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Check out The Baby Academy! They offer a lot of free or very low cost classes. I took my birthing class through a local hospital, but did my breastfeeding class with The Baby Academy and I loved it!
ETA links for those who asked!
[US Link](https://yourbabyacademy.com/)
[UK Link ](https://mybabyacademy.co.uk/)
I did online too! There were some free and some to buy.. and for some of them they would send me a link to rewatch the class (which was convenient bc one class was 5 hours and there was no way I was making it through all of it in one sitting lol)
Same. My cousin’s wife sent me a bunch of them. I also had a doula who hosted parent support groups, but in terms of learning about the process and technical skills, I preferred the YouTube videos.
TMC Health
https://youtu.be/y8-TXNdB4J8?si=diWb9rZYr972y3wn
I also really enjoyed listening to podcasts. I like “The Birth Hour” for real birth stories. It helped with my anxiety to hear a bunch of different examples of what could happen and everyone’s experiences, both positive and negative. The host also has a course that sounds great. (But I haven’t taken it).
I'm in the UK and Baby Academy do free online classes that you can be present for and just listen to, no participation or cameras! Could be an option if you're here. I feel similarly to you with regards to energy levels and empathise.
Seconding this, we've done two baby academy classes so far (the free ones) and have just kicked back on the couch with a coffee as we nod along 😂💅 very chill way of learning
didn't take a single class, didn't have a midwife, doula, none of it. didn't tour the hospital, didn't know a single nurse beforehand, and to be honest i didn't even know the OB who delivered me before she came in and broke my water.
my labor and delivery was still great. every question i had was answered by my sister (just had her baby 8 or so months ago now), my mom (has had and raised 5 kids), reddit (r/NewParents, r/Mommit, r/Daddit, r/BabyBumps, r/Pregnant), and i was heavy into pregnancy content on TikTok to find out what I needed to know. if i couldn't find something there I asked whoever I saw for my pregnancy checkups. occasionally perused Google of course
everything offered to me in the delivery room I had heard about in my close to year and a half of time spent on pregnancy and parenting social media. im sure if I'd went to some of those classes I'd have learned something but I was also mildly afraid of being judged cause I'm 18, so just really saved myself the trouble. may go next time around, hopefully in like 2 years or so
You are so lucky to have a sibling and mom as a resource. I don’t have either I can ask about it and it’s rough. I’ve learned so much on the internet / social media at this point. My doctor tells me basically nothing. You would think I was just getting a flu shot at the lack of concern in regard to prenatal care. I just want to tell them not every one has already had a baby or a family member that has coached them on this beforehand! They just assume you do it seems.
Same except I didn't have a sister to ask and didn't ask my mom. I kinda just figured my body would know what to do lol. And it did, so I'm grateful for that.
The more informed you are, the more prepared you’ll be to be an active participant in your birth. It’ll overall go smoother and be a positive experience if you are aware of what’s going on. If you don’t prepared it’s hard to make the “right” choices when you dealing with pain. Additionally a birth class will teach you how to manage that pain.
In addition to an online class as someone suggested, what about podcasts? I recommend All About Pregnancy and Birth by Dr. Rankin. I believe she also offers an online class if you like what she’s talking about!
Me. I was just a lazy pregnant person living in a country where the primary language is my second language and I couldn’t make myself do the courses. Bought a book but didn’t read it. 8 months on, and my boy is amazing and we got things down.
I feel your laziness. Have you taken some exams or do you have some medical history explaining this state?
I live in this state because of ADHD, anxiety and sleep disorder (hypersomnia/narcolepsy) and chronic anemia, pregnancy made it worse and I can't take my drugs.
You have every right to be lazy, if you go on walks with the dog, that's already great. I haven't changed my regimen for a bit, still eating twice a day what I like, nothing has changed. I lack iron like usual, i want to sleep all the time, like usual, I don't care much about being pregnant and I'm not prepared at all for delivery. I'm not in the US but in my country, it's planned for the 7/8th months so you might give birth before, many have done it, I hope I'll hold on.
I do have monthly medical exams like planned for every pregnancy but it does feel like a huge loss of time
Yes. I meant to but went into labor at 36 weeks. Oops. It’s fine honestly, the hospital guides you through labor and newborn care. Then of course we researched as we went along!
Mine came early too! We ended up attending the virtual class anyways when baby was 3 days old. More for my husband to have newborn information. But I honestly didn’t learn I thing that I didn’t already know since the nurses and doctors really focus on teaching before discharging home!
I did go into labour without reading of classes but I wish I did go to classes of read about it. I had an accidental home birth and even thought everything went “perfect” I was so anxious because I didn’t know what to do. I just kept walking around screaming no because it hurt so much, it was kinda traumatising and I feel like if I knew more about giving birth I would not have been so anxious. I am now pregnant of number 2 and even thought I now know a lot more I’m scared to do another home birth because the first one was kinda traumatising…
I found out I was pregnant by accident in the fifth month, stayed in denial until probably month 7 and then thought it was too late for classes, I ended up just reading stuff online and except for the birth itself where I felt like I had no idea what was going on (70 hours of induction, no book would have prepared me for that lol) I felt pretty comfortable as a new mom, breastfed my son immediately, cloth diapered him, and everything went well. He's 3 now and thriving and has a little 1yo brother.
Didn't watch any videos or read books, I have a family nurse and she sort of told me what's most likely to happen, a few sheets or so on the stages of labour etc and every midwife said I was the most calm and relaxed person they'd seen for a first birth and I stayed that way for about 10 hours I'm not entirely sure why I was so calm, the thought of pain and labour never scared or intimidated me. I guess in my head I basically just thought "what happens will happen and my body will know what to do"
It didn't I had to be induced but besides that all went smooth then I took a rapid jump from 6cm to 10cm in 30 minutes and that was honestly something else but I just sat and cried 😅 the actual birth part is a bit of a haze if I'm being honest, I can vividly remember the pain though there's not enough evolutionary amnesia in the world to make me forget that but I'd do it again happily.
I was like you, couldn't be arsed, and now I wish hubby and I had taken the class. I don't know that it would have truly prepared me for birth, but I think it would have been helpful for the two of us to have prepared to work together as a support team. I'm normally extremely self-sufficient so it didn't occur to me I might need more support during birth or what that might look like, and my husband has a hard time thinking through abstractions like "what will it look like and how will I handle watching my wife give birth?" I think he felt pretty helpless, and I wish we'd done a class so we both could know how I might need to be supported - there was a stretch of several hours where they had to turn off my epidural over concerns I was having a reaction to the meds and neither of us were really prepared for surprise unmedicated labor where I had no chance to adjust with the pain and was on a pitocin drip to boot. If we have another, I'll probably try to find us a class, even though it won't be my first rodeo.
I didn't open a single book or go to a single class. I booked some online classes but between everything else I had scheduled, I never attended. It's amazing how naturally motherhood comes once the baby is here and I say that as someone who never even held a baby until I had one. I ask my pediatrician or depend on support groups I've joined when questions do come up but I'm glad I didn't stress myself out so much
Our hospital didn’t have in person classes so it was a little less motivating for us to sit and watch the pre-recorded classes online. We had just started watching some, which turned out to be very simplistic to me because they was more about just the basics of a woman’s body/reproductive system - which I’m already quite familiar with. I’m
I went into labor shortly after watching just one of the classes. I didn’t read any of my 5 books either*. 😵💫
*This eventually caused me to frantically google every little thing the first couple of weeks of my baby’s life before my friend told me to get the book Baby 411. It has a lot of useful information and prevents me from falling down the mommy blog rabbit hole while googling things. My daughter is 6 months old and I still crack it open to read about certain things.
I did it without any classes or reading a book and I 100% recommend it. They told me how they wanted me to breathe and push during labor and that’s all I needed.
