Unless of course that's how you're preparing. If so, please tell us all about it.
I'm reading Ina Mays guide to child birth. Some of it is a little over the top but some of it resonates with me. I'm thinking I want a doula because although dh is great, he is super squeemish about bodily functions. If I have to worry about not grossing him out I'm worried I won't really be able to concentrate.
*** Please excuse the typos, my phone hates me***
Married September 14, 2013
TTC #1 August 2014
1st Pregnancy September 2014 - Chemical Pregnancy
2nd Pregnancy October 2014 - July 8, 2015 Due Date!Stick bean, stick!
Well...with my first, I watched videos and went to a child birthing class which was really informative. However, when it came time, the labor in the bath at the hospital was what I wanted and not what I was allowed. I ended up being a week late, induced (due to IVs, no tub) and after 27 hrs of labor I ended up having to have a C-section. So really you can gather as much info as you want but in the end you just never know what you are going to end up going through
Post by junebug0611 on Jan 19, 2015 19:18:48 GMT -5
I watched The Business of Being Born today because I never did during my last pregnancy even though I did Bradley classes and had a natural/unmedicated birth with a midwife and doula at the hospital. It was a nice reminder of the beauty of natural birth (although mine was not a home birth -- I'm just not comfortable with that and don't particilarly want to give birth in my tiny apartment!).
I've hired the same doula I used last time. I'd like to sign up for a Bradley refresher at some point just to recall comfortable positions for labor and birthing. I'd also like to get better about doing kegels and the Bradey-recommended exercises (heck, any exercise!) to get my body ready for this. But my morning sickness hasn't abated yet so I'm not pushing myself yet.
Third time mom and honestly I did nothing to prepare. I didn't books. I didn't take classes (except for a hospital class that told about the different birthing options and included a tour of the birthing center). I had in my mind that I wanted a water birth and I was fortunate to have no complications with either of my first two pregnancies.
One bit of advice I do have is that no amount of planning, prepping or educating will prepare you. In the moment you will find a new strength you never knew you had. That could mean you find the strength to make it through med free, to make the decision to get that epideral, to make a hard decision that is completely out of your comfort zone, or throw your birthing plan completely out the window.
Post by lindslew91011 on Jan 19, 2015 19:28:31 GMT -5
I am a FTM and obviously have no clue what is in store for me. I asked my doctor today what classes I should look to take because our hospitals offer lots of things. He told me to take child birth 101, infant CPR, and a breastfeeding class. We are thinking about those ones. Is it true that you generally take these when you are 7MO?
I was advised by my cousin not to attend a birthing class because all it does it scare you lol. I worry about things a lot, and I know when the time comes, the nurses will tell me what to do.
I'm a wuss and can't do pain, so I'm trying not to focus on what's gonna happen when I have her and just remember that no matter how I get her out, it will all end up being worth it, however it happens.
I am a FTM and obviously have no clue what is in store for me. I asked my doctor today what classes I should look to take because our hospitals offer lots of things. He told me to take child birth 101, infant CPR, and a breastfeeding class. We are thinking about those ones. Is it true that you generally take these when you are 7MO?
7 months sounds about right if those are one day courses. The Bradley course I took was 12 weeks (four hours a week) so I had to start much earlier, probably right around 20 weeks.
I am a FTM and obviously have no clue what is in store for me. I asked my doctor today what classes I should look to take because our hospitals offer lots of things. He told me to take child birth 101, infant CPR, and a breastfeeding class. We are thinking about those ones. Is it true that you generally take these when you are 7MO?
7 months sounds about right if those are one day courses. The Bradley course I took was 12 weeks (four hours a week) so I had to start much earlier, probably right around 20 weeks.
Infant cpr and child birth are both one day classes, breastfeeding is I think 4 weeks. So, maybe I'll start that one during my 6th month. Thanks for the advice junebug0611
Post by mischiefmama on Jan 19, 2015 19:42:59 GMT -5
I did a general overview of childbirth possibilities and methods. Anything that caught my attention for some more reading. But mostly I just came to terms with having a preferred method, but knowing that anything could happen, and it would be ok. I like Ina May's stuff.
