Did anyone take a lamaze class?

Does this class really prepare you for childbirth? Is a simple labor class enough? I'm confused. I'm wondering if I really need this. This is my first child.

I took a prenatal and infant class when I was pregnant with my first.  It was I think 12 classes in total and we went over all areas from being pregnant, delivery and infant care.  I found the class very informative and gave me the confidence to do a completely natural childbirth!

So yes I found it helpful to do the whole nine yards.  But my class wasnt Lamaze so not sure if there is a difference!

Lamaze is a meditative and pain management class. It teaches you how to breathe through the pain and concentrate. It also helps you to recognize when you go into labor and what the stages are.  It was beneficial, but I still opted for the epidural for both of my pregnancies.

I do recommend a pre natal class as well. Just getting practice on dressing and changing the little booger is awesome!

I took a Bradley class, which is a 12 session class very similar to what a PP said. We went over the stages of development of the baby, stages of labor, relaxation techniques, and how to work with your body for a natural childbirth.  Also we covered breastfeeding, recovery, newborn care, various intervention options, etc.  I loved my classes!  I really feel confident that I will be able to handle birth, whether it goes the way I envision or not.  I am overdue, lol, so hopefully soon I can report back as to whether it worked as well as I think!  :)

i took a lamaze class with a baby care class.  i didn't learn that much that i already didin't know; except how to change a diaper LOL; since I've never done that!

i kept giggling through the breathing excercises whenever i looked at my DH; but it's basically breathing short breaths three times and then a long one. 

i would take one; if you want; for the sheer prep of it all.  but if you don't, I don't think you'll be totally lost.

riflchik, i was 10 days overdue; i can only imagine how you feel...........

I had a read a ton while I was pregnant, but I still felt that my lamaze class was valuable.  Also, my husband read NOTHING prior so this was a way for him to learn what would happen.  I did use the breathing techniques that I learned and since I had back labor the positions came in handy for pain control.   I think there is no such thing as too much information before labor--but no matter what you can't possibly be totally prepared.  It will be unlike anything you've ever done!

You really can do the breathing and relaxation without someone teaching you, but you have to know what to expect as far as the stages of labor and what your body will experience. Being knowledgable about it helps you not freak out. You really have to be in control. I don't think anything can prepare you for the intensity of childbirth.

I personally took a birth class with my first over 5 years ago. It was very basic breathing techniques. This time, going natural, I didn't do anything but mentally prepare myself. My relaxation and breathing techniques came from yoga and meditation. I was very calm the whole time and very in control. You have to absolutely be 100% ready to not accept medical intervention before you go into labor. If you doubt yourself, you will allow your body to overcome you. I seriously went into this weird comatose state in the last hour before I pushed. It was crazy! No one messed with me. My mom just stroked my limp hand and my midwife only checked me once the entire labor. You have to have the right people in the room for support as well.

Again, make sure you read up on each stage of labor and what to expect.

http://www.pregnancy-calendars.net/labor-stag e.aspx

This is a good description of each stage of labor. Thought this my help you. Is there anything in particular you want to know about labor? Us other moms can try to help.

I had forgotten about how well these classes prepared my husband!  A PP mentioned it, and I wanted to second the idea!  My husband basically started our bradley classes because I said I wanted to go natural, but with all we learned, he is now so supportive, and well educated on labor, interventions, etc that I think he will be the one reminding me of all of our techniques and desires. 

Also, the long class (12 weekly sessions of about 2 hours)  really helped my husband and I communicate so much better.  not only about the baby, labor, etc, but everything!  We were asked to express ourselves, both positive things and negative things, about the other, and how to work through them.  It was almost like couples counseling in disguise!  I just can't say enough about the Bradley method...

It is also helping me now, since I am a week late today!  It is helping to re-read my book, remind myself about the importance of low intervention, and to remind me how natural and wonderful an experience this can and will be!  (my mantra lately has been, the baby is happy and healthy, there is no reason to rush things...)

Ok, now that I have written a novel, I'm off... :)

Original Post by riflchik:

It is also helping me now, since I am a week late today! 

So, you may be pregnant or you are ?

I am currently VERY pregnant...  which is the source of my frustration... :)

I did Bradley to prepare for my pregnancy as well.  I also trained in hypnobirthing and am a certified hypnotherapist, so I had two really great techniques.  I really wanted natural childbirth, and I did it :-)  I arrived at the hospital at 6pm and gave birth to my daughter at 9:23pm.  I had a fabulous experience!  Now I teach birthing classes through HypnoFamilies, which combines mind, body, and spirit. 

Diana Loreman

Original Post by riflchik:

I am currently VERY pregnant...  which is the source of my frustration... :)

 Oh, that kind of late. LOL! Good luck!

I just registered for a 2 session prepared childbirth class. I'm glad it's only two saturdays because it seems like 6 weeks is a long time.

I have 3 kids (had first at 21), and I never took any kinds of classes. For that very reason I can't tell you if they're beneficial or not, but when it comes right down it, it probably can't hurt.

I was in labor for a short amount of time for all 3 (longest was my daughter @ 3 hours from first twinge to the last push). If I'd been in for the long haul like a lot of women experience, I would've either been wishing for some good pain management techniques or an anesthesiologist!

Original Post by qmwillcand:

I have 3 kids (had first at 21), and I never took any kinds of classes. For that very reason I can't tell you if they're beneficial or not, but when it comes right down it, it probably can't hurt.

I was in labor for a short amount of time for all 3 (longest was my daughter @ 3 hours from first twinge to the last push). If I'd been in for the long haul like a lot of women experience, I would've either been wishing for some good pain management techniques or an anesthesiologist!

 GRRR! Lucky lady! I was able to go about 7-9 hours without medication with both of my labors, but then I couldn't take it anymore and got the stupid epidural! Both lasted over 18 hours. The last labor the anesthesiologist stuck me 3 times before it worked!

Have you started your classes yet, Nenewa? I wondered if they were helping you any.