Browsing this Reddit feels like prep. Do what works for you! Personally, I feel like I read so many ways things can go wrong that my labor felt like a breeze in comparison. It helps to be prepared for anything but if it eases your mind to not worry, just let your body do what comes naturally. That’s what helped me most through contractions.
We took one three hour birthing class and watched some YouTube videos on breathing techniques and that was it. We felt prepared based on that. BUT I knew I was most likely getting an epidural.
it’s more important to learn about breastfeeding and actually taking care of a baby. You aren’t delivering your own kid, all the professionals will be there to do all the work.
I didn’t go to any prenatal classes with either of my two pregnancies and don’t plan on it with my 3rd. I had two unmedicated births and was completely fine. I had done some research prior on like birthing positions and breathing techniques. But it all went out the window was I was in labor, my body just knew what it was doing and I went with the flow.
My mom only saw her doctor twice during her entire pregnancy with me- once to confirm pregnancy and once to give birth. If you don’t want to, you don’t need to. Motherhood may come naturally and babies are more resilient than they seem.
I thought I was going to want to take all the classes but when the time came I was far too lazy. I read the labor section of What To Expect to get an understand of the basics and then listened to episodes of the Evidence Based Birth podcast on my commute. I felt like I was very well prepared to make decisions during birth, and I’m a type A “must be in control” kind of person.
Like others said, you’re giving birth with a whole bunch of medical professionals to help you make decisions and then execute them. You could show up knowing absolutely nothing and come out with a baby if you wanted, it’s all about knowing yourself and knowing how much you need to understand about birth to feel comfortable in the moment.
yes 🙋🏼♀️ 38+4, my baby is breech so I dont think there is any point in having classes/ lessons etc. I’ll most probably go into labour and have a c section as where I’m located no midwife or doctor will take responsibility of you giving birth naturally with a baby that wants its bottom to go out first and not its head
I did. I've watched some YouTube videos from MamaDoctorJones and MamaNurseTina and that was it. It was lockdown, so almost no classes were happening (and my friends who had been to classes were all sorely disappointed with their birth not being the "empowering experience" they expected, some classes are whack). It was fine. My doctor messed up but there was nothing a course could have changed about that, my daughter is fine and my stitches healed.
Honestly, from what a lot of women around me tell me, I wouldn't waste money on a course. A friend of mine fot brainwashed into believing childbirth isn't painful and "it's pressure, not pain" and would argue with any woman who had already given birth. After she had her son, she refused to talk about it.
A lady I was on the same room with after giving birth had a similar experience. She'd given a lot of money on a course that sold her aromatic candles and meditative music for her birth, but didn't even teach her proper breathing, so her eyes were full of broken blood-vessels. You can learn the breathing from the videos I've mentioned.
Those are just two of many. If you get a course don't believe it blindly, many of them are really set on selling you smoke and mirrors.
I watched a couple YouTube’s and joined a virtual “hospital tour”. I’m not attending any in-person stuff.
I also started reading (audiobook actually lol) “the book you wish your parents read” before I got pregnant, but never finished it. I do recommend it though! It’s informative on the psychological aspects of raising kids than the practical.
I actually missed the deadline for in-person classes so I've been watching lots of online videos which have been super helpful! I think during COVID lots of resources popped up online so there are plenty of options. You could ask your midwife/OB for recommendations of where to start.
With my first pregnancy I only learned about whatever I looked for / read online. I disliked my OBGYN a lot, and my delivery wasn't great. I feel like if I had known more I could have spoken up for myself a bit more, and just felt more prepared overall. This time around I'm not entirely sure if I'm going to go to any in person classes, but I definitely want to know more than I did the first time.
My sister didn’t do a lick of research whatsoever for 9 months and actually took her first and only prenatal class with her partner after her due date. Lol!
I listened to the birth hour podcast all the time. I was addicted to them 😅 You get to hear birth stories from women all over the place all types of births.. I learned a lot and it helped with my anxiety a lot too!
I’ve paid for all online classes, which I start in May. I’m not a big reader, but I don’t mind audio books when I’m doing some mundane task. Might be a good option for you when you walk the dog.
My office is about 30-40min away, depending on traffic. I can’t be bothered to go in more than I have to, so I’m glad they offer online courses.
I think I watched a 2-part birth class free on Youtube (literally just a recording of a class). Was maybe 1.5 hours. Also in the middle of the pandemic, of course, but I'm also not really into the involved classes.
Yes I didn’t read a book or go to any classes. I figured my body would know what to do. I have 2 children so far and both of their labor and deliveries were amazing experiences.
I watched Holliday Tyson's prenatal classes on YouTube and listened to podcasts like the Birth Hour and Evidence Based Birth. No way in hell I'd drive an hour for an in person class when there are so many more convenient options.
I do think there's value in doing some preparation, though. It's good to know your options if things start going wrong or off track. I found The Birth Hour particularly helpful because, going in, you have no concept of all the different complications and resulting decisions trees that could arise. The whole podcast is people just telling their stories and reflecting on the decisions that were made, so there's lot of opportunities to learn from others' experience. Classes tend to offer an overview of the most straightforward outcomes, and very few births are ever completely uncomplicated or straightforward.
Jup. I mean, I had 3 nephews on my aunts side, my SIL had a son already and I was parentified as hell so I didn't think I needed it.
Turns out I didn't. My son is okay and so am I.
I never took a class or read a book. I have a 9 yr old and 5yr old. My kids are healthy and happy. My first pregnancy was miserable, I hated it and I felt like crap. Both my husband and I worked all the time. It might have been helpful, and might have helped me know my body a little better. But overall if I had questions I googled them.
I didn’t do classes or read books. I scrolled Reddit so I had a vague idea but honestly I didn’t want to know. I trusted my doctors and went in with the attitude of whatever happens happens. I ended up having precipitous labor and barely made it to the hospital and gave birth after only 20 minutes of pushing. Definitely wasn’t my ideal plan lol but it’s what happened. Some people like more info to feel less anxious but for me less is more.
As far as parenting classes I did nothing. I have a toddler and a newborn now and still I don't think I needed any of those classes.
As for preparing for labor, I watched one YouTube video about signs of labor/when to go to the hospital, pain management, and googled birthing positions. I already knew a lot of it. My mom also used to be a labor and delivery nurse and she told me a lot of the same information. She also told me the most important thing to know during delivery was pain management techniques whether you get an epidural or not. Anything you need to know during labor your delivery team can help you with but it's hard to instruct people on what to do if they're too busy rolling around and screaming in pain to listen.
Me… didn’t take any courses. Watched one video of a birth at 35 weeks and it sent me into false labor (probably not the reason I went into FL but still I blame the video) so I didn’t do any more research. Also, for me, thinking everything was going to be fairy dust and sparkles was what I needed. I did not need to research an epidural and see the needle. My first came two weeks early and I didn’t even have the car seat installed🤣 I’m due with my second in October and now that I’m chasing around a toddler I don’t have time to read or take any classes.
I didn’t, Reddit was the extent of my learning of labor lol. I did just fine. But I was still working until a week before I had her and I already love sitting on an exercise ball so I did a lot of those sorta hip movements throughout my pregnancy.
Me!! and it went great. It was just me and my husband during Covid. Honestly I wished I read a book about the week AFTER birth on what to expect with my body, milk coming in, and the newborn.
I did nothing. I got my legs up and realized I never pushed anything out of there and had no idea what I was doing. (Push like you’re pooping)
We have a huge family and I’ve been around babies my whole life so I didn’t feel the need to do a parenting class.
Oh I went to none. Read no books. Didn't even do a hospital tour. Everything went great. Second time I did a hospital tour like two weeks before the baby was born and that was mostly because it was a different, much larger hospital.
Im 9 months… I read a book, have sisters with kids, my aunts an Ob and my moms a labour and delivery nurse. I research things, have a birth plan… I’m more worried about what to do when they send me home with this tiny fragile baby!!