I'm also reading Ina May and while I occasionally roll my eyes most of it feels right to me. I am hiring a doula, and I'm starting birthing classes next month. DH is a supportive partner and he's great in crisis mode, but I'm seriously concerned he won't be here when I go into labor. We will do our best that he is, but fire happens when it happens.
I read at least four books when I was pregnant with DS; this time I'm reading Ovia updates, lol. I also took an 8 week childbirth class and a breast feeding class last time. This time I may take the one day condensed version. I haven't decided yet.
I was advised by my cousin not to attend a birthing class because all it does it scare you lol. I worry about things a lot, and I know when the time comes, the nurses will tell me what to do.
I'm a wuss and can't do pain, so I'm trying not to focus on what's gonna happen when I have her and just remember that no matter how I get her out, it will all end up being worth it, however it happens.
The class was really useful, I thought, especially if you really don't have a medical background. It was also helpful to just know what the body does during labor and what pain interventions are available and what each type does (epidural is not the only pain intervention!). I also thought it was useful for DH to hear all of these things, too. Yes, the nurses will tell you what to do, but if you want to be involved at all in your decision-making, I would take a class or at least read a medically-based book about childbirth.
Post by emeraldeyed315 on Jan 19, 2015 20:02:24 GMT -5
I personally loved my hospitals birth prep classes. Most info I knew, but I enjoyed going with my husband. He was not as educated on it all as myself (no husband boards haha) so he really got a lot out of them.
I read Ina May's book, a hypnobirthing book and watched a lot of documentaries. I plan on rereading a bunch this time around. I also did prenatal yoga classes which were SO helpful.
I read lots of books with DD1. Nothing went as I planned, but that's OK! I do think a book or a class is a good idea just so you know what options are out there and what to expect.
Post by catladymeow on Jan 19, 2015 20:08:52 GMT -5
I've read a lot of books and I'm still reading more. I've hired a doula. I'm probably taking hypnobirthing but I haven't decided for sure yet. Prenatal yoga. I'll also probably take an infant care course that the hospital teaches...because I have no idea how to care for an infant.
Currently doing prenatal yoga and the instructor is also a doula and LMT with emphasis on prenatal massage so during yoga class she gives a lot of good tidbits on getting your body ready for birthing (endurance, strength, breathing etc).
My mom will basically be my "doula".
Other than that I haven't done anything yet. I need to read some books and do hospital tours/classes. With my work I've seen several live births of all kinds so I've checked that off my list.
First time around I watched a series of videos from an online childbirth class to learn the basics. I read Ina May's book, a Bradley Method book, and the Hypnobabies book and cd. I said I'd "try" to go natural but if I couldn't then I wouldn't.
In the end I got all the drugs and an epidural and wish I hadn't waited so long to do it. This time around I hope to get the epidural earlier and avoid some misery.
I am a FTM and obviously have no clue what is in store for me. I asked my doctor today what classes I should look to take because our hospitals offer lots of things. He told me to take child birth 101, infant CPR, and a breastfeeding class. We are thinking about those ones. Is it true that you generally take these when you are 7MO?
Those are exactly the ones we're planning on taking. The childbirth one at my hospital is available has 5 week, 3 week, or one-day options. I have no idea when we're supposed to take them but DH is planning on calling them tomorrow for more info.
I read at least four books when I was pregnant with DS; this time I'm reading Ovia updates, lol. I also took an 8 week childbirth class and a breast feeding class last time. This time I may take the one day condensed version. I haven't decided yet.
This is exactly me! My bestie has experience with being a doula, so she'll be there. I kinda want to look into hypobabies, just haven't yet. Oh, and I'm going for a VBAC water birth. That's about it. I'm so much more laid back this pregnancy.
With my first I took the classes. I was glad to have taken them so I understood all of my options as they came up. Unfortunately, no matter how you prepare, things may not go the way you expect. So much of what you learn comes from the experience itself. I felt a lot more prepared with my next two, even though each time there have been surprises along the way.
