and friends. Those are the women who come in scared to death and in general do not do well just because of overwhelming anxiety from the beginning. I think you can do well to educate yourself on the things you need to know, ie, relaxation techniques, pain management, stages of labor and what to expect with each stage. Anxiety always tends to dissapate somewhat when you know what to expect in advance. Tour the hospital's labor and delivery unit where you will be delivering prior to your birthing experience. Ask the nurses questions while you're there. Ask your doctor questions about his philosophy of birth and his normal routines and procedures. Knowing all of this ahead of time really helps. Try to remember that pregnancy/childbirth is a healthy well-state, the fewer interventions that you chose will make things less complicated for you and your baby. Do not opt for an elective induction if given that choice by your provider. You have access to a plethora of information on the internet and with your nursing background you should be fine. :)

Thank you! That was such a nice, positive response! I will just keep reading, and watching Discovery, if I am unable to get into a class. I appreciate your positive comments :)

You will do fine. Just educate yourself as to the choices available to you and tour the L and D department. Be assertive; tell the staff what you need and don't be afraid to ask!!!! Good luck and best wishes for a happy and healthy delivery!

Learn relaxation exercises and breathing. Practice the breathing patterns. I know there are several videos and books about prepared childbirth. As long as you prepare yourself, you'll do fine. The classes aren't always needed.

My husband and I never took childbirth classes because of our crazy schedules. Instead we read a lot of books and watched enough birth videos. We did just fine without lamaza/childbirth preparation class. Do learn breathing and relaxation techniques. Also learn about pain meds, kinds of epidural, c-section (never know if you'll need it, but good to be prepared). Make a wish list to take to a hospital :assign your coach, let staff know if you want to hold baby after birth and/or try breastfeeding, if you do/don't want catherizations, enemas, episiotomy, pitocin (given to speed up labor), etc. We did take a basic CPR and first aid class. A "must" take class for everyone.

Good luck. Wish you a fast, easy and worry free labor.:)

You'll do fine. juts listen to your body and remember to try and relax and not fight your body. For what it is worth, We offer both the 6 week series and the weekend childbirth classes. The short form is VERY hard to get much out of because it is so fast. You're probably better off without it. Do a little reading about childbirth ed ad relax. You'll have a nurse there to help you. Another idea would be to hire a doula. A doula is a certified labor attendant who is there JUST FOR YOU. She has no nursing respopnsibilities or anything. She'll coach you through everything. That's her job. Look up the DONA website (DONA stands for Doulas of North America). As an L&D nurse, I LOVE working with doulas. They are a tremendous help to the laboring woman.