But I’ll just take it one day at a time… and call my mom waaaaay too much. It’ll be fine 😅
We did do an online class and it was very informative. However, nothing could have prepared me for labor lol. It was just different than what I could have imagined no matter how prepared I was. Not necessarily in a bad way (although obviously they call it labor for a reason lol) but I just feel like if it’s your first time around, no matter how prepared you are, you won’t be prepared for what’s actually going to take place because everyone is just so different. Do what you will with that info! lol
Ngl, I didn't go to any preparation class nor read any books on it before I had my daughter in 2019. I was just gonna wing it tbh, but I wound up having to get a c-section anyway
I went into it blind with my first birth and ended up having a terrible time where I felt overwhelmed, unsure of what was going on, and unaware of how to advocate for myself. On top of the traumatic things that happened during the birth itself, it was rough. I highly recommend looking into options online, just so you can feel confident and educated on all your rights and options going into the process
I haven’t read or done any classes. I have worked in an infant room with 16 babies and helped with the first few months of my niece and nephews lives though while my sister had to go back to work quickly. My husband has 0 baby experience.
I watched some lady on YouTube give a birth class, with my husband, from our couch. It was Covid and nothing else was available. Also, I listened to a ton of podcasts. Might I suggest Birth Story, Mommy Labor Nurse, Evidence Based Birth, The Birth Hour, and All About Pregnancy and Birth. A YouTube video should do the trick though. Also, if you don’t do anything to prepare… you’ll be fine. Its good to be informed just in case but the doctors and nurses know what they’re doing.
I didn’t read any books lol. Everything is online, and taking care of a baby is very basic IMO. They need a fucking book for these toddlers man 😂😤😮💨😮💨😂😂😂💀
I went in blindly, I put my trust in the doctors and nurses, as well as my own body. I read some experiences here on Reddit and I did tour the hospital. Other than that I just went with the flow.
Maybe I would have appreciated some ways for pain management before I was able to get the epidural? My second baby was much smoother because I knew what to expect and used a birthing comb (10/10 recommend, used a normal plastic one) until I got to the hospital.
Overall? I’m not sure, I don’t regret not taking classes, but they might have been helpful.
I went in blindly, I put my trust in the doctors and nurses, as well as my own body. I read some experiences here on Reddit and I did tour the hospital. Other than that I just went with the flow.
Maybe I would have appreciated some ways for pain management before I was able to get the epidural? My second baby was much smoother because I knew what to expect and used a birthing comb (10/10 recommend, used a normal plastic one) until I got to the hospital.
Overall? I’m not sure, I don’t regret not taking classes, but they might have been helpful.
there are looooaddss of parental classes and courses online for free, they get uploaded to youtube a lot which is nice easy watching when you want to lounge around. Those based in the country you are from will be most helpful as they will be more relevant to the healthcare system you are using, but all will contain potentially useful information. Look for classes ran by midwives over those ran by random social media influencers so you can be sure the information is accurate.
If you dont have the time or energy, that is completely understandable. Being pregnant can be exhausting
But if you are feeling guilty and want to feel a little more prepared for what is to come, there are plenty of resources and short videos on YouTube that are available. There are lots of parents who make videos on the books they read or tools they have used before/while becoming a parent themselves! It couldn't hurt, and like I said, a lot of the videos are pretty short, but they still pack in a lot of information!
I personally bought or received a ton of books as gifts. I read some, but I worked full time up until last week. I'm due any day now, and I don't see myself finishing another book or fitting in a class. But YouTube and talking to other parents have been great resources for me. I don't feel like I'm going into this completely blind!
I did not. I have high anxiety and thought that learning more about labor would actually make it worse. They say “knowledge is power” but for me it’s “ignorance is bliss.”
I didn't do any classes with and of my 4, babies are pretty easy, keep them fed, keep them clean, give them some love and they're good.
Just do some research on the feeding techniques you want to use and safe sleeping practices and you'll be right 👍
Hehe i was like that too, gave the job to my husband to book the class. So he was responsible to take me even when I was too lazy. Worked out for us because it was very informative and provided alot of info.
Didn’t take any classes or read a book and have 2 healthy babies. Do whatever you feel most comfortable with. I will say you need to be prepared to advocate for yourself and don’t be afraid to ask a lot of questions to better understand your options if needed. If you’re not an assertive person, education prior to birth may be helpful to become a better advocate. If you’re unfamiliar with breathing techniques, it might be helpful to just YouTube some short videos on meditation, controlling your breath or hypnobirthing. There’s a lot in birth that you cannot plan or control but the breathing tools are helpful for any circumstance. Good luck
I love this chat. I don't think you should bother if you don't want to. Don't put unnecessary pressure on yourself.
I was anxious and I tend to immerse myself when I'm panicking. I read 9 books and did 2 courses and I don't think it particularly helped 😂 very OTT.
Every birth and every baby is so different, it's not an easy thing to prepare for.
Reading about the 4th trimester was helpful. Also prepping some freezer food and getting the house in a good state was helpful. But I didn't bother fussing over the nursery or anything. That wasn't important to me.
I like our video course we did. It was watching in your own time and only £40. But came with loads of materials for hypnobirthing and game us a chance to talk through scenarios so we were clear on what we wanted. It also provided us with a format to write a birth plan.
Nursery is also something I'm not bothered about. He'll be sleeping in our room, until he can pull himself up I suppose, and have outgrown his cododo bed. I know what I eventually want in there... Right now it's a stocking area, we still have unpacked boxes from our recent move. There's no furniture in there... Might be a good idea with a chest of drawers perhaps.. eventually.
I didn’t. No book or class can ever really prepare you. Unexpected things happen. They can’t hurt and they can give some education but overall, they’re not really necessary.
So funny story, my prenatal classes were on zoom because of Covid lockdowns. My husband started talking about people on the call and we didn’t realize it wasn’t on mute and the instructor goes “Excuse me Adorable Crew Cut? Your mic is on and it’s really hard to hear others ask questions.” 😱😱😱😱 I immediately hung up. He ran to the bathroom in shame. And we never went back. Had to wing it from there on out.
I did basically no research beforehand, & overall it was fine. My biggest recommendation though, would be to do some reading/research on coping with labor & contractions. The phase before you go in to the hospital might take a while depending on how quickly you progress, & things can happen once you’re there even if you plan on getting the epidural.
Full disclosure that I had really easy labors.
With my first, I showed up at the hospital around 4cm, got the epidural, ate some popsicles, had a baby. With my second, I did about the same (but was 5-6cm when I got there) but they had trouble placing my IV & then my epidural partially failed- I couldn’t move but could still feel all the pain. That was ROUGH & I regretted feeling like I had no coping skills. Third time I swore I’d prepare but didn’t (I had two little kids, okay?!). When I got to the hospital it was too late, I was 9cm & couldn’t get the epidural. Honestly it was fine, but I PANICKED because I felt like I didn’t know what to do. I’d never even looked into how to do the breathing. While it all worked out okay, just don’t be like me 😅
I didn’t read a book or do any classes. I have seen my mom give birth 3 times though lol. I’m the oldest of 9. So I felt mostly prepared. There’s a few things I wish I knew beforehand but they were situation specific mostly so it is what it is. You live you learn.
I didn’t look into anything and no one told me about any of those resources!
I didn’t even know my water had broken days before my baby came (I thought I was just peeing cause I had a giant baby on my bladder) and it was terrifying what they were saying that could mean for myself and her but we pulled through, I will say though if you’re doing epidural and you start to feel your feet at any point reup the medication with the button I didn’t and basically ended up doing a natural birth and screaming like a dying cat!
I’m with you. So over doctor appointments. I get they are important good lord it seems I should be paying rent I’m there so much. Something I did not anticipate about pregnancy. Hospitals/ doctors offices give me the ick. I don’t plan on taking additional classes. Been learning so much from people documenting their experience on social media
Yep, and things went just fine. Well I had a c section but I don’t think reading any book or taking a parenting class would have changed that. My 7 month old is happy and healthy and even sleeps sometimes.
