https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Wed, 29 Apr 2026 20:48:21 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/natural-birth-classes-need-advice#post-1717215 Mon, 23 Jun 2014 18:39:28 +0000 Greentea 1717215@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@lamariniere: "no amount of prep can prepare you for the real thing," haha! YES! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/natural-birth-classes-need-advice#post-1716566 Mon, 23 Jun 2014 13:11:14 +0000 lamariniere 1716566@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>What class did you take?<br /> General at the hospital. It was taught by a doula. </p> <p>How many hours was it??<br /> 5 weeks, 2 hours each time </p> <p>Did you feel equipped/prepared?<br /> Maybe? My 1st labor was very different from what I was expecting and I ended up with an epi, which I was fine with. But I feel that no amount of prep can prepare you for the real thing. With my 2nd LO, the L&amp;D all happened so fast that I couldn't have an epi, but I manage to cull what I remembered from the birth class to at least get me through the contractions. </p> <p>What would you have done differently?<br /> I'm glad I took it and was informed. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/natural-birth-classes-need-advice#post-1716328 Mon, 23 Jun 2014 12:00:21 +0000 Sunderling 1716328@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I didn't end up taking any classes. We were supposed to go to classes put on by our doula but they were cancelled due to low attendance, and the class they suggested instead was so close to my due date that I decided to just not go.</p> <p>I still felt prepared for the birth. I did quite a bit of research beforehand, and had a very experienced doula. My husband is a pretty level-headed guy and I wasn't worried about him.</p> <p>It turned out really well, so I wouldn't do anything differently if I have another baby. My personality doesn't really lend itself to classes anyways, and I learn well by reading about things. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/natural-birth-classes-need-advice#post-1716093 Mon, 23 Jun 2014 10:42:21 +0000 Mrs.Someone 1716093@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@grizz: Glad I'm not the only one! I actually spoke out that getting practical info from a book or the internet wasn't as useful and we needed it in class more than art projects. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/natural-birth-classes-need-advice#post-1716057 Mon, 23 Jun 2014 10:31:09 +0000 Boheme 1716057@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Greentea: YES! My husband was decently comfortable, but my labor was so long it was tremendously helpful for him and our doula to tag in and out, and take breaks. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/natural-birth-classes-need-advice#post-1716031 Mon, 23 Jun 2014 10:26:08 +0000 Greentea 1716031@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I took Bradley. I think it helped me feel more prepared- my thinking is... why not? Why not take everything you can? I think the more knowledge the better! Was very happy with my birth experience.</p> <p>Eta: my personal advice to anyone who wants a medfree birth would be to hire some badass doulas. Like a team of them. DH does not have the personality to help in labor... so I found out! Bradley was very much about husband involvement... </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/natural-birth-classes-need-advice#post-1716010 Mon, 23 Jun 2014 10:18:30 +0000 looch 1716010@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>What class did you take? (general (natural), Bradley, Hypnobirthing, etc)<br /> - I attended the hospital course only, it was taught by a midwife and it centered around delivering using movement to manage pain.<br /> -I purchased the Mongan Method, which relies on visualization, but I realized I can't visualize myself lying in a mountain of blue mist, so it didn't work for me.</p> <p> How many hours was it??<br /> -the course met twice, for 3 hours each</p> <p> Did you feel equipped/prepared?<br /> -yes, I felt that the midwives were educated to know how to manage pain with movement and it turned out they knew what they were doing, I delivered my son with no interventions.</p> <p>What would you have done differently?<br /> -Nothing, it worked fine for me. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/natural-birth-classes-need-advice#post-1715984 Mon, 23 Jun 2014 10:09:16 +0000 bushelandapeck 1715984@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>What class did you take? We took a natural childbirth class (no specific Bradley method, etc). </p> <p>How many hours was it?? 2.5 hours a week for five weeks.</p> <p>Did you feel equipped/prepared? I did. I thought it was really helpful. She went over the pros/cons of different interventions and also gave us information on what to expect if we needed a c-section, episiotomy, etc. She also went over breastfeeding and that was also really helpful. </p> <p>What would you have done differently? I would have birthed at a birth center, but my DH isn't comfortable with that so we went the traditional hospital route. I was still able to have a med-free birth, despite a few hiccups, and I'm planning to go back there for baby #2, due in the fall. