? for L&D nurses from a preggo nurse

[karma624]

Hello everyone, I need some advice if you please. I'm a nurse and currently 28 weeks pregnant with my first child. My OB would like me to take a birth class, which I have looked into at my hospital. The thing is, it's a 8 hour class that goes over all stages of pregnancy, complications, pain management and what to expect during actual labor. Most of this I feel is redundant due to my history in nursing except the obvious as to what to expect during actual labor as a new mommy and what to expect at this particular hospital birthing unit. Do you think the birth classes are a waste of time or a good idea for me with my medical experience? I wanted to ask the experts in this field! Thanks in advance!

[Elvish, BSN, DNP, RN, NP]

Your mileage may vary, of course, but I took the childbirth class as a nurse when pregnant with Thing 1 and found it helpful. Other nurse friends have as well. The instructor may also have some tips on things to bring with you to the hospital that will make your life easier (your own pillow, music, good nursing bras if you plan to breastfeed) or things to help with your labor. I've taken care of plenty of nurses as patients both in mother/baby and as baby nurse at deliveries; being a nurse helps them some but there is still a lot that they might need to know as new mommies and not nurses. I say go for it.

If nothing else, you might meet some other couples and make friends...future play dates, meal co-ops, someone to share the new-mama highs and lows with. :)

[klone, MSN, RN]

Honestly, I would probably do an outside class, like Birthing From Within or Bradley. Particularly if you're hoping to have a natural, unmedicated childbirth.

[cayenne06, MSN, CNM]

I think you'd be surprised at how much you learn at a good childbirth education class.

[AspiringNurseMW]

I agree with taking a class OUTSIDE of the hospital, especially if you have any intentions/aspirations of having an unmedicated birth. Looking at birth as a nursing student vs actually being pregnant are two different things, you would and should appreciate things differently.

[IrishIzCPNP, MSN, RN, APRN, NP]

Former L&D nurse...

What you learn in school is very little...and has nothing to do with being the patient.

What are your plans for your birth? Medicated or not? Planning to breastfeed? Considering circ? Have you been to this unit to see what it is like?

[BSNbeauty, BSN, RN]

I am a post partum nurse and attended child birth classes with my husband. You may be a nurse but you are a first time mom. These classes will be of benefit to you.

[cayenne06, MSN, CNM]

I was a doula, birth assistant and midwifery student during my first pregnancy, and I still took childbirth ed lol!