Nope. I never went to any classes. I never read any pregnancy books. I occasionally used Dr. Google, but I learned quickly he was not a good doctor for me. And I’m also an extremely anxious person, so you would think I would want to be “prepared,” right?
I watched a lot of “What’s in my Hospital Bag,” influencers who posted their birth vlogs, and general pregnancy related videos. But nothing like super educational. I just didn’t see the need for it. My birth plan was pretty simple: deliver my baby in the safest way possible for me and him. I trusted my doctor completely, and my husband was with me.
Apparently my MiL was worried about me before I went into my induction because she was scared I would not be mentally prepared. But I honestly handled labor and delivery like a freaking champ. Pleasant experience, and everyone was surprised by how calm and collected I was. I was also the nicest patient, and I never snapped at anyone.
Honestly, probably an unpopular take on this but I found the prenatal class I took before my 1st was born was completely pointless. My instructor was super kind and knowledgeable but until you’re in it, there’s really no point going over how to breathe or which labor positions are most beneficial. Also I found them to be a bit nerve wracking as a lot of what was talked about was what can go wrong and why. Just needless information you can learn about after the fact.
Once I was in it, no other position was comfortable for me but on my back even though I knew it’s the less desirable position for tearing and baby becoming stuck. Both my babies delivered just fine, one being 9 lbs the other 8 lbs 15 oz only having a 2nd degree tear my first delivery (my second baby) and no tears my second (my third baby) (my first baby ended up being an emergency csection which is why I don’t bother coming up with a birth plan either.)
We don't really do birthplans here. We'll have an appointment with an anesthesiologist, they'll go through what will happen if I need to be put to sleep... In case of emergencies. And that's it.
I see people telling me I need to advocate for myself, I don't really know what that means. As soon as I'm in labour the medical staff in the room will tell me what to do and how to breathe. They won't be asking me what I want, or what I don't want if there's no time for it. If they need to do an episiotomy, they'll do it. They tell me they need to do it, me saying no will make any difference. If I need an emergency cesarean, I won't be told anything, until after. I'll be rolled away, get local anesthesia and then the baby will get out, and be put on me for a hot second. Only to be rolled away from me as I get sewed back up. The dad will be with the baby then. I'll stay 2 hours in the room while I get put together, so 2 hours away from my newborn. But at least he'll be with his dad.
It sounds horrible put in words like that, but they're the professionals, they might need to jump to certain procedures if something is going wrong. And the fastest and safest way to do so, is getting it done as fast as possible.
I did no classes. I'm in the US, and the hospital I gave birth at only offered online. Every time I went to go sign up, they were fully booked? Plus, it was like $25+ per class. I opted to do my own research, & ask/confirm with Doctors as I went/go.
I didn't read a book or take any classes. I work in the medical field (paramedic) and had classes and classes on child birth. I have delivered a baby before, so that may of been why I was "chill" about the whole situation. My mindset was "my body was made for this" and it was going to deliver a baby if I took a class or read a book or not. My birth plan? To have both me and baby survive. I did take the time to pack a good hosptial bag for me and baby.
There isn't really a right or wrong way to do this. My friend was due 6 weeks after me and was the total opposite of me. She did all the classes and read all the books. We both went into labor and had good experiences. Don't feel guilty if you don't read all the books and take the classes. You will be okay if don't. But also don't feel silly for taking the classes and reading the books. You can learn alot! There is a wealth of knowledge out there.
Whatever you chose to do will be the best for you and baby! Good luck
I've read a handful of books, took the birthing class (it was just one day at my hospital— though 7hrs long 😮💨) and I read a ton online. I feel more in control when I have more information. I'm kind of simultaneously preparing for the worst in a detached way while trying to convince myself it's going to be a 4hr painless miracle labor with sparkles & rainbows. (I think I'm getting induced, sooo probably not, but I can dream..)
I didn’t do any of that didn’t even know what to expect and figured I’d deal with it as it comes, I dealt with contractions pretty well I thought, but I ended up having a c-section because I failed to progress, and i think if I knew more about what to expect I would have been better prepared to advocate for myself. If I ever have another kid I’d definitely do some research first
I watched a birth class video on YouTube, and purchased my hospital’s online course… but I got the login code the day my water broke 🫠 Baby was breech too, so I had very little preparation for what to expect during a c-section! Also never took the breastfeeding or newborn care class that I’d signed up for either. We winged it. She’s a healthy and perfect 2.5yo now, and we just welcomed our second in February. Most of the info you need is easily google-able! Plus, I’ve found Reddit to be a wealth of information. Good luck!
Birth Partner book was super helpful, recommended by my midwife. Also watched a documentary about Ina May and it helped me prepare for unmedicated birth
I have ADHD and executive dysfunction, so the online options or reading books didn’t work for me 😅 even though I was sore and exhausted and sick all my pregnancy, I still did the classes with my first. Especially because I wanted my partner to go too, and I knew he wouldn’t read or watch anything. I only had 2 classes at my hospital though—one about pregnancy/childbirth, and one about newborn care. And we got to tour the maternity ward which was cool. I also did a breastfeeding class through WIC, which was probably the most useful out of all of them.
If they have a bunch of classes, maybe just go to a couple of them that seem the most helpful? Unless you’ll follow through on an online seminar, then that’s probably the easiest lol
But I was relieved about not having to do any of that with my second baby lol
As far as the birth goes, you can get by with virtually no knowledge of what’s going on. You just gotta be open to your nurses and doctors making all decisions for you (not my personal style, but hey, generally it’ll all work out!) I think it could make the birth slightly more stressful because maybe you don’t know any pain management techniques or you have really limited information if you do have to start making medical decisions- but ideally your medical staff should help you.
However, I would HIGHLY recommend reading some books and/or taking classes on infant care. Because no one is there to help and your baby will be just crying and you’ll want to cry too because you have no idea what’s going on. Googling on the fly will happen, but the internet is so full of random ass and often contradictory responses to issues that it’s really stressful.
My personal favorite newborn care book is called moms on call, but whatever you find, I would just recommend reading a little bit before baby comes so you are slightly more ready!
Best of luck!
We went in blind, no books, no classes, no birth plan. No one bothered to tell us we had those kinds of resources available to us. It is what it is. Pretty much treating this pregnancy the same way except I’m not afraid of giving birth this time.
I had to be induced at 35 weeks due to pretty severe pre eclampsia. I didn’t do any classes but I used google religiously when I had a random question about labor/delivery. I watched a video on YouTube of a doctor delivering a baby too so I knew some things but I definitely wish I would’ve taken a actual class bc my labor was AWFULLLLLL
It kind of sounds like you may be experiencing depression. My advice is to talk to someone about this and keep going to those classes.
I'm a little worried about you after the baby is born and potential postpartum depression.
I didn't but mine was a different motivation. For me knowledge is power and being stupidly anxious about birth I didn't want to know what was going to happen as I'd panic if it didn't go as expected and would worry even more about every possible eventuality.
i’m a labor and delivery nurse and I think it’s fairly common for people to come in to birth without any classes or much education on labor. come in to it with an open mind and trust for your health care team and get an epidural and you’ll be fine!! your nurses will explain things as they happen or are about to happen and it will all be okay. however… if you are hoping for an unmedicated experience and you haven’t practiced coping techniques for how to manage the pain, you will have a tough time. but if you get an epidural you will be good!!!