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/natural-birth-classes-need-advice#post-1715852 Mon, 23 Jun 2014 09:29:20 +0000 Boheme 1715852@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mrs.Someone: I HATED Birthing From Within! I couldn't take it seriously at all. It gave me the giggles, especially the 'birth art'. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/natural-birth-classes-need-advice#post-1715832 Mon, 23 Jun 2014 09:20:09 +0000 Mrs.Someone 1715832@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Just took the class this weekend! As promised, a review:</p> <p><b>What class did you take? (general (natural), Bradley, Hypnobirthing, etc)</b><br /> Birthing from Within, weekend intensive</p> <p><b>How many hours was it??</b> around 20</p> <p><b>Did you feel equipped/prepared?</b> Haven't birthed yet, but I feel OK going into it. More confident because I have a doula and I trust my OB.</p> <p><b>What would you have done differently? </b> Researched what the class was about before signing up. </p> <p>To be honest, I didn't like the class. It was heavier on the emotional end than the practical knowledge, which I wasn't prepared for or up for. We did 3 art projects, which I saw as mostly a waste of time, especially since the last 3 hours of class we were struggling to get all the practical knowledge questions answered that had been missed. </p> <p>Also, they showed a few videos that I didn't like for various reasons. One was showing several women giving birth from a squatting position. Sure, show one or two with more commentary as to why it is helpful, but no need to show several back to back with no commentary.</p> <p>Then the second was a cartoon depiction of how an epidural works, but on drawings of cartoon elks. It felt childish, and had some outdated info. The class overwhelmingly told the instructor that we didn't like it.</p> <p>The people in our class were great though, a good mix of people. There was also a midwife and an anesthesiologist that happened to be taking it, so they both had very helpful knowledge to share.</p> <p>Overall, I wouldn't recommend this class. It was too emotional for me, and until the last few hours I was concerned that we would be missing some information that the instructor said we could easily find in books. Boo. Every class is different though! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/natural-birth-classes-need-advice#post-1708333 Wed, 18 Jun 2014 20:13:43 +0000 avivoca 1708333@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>What class did you take? Empowered Birth (Lamaze based)</p> <p>How many hours was it?? 2.5 hours a week for seven weeks. </p> <p>Did you feel equipped/prepared? Very much. I knew all my options going in and felt extremely prepared for the birth I wanted. </p> <p>What would you have done differently? I would have birthed at home, but that wasn't an option for my husband. However, I had a wonderful experience and achieved my goal of a med-free birth. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/natural-birth-classes-need-advice#post-1708134 Wed, 18 Jun 2014 18:18:42 +0000 Mrs. Jump Rope 1708134@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@LatteLove: we took a Childbirth Class which was described as learning breathing exercises and pain management. If was different than the Lamaze class, and since I had decided on getting an epidural I took the childbirth class. </p> <p>I don't know if it was the instructor or what, but the whole class focused on labor positions and breathing for a completely natural birth. We skimmed over pain management options and barely touched on c-sections, which I learned I'd be having by the third class. </p> <p>I'm glad we took it, but it wasn't what I expected at all! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/natural-birth-classes-need-advice#post-1708102 Wed, 18 Jun 2014 17:54:29 +0000 Mrs. Cheesecake 1708102@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Foodnerd81: at first DH went to the class to support me, but then while he was there, he realized that the class was there to support him too. i agree with you - having DH be confident in his role as my supporter helped me because he wasn't an emotional scaredy-cat, wreck! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/natural-birth-classes-need-advice#post-1708092 Wed, 18 Jun 2014 17:49:50 +0000 Foodnerd81 1708092@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@jojepie: you know, I don't know what else would have helped me, but I think Dh would have really benefited from a better class, then me by extension. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/natural-birth-classes-need-advice#post-1708090 Wed, 18 Jun 2014 17:48:37 +0000 Foodnerd81 1708090@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We took a one day "preparing for birth with a midwife", at my hospital/ midwife practice. So, general natural birth basically. It was fine. I don't feel I really learned all that much, but I felt better having done it. I honestly don't know that taking a long involved class would have prepared me any better. I think my midwife and nurse had a bigger impact than any class and I couldn't have planned for that. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/natural-birth-classes-need-advice#post-1708070 Wed, 18 Jun 2014 17:30:53 +0000 emg86 1708070@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We took Bradley, 2.5hrs once a week for 8 weeks. Loved our instructor and enjoyed the class. Definitely helped us feel prepared. I highly recommend them! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/natural-birth-classes-need-advice#post-1708036 Wed, 18 Jun 2014 17:05:40 +0000 Mrs. Cheesecake 1708036@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>What class did you take? we did Hypnobirthing classes.</p> <p>How many hours was it? it was 5 classes, 2.5-3 hours each, for 5 weeks.</p> <p>Did you feel equipped/prepared? yes, i think that the relaxation techniques that i learned in the class helped with labor and me getting to transition without medication. we labored at home from 4am-9pm practicing hyponobirthing, then finally went to the hospital because my surges were happening closer together. i think the classes also helped prepare my DH by giving him the confidence and tools to help me with the labor. he knew how to help me relax, focus and get my mind away from the pain. i wouldn't have been able to have a non-medicated birth without him.</p> <p>What would you have done differently? nothing! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/natural-birth-classes-need-advice#post-1708014 Wed, 18 Jun 2014 16:50:51 +0000 Mrs. Cookie 1708014@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>What class did you take? Natural Birthing Class with Amma Parenting Center in Twin Cities</p> <p>(We did consider Bradley method at first but the longer commitment and the price and the fact that my OB wasn't a huge fan of it swayed us to explore other natural birthing classes. I'm really happy with the one we ended up choosing.)</p> <p>How many hours was it?? six-week course, two hours a week</p> <p>Did you feel equipped/prepared? We are learning SO MUCH. I really look forward to it week after week. I've written a birth "wish list" instead of a plan and we have learned a lot of great breathing and massage techniques.</p> <p>What would you have done differently? Not sure, ask me again in five weeks after I give birth! :) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/natural-birth-classes-need-advice#post-1707998 Wed, 18 Jun 2014 16:39:31 +0000 coopsmama 1707998@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>What class did you take? (general (natural), Bradley, Hypnobirthing, etc) We were required by our midwifery practice to take the Bradley Method classes.</p> <p>How many hours was it?? I believe it was 10 weeks long for 2.5 hours one night a week.</p> <p>Did you feel equipped/prepared? Yes and no. I felt like I understood good nutrition for pregnancy, labor positions, and the stages of labor really well after the class. The instructor also brought in a lactation consultant who was fantastic at prepping us for BF'ing. But at the same time, our instructor was VERY cavalier about giving birth and basically told us that by following these methods and by practicing relaxing enough we wouldn't have much pain -- which was so far from the truth. I think your mileage will vary just depending on the instructor!</p> <p>What would you have done differently? I would have taken Hypnobirthing classes instead if that had been an option. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/natural-birth-classes-need-advice#post-1707989 Wed, 18 Jun 2014 16:33:28 +0000 MoonMoon 1707989@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@LatteLove: </p> <p>What class did you take? (general (natural), Bradley, Hypnobirthing, etc) </p> <p>We just took the 2 day hospital childbirth class and tour. The Bradley classes didn't mesh with my life very well and were expensive considering we were already paying for a doula. I wanted the hospital classes so I could scope out the hospital's policy and facilities.</p> <p>How many hours was it??</p> <p>2 days, I think 8 hours total?</p> <p>Did you feel equipped/prepared? </p> <p>Yes, but mostly from my own reading &amp; conversations with our doulas. The nurses who led our classes were nice, though, I liked the funny childbirth videos from the 80s :-P</p> <p>What would you have done differently?</p> <p>Nothing! I got the birth I wanted, in grateful to everyone there. My husband feels the same way. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/natural-birth-classes-need-advice#post-1707978 Wed, 18 Jun 2014 16:27:21 +0000 PurplePeony 1707978@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>What class did you take? Hypnobirthing</p> <p>How many hours was it?? We met once a week for five weeks, three hours at a time (though we often ended up staying a bit late) </p> <p>Did you feel equipped/prepared? Yes, with the caveat that we didn't talk much about some things that would be covered in a hospital course. Most of that was covered during our hospital tour, which we had to sign up for separately (it's included as part of the standard birthing course at the hospital).</p> <p>What would you have done differently? Not much! I enjoyed our class and had a great birth experience. With Hypnobirthing (and probably every natural birthing method), what you get out of it really hinges on the effort you put in. So you really have to commit to practicing the techniques, even if it feels silly. We probably could have practiced more, but thank goodness what we did was enough! And the upside was, I've never felt so chill in my life as I was during my last trimester, all the relaxation exercises really worked, haha. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/natural-birth-classes-need-advice#post-1707973 Wed, 18 Jun 2014 16:24:10 +0000 Mrs.Someone 1707973@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I'll get back to you next week, we have our birth class ALL weekend! It's based on the "Birthing from Within" book (which I haven't read...) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/natural-birth-classes-need-advice#post-1707959 Wed, 18 Jun 2014 16:15:51 +0000 Boheme 1707959@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>What class did you take? Bradley Method</p> <p>How many hours was it?? 2.5 hours a week for 8 weeks, or there was an option to go an 1.5 hours a week for 12 weeks.</p> <p>Did you feel equipped/prepared? Absolutely. I couldn't have done it without taking the classes. My husband feels the same.</p> <p>What would you have done differently? I would have hired a more experienced doula, but that doesn't really have anything to do with the classes. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/natural-birth-classes-need-advice#post-1707955 Wed, 18 Jun 2014 16:14:34 +0000 LomaLinda 1707955@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>My husband and I took the Bradley birthing class. It was 12 weeks long (a couple hours every Sunday evening), and it was a HUGE help to us! I felt that it did equip me with the education I needed to have my pain-med-free birth. Through the class I also learned how important having support is during your childbirth experience; they teach the husbands a lot about that, but we ended up getting a doula. Anyway, I highly, highly recommend the Bradley class! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/natural-birth-classes-need-advice#post-1707936 Wed, 18 Jun 2014 16:06:07 +0000 LatteLove 1707936@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I'm 26 weeks pregnant and can hardly believe I'm thinking about birth education classes, but the time is here!<br /> I'm looking forward to planning for a natural birth (but holding my plans very loosely!) knowing that i need to be as prepared as possible to even have a chance of being successful.</p> <p>Since the cost difference between a generic hospital birth class and a natural birth class at a local birthing center is significant (4-5x the cost!), I want to make sure I make the right choice. </p> <p>Here are my questions:</p> <p>What class did you take? (general (natural), Bradley, Hypnobirthing, etc)<br /> How many hours was it??<br /> Did you feel equipped/prepared?<br /> What would you have done differently? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/natural-birth-resources#post-621477 Thu, 07 Mar 2013 15:41:04 +0000 heartonastring 621477@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Another vote for Ina May's Guide to Childbirth. I plan to go back and read some of the birth stories again and my due date gets closer (eek! I better get on that soon!). </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/natural-birth-resources#post-621239 Thu, 07 Mar 2013 14:53:26 +0000 Boheme 621239@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mrs. Chalk: Ooh, I got Pushed at the library but haven't started it yet! I'll have to crack it open tonight. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/natural-birth-resources#post-621235 Thu, 07 Mar 2013 14:53:04 +0000 runsyellowlites 621235@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>The most helpful things for me were:</p> <p>1. Lots of natural birth stories... infact I stuck to homebirth stories and ONLY read unmedicated birth stories (nothing against medicated moms b/c I needed to see it COULD be done). My birthstory is posted here on HB if you wanna add one to your list.<br /> <a href="http://birthwithoutfearblog.com/" rel="nofollow">http://birthwithoutfearblog.com/</a> is a great resource AND I loved Jen Kamels b/c she was a vbac <a href="http://vbacfacts.com/about/hbacbirth/" rel="nofollow">http://vbacfacts.com/about/hbacbirth/</a> AND I love That Wife's birth story of her first <a href="http://thatwifeblog.com/2010/05/04/the-birth-of-t1-part-i/" rel="nofollow">http://thatwifeblog.com/2010/05/04/the-birth-of-t1-part-i/</a></p> <p>2. I had a great natural birth group on the pregnancy app I used (babybump).... there's also a private unmedicated group. In both places I was able to get alot of encouragement and info regarding intervention stats.</p> <p>3. My MW was incredibly encouraging and told me countless stories of mommas she delivered!</p> <p>4. My birth bible was Ina May's "Guide to Childbirth"</p> <p>5. I learned all I could on recent intervention studies and knew WHY I didn't want them.... I also knew IF I did need them how I was okay having them and in what "order". Ie. nipple stimulation before pit for a stalled labor, etc.</p> <p>6. I believed in my body!! That was HUGE! I read everything I could about the mechanics of birth so that I KNEW my body knew what to do regardless of "me" having never done it. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/natural-birth-resources#post-621170 Thu, 07 Mar 2013 14:42:53 +0000 Mrs. Chalk 621170@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>One of the first books that got me interested in natural childbirth was "Pushed". Ina May Gaskin's "Guide to Childbirth" is probably the definitive natural childbirth book.</p> <p>I know I read so many birth stories online... will try to remember if there were specific blogs that I read and come back and report! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/natural-birth-resources#post-621164 Thu, 07 Mar 2013 14:42:34 +0000 maybebaby 621164@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Oh, I look forward to seeing people's responses! </p>