I took a child preparation class with the first lo, didn't with the 2nd and got flack from a nurse because I wanted a refresher in bathing a newborn. My class was at the hospital I delivered at, included a hospital tour and was more than just about giving birth, we practiced diapering a baby doll, and discussed questions and concerns no matter what it was. It was a 1 night a week for 4 weeks, 3 hours a night class that we did at 7 months. We saw a movie of a vaginal birth and practiced lamaze breathing with a partner at the last class. With this lo, I just want a hospital tour as I'm in a completely different hospital.
Post by petrichor14 on Jan 19, 2015 20:21:20 GMT -5
I'm pretty clear on what I want to do but I'm hoping some classes will help lessen the anxiety a bit and help me feel more prepared.
My birth plan = Get the baby out (safely). Try to keep it from hurting too bad. And try not to get PTSD.
(So epidural ASAP, and go with the flow. My doctors are amazing and I trust their judgement, the nurses at this hospital are supposed to be wonderful and the hospital itself has a great reputation. I have no problem putting myself in their hands and just doing whatever needs to be done to get through this thing.)
With my first I took a birthing class at the hospital. Like the others it covered labor, infant care, breastfeeding, and a tour. I thought it was really valuable. The birthing class covered techniques to deal with pregnancy pain, labor pain, vaginal and csection. It was pretty informative and covered all aspects.
No matter what's in your birth plan you don't know what's going to happen. It's important to educate yourself on all of the options and not just on what you are hoping for.
This time I am planning to do the big sibling class with DD since she'll be 4.5. That's about it!
I have Ina May's book too, which has helped ease a lot of anxiety as a FTM. It is overt hippy dippy at times, but whatever.
I've started Prenatal Pilates dvd and have a Prenatal Yoga one on the way.
We live between 2 hospitals and 1 of them has free classes when you register there....so we will prob go with that one! It is newer and nicer anyway. They have Infant Care/CPR, Breastfeeding, and a Childbirth class. I'll do those around 6/7 months along.
I'm going the hospital route... the only birthing center near me has horrid ratings and I'm not comfortable doing a home birth. I need to pick up some more books to read about birthing techniques and how to get DH involved as a birth partner/coach. Any recommendations here?
I was advised by my cousin not to attend a birthing class because all it does it scare you lol. I worry about things a lot, and I know when the time comes, the nurses will tell me what to do.
I'm a wuss and can't do pain, so I'm trying not to focus on what's gonna happen when I have her and just remember that no matter how I get her out, it will all end up being worth it, however it happens.
The class was really useful, I thought, especially if you really don't have a medical background. It was also helpful to just know what the body does during labor and what pain interventions are available and what each type does (epidural is not the only pain intervention!). I also thought it was useful for DH to hear all of these things, too. Yes, the nurses will tell you what to do, but if you want to be involved at all in your decision-making, I would take a class or at least read a medically-based book about childbirth.
Oh I do agree that it's a very useful class. My cousin has really bad anxiety, and she said the class made it worse for her. They actually had to give her IV anxiety meds when she went into labor. I'm a lot like her, I worry about unnecessary things. Now that I'm 15 weeks, I'm feeling more confident that things are going well, but I still worry all the time, lol
The class was really useful, I thought, especially if you really don't have a medical background. It was also helpful to just know what the body does during labor and what pain interventions are available and what each type does (epidural is not the only pain intervention!). I also thought it was useful for DH to hear all of these things, too. Yes, the nurses will tell you what to do, but if you want to be involved at all in your decision-making, I would take a class or at least read a medically-based book about childbirth.
Oh I do agree that it's a very useful class. My cousin has really bad anxiety, and she said the class made it worse for her. They actually had to give her IV anxiety meds when she went into labor. I'm a lot like her, I worry about unnecessary things. Now that I'm 15 weeks, I'm feeling more confident that things are going well, but I still worry all the time, lol
Is it bad that when I read that my first reaction was "they can do that? Awesome!" *adds note to birth plan*
Post by kissandglow on Jan 19, 2015 21:57:13 GMT -5
I don't really get the doula thing. I think people who have had them, rave about them. But seems like another thing that really doesn't matter come crunch time.
The classes are good, even if it's just a walk-through of where you'll be delivering.
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