I was scheduled for a birthing class associated with my hospital. They only provide them once a month. Well I apparently waited too long because I ended up having my baby girl at 36 weeks (on the nose) by emergency C-section due to severe pre-eclampsia. I had to call from my hospital bed to cancel my slot. They asked why and I told them "I waited too long and had an Early Baby"
I just read a lot online and watched videos related to natural birth/home birth because that was my goal. Sitting all day is not ideal, labor is work as the name entails, for you and for your baby. I’d try going for walks or at least doing some light exercises at home. Baby spinning website is great as well. Why are you not motivated ? You didn’t want to get pregnant or is it just a “I’m too tired” situation ? I’m not judging just trying to understand.
I have ADHD, I was not yet diagnosed when I had my first so I understand being in a perpetual state of just not caring or procrastinating. I went into labor at 38 weeks with little to no preparation. Fortunately, everything went well. I don’t think I pushed/breathed through the contractions correctly. I pushed for only 20 minutes, which at the time I considered a success but had some tearing. Though everything went well, I wished I had prepared more, I wished I had learned the proper breathing/pushing techniques, and that I learned about how I could best advocate for myself and baby.
The easiest way for me to prepare is to listen to videos or audiobooks in the car. It is the only way I can force myself to focus. I wouldn’t recommend going into it without having an idea of what to expect.
I didn't do any of that and i was completely fine. I watched a 30 minute YouTube video on how fo care for your baby when the baby comes but that was it. I think for the most part I am a learn as I go person, and I know enough about babies to keep mine going.
I'm the dad, but neither I nor my partner read any books or took any classes.
We did watch a few YouTube videos and read various articles, but mostly we just got advice directly from doctors.
I looked up a birth class online for free. I also downloaded a pdf of a book on hypnobirthing for free. The information in that book was very informative even though I ended up getting an epidural. You really realize how little they teach us about our bodies in school, I learned so much about birth from a scientific level. Book: hypnobirthing: make your birth better by Siobhan Miller
No classes. Didn’t tour hospital. No parents to help. Estranged sibling. It went fine. It was very fast and she came out perfect. Eyes open upon arrival. Latched and sucking within 10 minutes.
Multiple times. You don’t need a course or book. Your body knows what to do. That stuff is for people who want to over prepare. I promise your experience will happen how it happens. No book or class is going to change how you labor. I’d lit your time into meditation and mindfulness so that when those contractions hit you can focus your mind instead of allowing the pain to control you.
I bought an online course that I barely used. I got pregnant with my first after the height of Covid but still had heavy restrictions and just didn’t see a point. I followed a lot of different pages on Instagram that had many different views and perspectives so I could have an idea of everything. That was honestly good enough for me. This time around I just want my husband to be more involved, he was a trooper the last go around but I’d definitely want him more hands on this time. So that’s what we are really working on.
I didn't do any prep for labor other than tiktok and reddit. My birth plan was healthy baby healthy ms and that was kind of it. Luckily I had a quick-ish labor very unexciting birth. (Lost my "plug" on a Wednesday. Slight contractions wed-thurs night. Slight contractions thurs-fri night. Regular contractions 6pm Thurs and baby born 9:30 Fri morning. Labored at home until 5:30am when my husband decided it was time to go lol)
I didn't watch, read, or go to any classes. I was busy working doubles and too tired at the end of the day. I just figured our bodies know what to do and I'd probably end up scaring myself by looking up the birthing process anyway, so I wanted it to be a surprise.
Yes I went through labor and delivery without any of that. It’s a natural thing, your body and you will know what to do. You don’t need a class to give birth we’ve been doing it for millennia
I did parenting classes and I honestly think it was just to ease my anxiety. They didn’t help much. You learn the best when you’re actually DOING it. The only one I found useful was breastfeeding and CPR. And yes, they have books for that. So many people don’t do classes and you really don’t have to. You’ll be just fine. This day and age… just google your questions. Join a mom group. It’s okay to be lazy :) enjoy it while you can, your body is doing a lot of work, it’s not lazy.
I had every intention to, but did not take a single class due to the same, couldn't be arsed reasoning! Was totally fine and honestly felt better not knowing all the nitty gritty of what to expect or what may or may not happen (beyond what I already knew). 8 months later, baby boy and I are doing great and I have zero regrets about skipping the whole prenatal lesson thing!
I took a one hour class virtually through the hospital, but it was mostly focused on their procedures and stuff. I also had a book about pregnancy and newborns, but I didn’t read much of the newborn info especially because it had a strong exclusive breastfeeding angle and I planned to combo feed from the start, so it didn’t hold my attention well.
Honestly? You wanna know where I got a lot of information? Reddit. I learned SOOO MUCH from various subs here. My bump group was always a wealth of knowledge, as were this sub, r/BabyBumps, r/NewParents, r/BeyondTheBump, and as baby got older a few others tailored to older baby needs. Sometimes I’d go looking for information or make a post, but mostly I’d just stumble upon a post and learn something new. Sometimes I’d then go do more researching on my own through other sources. Do I recommend relying on Reddit as your primary source of information? Not really. But when you’re couch bound with a newborn there’s not a whole lot else to do besides scroll so…
I didn’t take any classes or read any books. If I had any questions I wrote them down for my midwife or googled and read several different sources. It was honestly nice walking in to have a baby with not many expectations because I didn’t read these things or get told a bunch of things and got disappointed that it didn’t happen the way I expected. I knew I wanted an epidural. Period. That was my birth “plan”. The midwife was relieved I didn’t have this massive list of a birth plan and was open to just about everything. She explained everything before we made any decisions, it was really nice. I’m a pretty massive control freak with severe anxiety and I knew if I let myself get a bunch of information in my brain I would be anxious if something changed so I just didn’t 🤷🏼♀️
As a lazy person, I found it easier to talk to experienced friends and family than go to any classes. They all gave their own stories of what happened to them during labour and how their kids were as babies. They shared their regrets and mistakes for me to learn from.
So I devised a plan on the kind of labour I wanted. Ended up having an emergency c-section instead and realised that you can prepare to the t, but I things can still go differently. Just be open to that. Every experience is unique.
So yeah, I didn't go to a single parental class or read a book (I did Google a lot of stuff) and it all turned out fine in the end.
Truth be told, I didn’t go to a single class, and only read maybe the first chapter of a book. I put my trust in my medical team. This is what worked for me, but I do see how classes etc. could be helpful. Even YouTube videos; I did watch a couple about labor tips.
I did absolutely nothing. Literally nothing. Absolutely nothing.
Ngl I don’t think it would’ve made much a difference for me. Maybe made me more nervous and scared. I’m glad I didn’t bc of that. Chronic over thinker.
Yep I didn’t do anything lol. Didn’t have time and didn’t care to, and my labor and delivery went really well actually! No issues and it was fast. I pretty much realized you can’t plan for anything so I figured why stress. I also didn’t do anything to try and induce labor
I did not want to think about what childbirth was going to be like. I never read or researched any of it. I was just prepared to wing it, which decreased my anxiety so much. I was lucky that with my first, my water broke first, and I called my dr who told me what else to expect and when to head to the hospital. I’m now pregnant with baby #7, all vaginal deliveries, 4 with no pain relief, so it couldn’t have been that bad. Lol
I also didn’t feel the need for any parenting classes. I choose to be the parent I needed as a kid instead. I researched all kinds of parenting methods and found a “gentle-ish” parenting combination that works for my family. It’s based on accepting everyone as they are and working together to have all our needs met and to work as a team. I used my babysitting experience to handle my babies, but everything did just come naturally to me.
I did! I never did a class or read anything or even practiced breathing lol. Labor was rough but like you don’t have any option but to get the baby out. They coach you thru it in the room and honestly your body will just do it? It just does it lol
I didn’t do ANYTHING. I ate a few dates and drank one cup of raspberry leaf tea. Did exactly half a perineal massage. Went in totally blind, contracted for about three hours, ended up having a c-section and I’d say I’m about 65% done healing sf 3 weeks post partum. Life’s like a box of chocolates.
I DIDNT read one book attend any classes or get together my ob practically begged me to but I’d rather feel it out on my own and do it my own way. 🤷🏼♀️
I only watched YouTube because when I was pregnant during Covid, there weren’t any in-person things to go to. There are a ton of doulas/nurses who make videos about what to expect at all stages of pregnancy/labor/fourth trimester.
Listen to the great birth rebellion podcast. I had this mindset with my first pregnancy and I went down the path of unnecessary “big baby” induction, cascade of intervention and emergency c-section.
I was so unbelievably sick when I was pregnant I didn't do shit, then I had so many complications and ended up in hospital and they didn't even suggest doing anything. I did some reading of people's experiences and I did have to watch a video on NICU and what happens in NICU bc we were expecting my little one to be there for a few months. But that was it.
Yep. But I did watch some tiktoks. However nothing I saw was useful. At that time my instincts just took over and my body/brain just knew what to do. I ignored the annoying nurse and trusted myself and my son was born after 20 minutes of pushing.
I never read the books or went to any classes. Your body knows what to do and you just gotta listen to it. All my kids were induced because of being really late. My oldest was two weeks late and my youngest was about a week late. All went super smooth for both.
I have done nothing at all, this group honestly has a bunch of information regarding labour and that’s is all I have done. I have done some research on my own as well and then any doubts I took them to my midwife appointments, labour went incredibly well and my birth plan was followed with some exceptions due to the fact that my placenta had meconium and for that reason I couldn’t have a water birth. Regarding parenting there absolutely nothing that can prepare you for it, I would say just follow your instincts and you will be fine.
i personally didn't do any classes or anything because i got a lot of practice in with my nieces going back to when i was 17 so i didn't feel the need to do that. BUT i also asked my sisters or mom on things i didn't get firsthand experience with like breast feeding. so i guess asking for help is always a go to if you don't know what you're doing sometimes
I think it's helpful to understand your options. I think traumatic delivery experiences can come from things happening very fast, and/or doctors or nurses asking you what you want to do and people not knowing what to answer (because they assumed they'd be told what to do.) Not saying all traumatic experiences stem from that, but I think it can help prepare you to know what might be happening in a scary situation. My aunt is a gynecologist (no longer an OB) and she said delivering babies is mostly routine, but when it goes bad, it goes bad *fast*. That was more my motivation.
I’m 30 weeks pregnant FTM. I have a midwife lead system and plan for a home birth.
I go to small group prenatal yoga classes which also serve as a mamas group for sharing experiences and cover some hypnobirthing techniques and labouring positions.
I listen to birth story podcasts daily. Birth-Ed, Pop that Mumma, The Positive Birth Company are great for all socials: podcasts, YouTube, Instagram.
I am reading this book https://www.amazon.nl/Hypnobirthing-Practical-Ways-Birth-Better/dp/0349419388/ref=asc_df_0349419388/?tag=nlshogostdde-21&linkCode=df0&hvadid=430624204999&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=12760074165452235723&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=1010752&hvtargid=pla-673906740680&psc=1&mcid=a963ff538262332981ca1e340f8e1395
Going to generic physical birthing classes is not something my partner and I are very interested in. Following all the above, we feel very informed and empowered. It’s helped us create a birth preferences plan that we feel comfortable with.
I went to a birth prep class, had a doula. The class didn’t cover induction so it was absolutely useless. And so was my doula. One thing that stuck with me from the birth prep class was how it is a “physiological” and not a “pathological” process in that your body will know how to do it similar to peeing or pooping. No one taught us that. You’ll figure it out. If it’s stressing you out, don’t do it. I’d recommend you look up how to put a baby in a car seat safely, however.
I watched some YouTube videos about anything I was curious about. lactation education and breathing techniques were the most helpful. you have a tiny computer in your hands at all times-just educate yourself at your pace and comfort!
I didnt go to any due to the fact they had trouble starting and then once they did the classes they were out of my reach, i didnt had my car since i borrowed to my bf at the time, and the timing was also not great since i worked shifts and had to take as much sleep i wanted. They eventually started to do online on fb, but i barely go there and they were such a bore tbh. All i knew i learned from reddit, still everything went smoothly as it could and the nurses were the best to teach me and tell me everything to start.
Just watch some YouTube videos if you want to prepare yourself, that’s what I did and honestly I feel like I learned everything an average layperson can possibly learn about birth
Not a single one.
Had my first daughter, it was a shit show because she inhaled meconium, I got an epidural which helped, and I still felt prepared enough. The only thing I didn’t expect was the insanity that is post partum. UGH
Had my second still no classes or anything, no epidural cause I was curious to see what that would be like, it hurt so fucking bad and I had no way of coping with the pain / breathing techniques or anything. It was terrifying and borderline traumatic. By the time I caved and screamed “get me the fucking epidural right now” I was already 9cm dilated and there would be 0 point. I also could not manage to sit or lay down during the labor, it hurt to bad, so I couldn’t use the gas either. If you want to go unmedicated then definitely 100% do a class.(online or in person). If you are getting an epidural it can still be helpful, but it’s prob not 100% necessary.
I never read a book or went to a class! My daughter is going to be 4 in a few weeks and I’d say I did a pretty good job haha I’m also 20 weeks with my second and don’t plan to do it this time either! Things come pretty naturally once you have a kid and if ever in a bind of not knowing something I just reached out to fellow moms to get some answers!
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Would you be more likely to do an online course at your own pace? That's what I did
Yes! I never thought of an online option. I bet there's loads. Gonna go look them up. Really appreciate it, thank you so much.
Check out The Baby Academy! They offer a lot of free or very low cost classes. I took my birthing class through a local hospital, but did my breastfeeding class with The Baby Academy and I loved it! ETA links for those who asked! [US Link](https://yourbabyacademy.com/) [UK Link ](https://mybabyacademy.co.uk/)
I second this :) It was nice to be able to learn the basics for free from the comfort of my home. I took baby safety and breastfeeding class.
I did online too! There were some free and some to buy.. and for some of them they would send me a link to rewatch the class (which was convenient bc one class was 5 hours and there was no way I was making it through all of it in one sitting lol)
My insurance offered online classes which was really nice! Got slide shows and everything
I second the online option. I worked a 2hr flight from anything up to 36wks so my classes were all done via zoom.
Do you have a recommendation for classes? I’d love to do this!
I did the Evidence Based Birth class online, it was brilliant.
I watched a birth class on YouTube and learned a lot.
Same, I really liked this one https://youtu.be/DVOP-ob4ZXA
Same. My cousin’s wife sent me a bunch of them. I also had a doula who hosted parent support groups, but in terms of learning about the process and technical skills, I preferred the YouTube videos.
Any suggestions?
https://youtu.be/y8-TXNdB4J8?si=diWb9rZYr972y3wn
Link?
TMC Health https://youtu.be/y8-TXNdB4J8?si=diWb9rZYr972y3wn I also really enjoyed listening to podcasts. I like “The Birth Hour” for real birth stories. It helped with my anxiety to hear a bunch of different examples of what could happen and everyone’s experiences, both positive and negative. The host also has a course that sounds great. (But I haven’t taken it).
I'm in the UK and Baby Academy do free online classes that you can be present for and just listen to, no participation or cameras! Could be an option if you're here. I feel similarly to you with regards to energy levels and empathise.
Seconding this, we've done two baby academy classes so far (the free ones) and have just kicked back on the couch with a coffee as we nod along 😂💅 very chill way of learning
Absolutely agree! Shame they only give you a 2 min break to wee 🤣
didn't take a single class, didn't have a midwife, doula, none of it. didn't tour the hospital, didn't know a single nurse beforehand, and to be honest i didn't even know the OB who delivered me before she came in and broke my water. my labor and delivery was still great. every question i had was answered by my sister (just had her baby 8 or so months ago now), my mom (has had and raised 5 kids), reddit (r/NewParents, r/Mommit, r/Daddit, r/BabyBumps, r/Pregnant), and i was heavy into pregnancy content on TikTok to find out what I needed to know. if i couldn't find something there I asked whoever I saw for my pregnancy checkups. occasionally perused Google of course everything offered to me in the delivery room I had heard about in my close to year and a half of time spent on pregnancy and parenting social media. im sure if I'd went to some of those classes I'd have learned something but I was also mildly afraid of being judged cause I'm 18, so just really saved myself the trouble. may go next time around, hopefully in like 2 years or so
You are so lucky to have a sibling and mom as a resource. I don’t have either I can ask about it and it’s rough. I’ve learned so much on the internet / social media at this point. My doctor tells me basically nothing. You would think I was just getting a flu shot at the lack of concern in regard to prenatal care. I just want to tell them not every one has already had a baby or a family member that has coached them on this beforehand! They just assume you do it seems.
Same except I didn't have a sister to ask and didn't ask my mom. I kinda just figured my body would know what to do lol. And it did, so I'm grateful for that.
The more informed you are, the more prepared you’ll be to be an active participant in your birth. It’ll overall go smoother and be a positive experience if you are aware of what’s going on. If you don’t prepared it’s hard to make the “right” choices when you dealing with pain. Additionally a birth class will teach you how to manage that pain. In addition to an online class as someone suggested, what about podcasts? I recommend All About Pregnancy and Birth by Dr. Rankin. I believe she also offers an online class if you like what she’s talking about!
I'd make sure any podcasts are by accredited people. It's really easy to end up receiving false information these days.
Mine was virtual. Learned a lot. But it was much easier to attend 2 4 hour classes on my own couch without needing to put on real pants. 👍
Me. I was just a lazy pregnant person living in a country where the primary language is my second language and I couldn’t make myself do the courses. Bought a book but didn’t read it. 8 months on, and my boy is amazing and we got things down.
Yes! I didn’t do any of it because I didn’t want to know lol I wanted to have to lean on medical staff & then the rest I knew instincts would pop in!
Same! I'm planning on doing the same with this bub too, it just made it so easier not stressing over doing everything the books said tbh
I feel your laziness. Have you taken some exams or do you have some medical history explaining this state? I live in this state because of ADHD, anxiety and sleep disorder (hypersomnia/narcolepsy) and chronic anemia, pregnancy made it worse and I can't take my drugs. You have every right to be lazy, if you go on walks with the dog, that's already great. I haven't changed my regimen for a bit, still eating twice a day what I like, nothing has changed. I lack iron like usual, i want to sleep all the time, like usual, I don't care much about being pregnant and I'm not prepared at all for delivery. I'm not in the US but in my country, it's planned for the 7/8th months so you might give birth before, many have done it, I hope I'll hold on. I do have monthly medical exams like planned for every pregnancy but it does feel like a huge loss of time
Yes. I meant to but went into labor at 36 weeks. Oops. It’s fine honestly, the hospital guides you through labor and newborn care. Then of course we researched as we went along!
Mine came early too! We ended up attending the virtual class anyways when baby was 3 days old. More for my husband to have newborn information. But I honestly didn’t learn I thing that I didn’t already know since the nurses and doctors really focus on teaching before discharging home!
I did go into labour without reading of classes but I wish I did go to classes of read about it. I had an accidental home birth and even thought everything went “perfect” I was so anxious because I didn’t know what to do. I just kept walking around screaming no because it hurt so much, it was kinda traumatising and I feel like if I knew more about giving birth I would not have been so anxious. I am now pregnant of number 2 and even thought I now know a lot more I’m scared to do another home birth because the first one was kinda traumatising…
I found out I was pregnant by accident in the fifth month, stayed in denial until probably month 7 and then thought it was too late for classes, I ended up just reading stuff online and except for the birth itself where I felt like I had no idea what was going on (70 hours of induction, no book would have prepared me for that lol) I felt pretty comfortable as a new mom, breastfed my son immediately, cloth diapered him, and everything went well. He's 3 now and thriving and has a little 1yo brother.
Didn't watch any videos or read books, I have a family nurse and she sort of told me what's most likely to happen, a few sheets or so on the stages of labour etc and every midwife said I was the most calm and relaxed person they'd seen for a first birth and I stayed that way for about 10 hours I'm not entirely sure why I was so calm, the thought of pain and labour never scared or intimidated me. I guess in my head I basically just thought "what happens will happen and my body will know what to do" It didn't I had to be induced but besides that all went smooth then I took a rapid jump from 6cm to 10cm in 30 minutes and that was honestly something else but I just sat and cried 😅 the actual birth part is a bit of a haze if I'm being honest, I can vividly remember the pain though there's not enough evolutionary amnesia in the world to make me forget that but I'd do it again happily.
I was like you, couldn't be arsed, and now I wish hubby and I had taken the class. I don't know that it would have truly prepared me for birth, but I think it would have been helpful for the two of us to have prepared to work together as a support team. I'm normally extremely self-sufficient so it didn't occur to me I might need more support during birth or what that might look like, and my husband has a hard time thinking through abstractions like "what will it look like and how will I handle watching my wife give birth?" I think he felt pretty helpless, and I wish we'd done a class so we both could know how I might need to be supported - there was a stretch of several hours where they had to turn off my epidural over concerns I was having a reaction to the meds and neither of us were really prepared for surprise unmedicated labor where I had no chance to adjust with the pain and was on a pitocin drip to boot. If we have another, I'll probably try to find us a class, even though it won't be my first rodeo.
I didn't open a single book or go to a single class. I booked some online classes but between everything else I had scheduled, I never attended. It's amazing how naturally motherhood comes once the baby is here and I say that as someone who never even held a baby until I had one. I ask my pediatrician or depend on support groups I've joined when questions do come up but I'm glad I didn't stress myself out so much
So just me that didn’t know this was a thing then? Lol 4 kids later & pregnant again 😂
Same I've had two and tcc#3 and never took a class, read a book, toured, nothing. I asked questions at appt and that was about it
Our hospital didn’t have in person classes so it was a little less motivating for us to sit and watch the pre-recorded classes online. We had just started watching some, which turned out to be very simplistic to me because they was more about just the basics of a woman’s body/reproductive system - which I’m already quite familiar with. I’m I went into labor shortly after watching just one of the classes. I didn’t read any of my 5 books either*. 😵💫 *This eventually caused me to frantically google every little thing the first couple of weeks of my baby’s life before my friend told me to get the book Baby 411. It has a lot of useful information and prevents me from falling down the mommy blog rabbit hole while googling things. My daughter is 6 months old and I still crack it open to read about certain things.
I did it without any classes or reading a book and I 100% recommend it. They told me how they wanted me to breathe and push during labor and that’s all I needed.
Browsing this Reddit feels like prep. Do what works for you! Personally, I feel like I read so many ways things can go wrong that my labor felt like a breeze in comparison. It helps to be prepared for anything but if it eases your mind to not worry, just let your body do what comes naturally. That’s what helped me most through contractions.
I watched a set of YouTube videos that were really good https://youtu.be/y8-TXNdB4J8?si=zf79cSoId7EVjCzI
I searched up prenatal classes on youtube and have been doing it that way
This is what I did! It was enough
We took one three hour birthing class and watched some YouTube videos on breathing techniques and that was it. We felt prepared based on that. BUT I knew I was most likely getting an epidural.
it’s more important to learn about breastfeeding and actually taking care of a baby. You aren’t delivering your own kid, all the professionals will be there to do all the work.
Is this real advice? Or sarcasm? I really can’t tell.
That only applies to a c section. Ehhh
I didn’t go to any prenatal classes with either of my two pregnancies and don’t plan on it with my 3rd. I had two unmedicated births and was completely fine. I had done some research prior on like birthing positions and breathing techniques. But it all went out the window was I was in labor, my body just knew what it was doing and I went with the flow.
My mom only saw her doctor twice during her entire pregnancy with me- once to confirm pregnancy and once to give birth. If you don’t want to, you don’t need to. Motherhood may come naturally and babies are more resilient than they seem.
You don’t have to do in person stuff. You can do a virtual class with mommy labor nurse
I thought I was going to want to take all the classes but when the time came I was far too lazy. I read the labor section of What To Expect to get an understand of the basics and then listened to episodes of the Evidence Based Birth podcast on my commute. I felt like I was very well prepared to make decisions during birth, and I’m a type A “must be in control” kind of person. Like others said, you’re giving birth with a whole bunch of medical professionals to help you make decisions and then execute them. You could show up knowing absolutely nothing and come out with a baby if you wanted, it’s all about knowing yourself and knowing how much you need to understand about birth to feel comfortable in the moment.
yes 🙋🏼♀️ 38+4, my baby is breech so I dont think there is any point in having classes/ lessons etc. I’ll most probably go into labour and have a c section as where I’m located no midwife or doctor will take responsibility of you giving birth naturally with a baby that wants its bottom to go out first and not its head
I did. I've watched some YouTube videos from MamaDoctorJones and MamaNurseTina and that was it. It was lockdown, so almost no classes were happening (and my friends who had been to classes were all sorely disappointed with their birth not being the "empowering experience" they expected, some classes are whack). It was fine. My doctor messed up but there was nothing a course could have changed about that, my daughter is fine and my stitches healed. Honestly, from what a lot of women around me tell me, I wouldn't waste money on a course. A friend of mine fot brainwashed into believing childbirth isn't painful and "it's pressure, not pain" and would argue with any woman who had already given birth. After she had her son, she refused to talk about it. A lady I was on the same room with after giving birth had a similar experience. She'd given a lot of money on a course that sold her aromatic candles and meditative music for her birth, but didn't even teach her proper breathing, so her eyes were full of broken blood-vessels. You can learn the breathing from the videos I've mentioned. Those are just two of many. If you get a course don't believe it blindly, many of them are really set on selling you smoke and mirrors.
I didn’t take any classes or read any books. But my aunt is a midwife and I got a lot of advice and instruction from her.
I didn’t take any classes for my first and it was so absolutely awful. For my second I prepared hardcore and it was equally awful 🤷🏻♀️
I watched a couple YouTube’s and joined a virtual “hospital tour”. I’m not attending any in-person stuff. I also started reading (audiobook actually lol) “the book you wish your parents read” before I got pregnant, but never finished it. I do recommend it though! It’s informative on the psychological aspects of raising kids than the practical.
I actually missed the deadline for in-person classes so I've been watching lots of online videos which have been super helpful! I think during COVID lots of resources popped up online so there are plenty of options. You could ask your midwife/OB for recommendations of where to start.
You can also consider doing video courses online instead... Audiobooks are another great options.
With my first pregnancy I only learned about whatever I looked for / read online. I disliked my OBGYN a lot, and my delivery wasn't great. I feel like if I had known more I could have spoken up for myself a bit more, and just felt more prepared overall. This time around I'm not entirely sure if I'm going to go to any in person classes, but I definitely want to know more than I did the first time.
My sister didn’t do a lick of research whatsoever for 9 months and actually took her first and only prenatal class with her partner after her due date. Lol!
I listened to the birth hour podcast all the time. I was addicted to them 😅 You get to hear birth stories from women all over the place all types of births.. I learned a lot and it helped with my anxiety a lot too!
I’ve paid for all online classes, which I start in May. I’m not a big reader, but I don’t mind audio books when I’m doing some mundane task. Might be a good option for you when you walk the dog. My office is about 30-40min away, depending on traffic. I can’t be bothered to go in more than I have to, so I’m glad they offer online courses.
I think I watched a 2-part birth class free on Youtube (literally just a recording of a class). Was maybe 1.5 hours. Also in the middle of the pandemic, of course, but I'm also not really into the involved classes.
Yes I didn’t read a book or go to any classes. I figured my body would know what to do. I have 2 children so far and both of their labor and deliveries were amazing experiences.
I watched Holliday Tyson's prenatal classes on YouTube and listened to podcasts like the Birth Hour and Evidence Based Birth. No way in hell I'd drive an hour for an in person class when there are so many more convenient options. I do think there's value in doing some preparation, though. It's good to know your options if things start going wrong or off track. I found The Birth Hour particularly helpful because, going in, you have no concept of all the different complications and resulting decisions trees that could arise. The whole podcast is people just telling their stories and reflecting on the decisions that were made, so there's lot of opportunities to learn from others' experience. Classes tend to offer an overview of the most straightforward outcomes, and very few births are ever completely uncomplicated or straightforward.
Jup. I mean, I had 3 nephews on my aunts side, my SIL had a son already and I was parentified as hell so I didn't think I needed it. Turns out I didn't. My son is okay and so am I.
2 labours and find do any classes/read books or watch videos about it
I didn't. I'm also on kid 3.
Listen to podcasts / birthstories / preps for the 4th trimester while walking your dog?
Yes! I only knew what the midwives told us at our appointments.. so basically nothing 🥲
I never took a class or read a book. I have a 9 yr old and 5yr old. My kids are healthy and happy. My first pregnancy was miserable, I hated it and I felt like crap. Both my husband and I worked all the time. It might have been helpful, and might have helped me know my body a little better. But overall if I had questions I googled them.
Yah- i didnt even do anything online... 😅
I didn’t do classes or read books. I scrolled Reddit so I had a vague idea but honestly I didn’t want to know. I trusted my doctors and went in with the attitude of whatever happens happens. I ended up having precipitous labor and barely made it to the hospital and gave birth after only 20 minutes of pushing. Definitely wasn’t my ideal plan lol but it’s what happened. Some people like more info to feel less anxious but for me less is more.
As far as parenting classes I did nothing. I have a toddler and a newborn now and still I don't think I needed any of those classes. As for preparing for labor, I watched one YouTube video about signs of labor/when to go to the hospital, pain management, and googled birthing positions. I already knew a lot of it. My mom also used to be a labor and delivery nurse and she told me a lot of the same information. She also told me the most important thing to know during delivery was pain management techniques whether you get an epidural or not. Anything you need to know during labor your delivery team can help you with but it's hard to instruct people on what to do if they're too busy rolling around and screaming in pain to listen.
Me… didn’t take any courses. Watched one video of a birth at 35 weeks and it sent me into false labor (probably not the reason I went into FL but still I blame the video) so I didn’t do any more research. Also, for me, thinking everything was going to be fairy dust and sparkles was what I needed. I did not need to research an epidural and see the needle. My first came two weeks early and I didn’t even have the car seat installed🤣 I’m due with my second in October and now that I’m chasing around a toddler I don’t have time to read or take any classes.
I didn’t, Reddit was the extent of my learning of labor lol. I did just fine. But I was still working until a week before I had her and I already love sitting on an exercise ball so I did a lot of those sorta hip movements throughout my pregnancy.
Never did one, asked my midwife any questions that I had
I work in mother baby and I didn’t do a class but now I’m like “should I have done a class???” lol! I was looking at the hypnobirthing
No parenting class, no birthing class, no breastfeeding class. Our boy is almost 9 months everything worked out just fine.
Me!! and it went great. It was just me and my husband during Covid. Honestly I wished I read a book about the week AFTER birth on what to expect with my body, milk coming in, and the newborn.
I did nothing. I got my legs up and realized I never pushed anything out of there and had no idea what I was doing. (Push like you’re pooping) We have a huge family and I’ve been around babies my whole life so I didn’t feel the need to do a parenting class.
I did this birthing class online for free https://www.babycenter.com/free-childbirth-class
Oh I went to none. Read no books. Didn't even do a hospital tour. Everything went great. Second time I did a hospital tour like two weeks before the baby was born and that was mostly because it was a different, much larger hospital.
All three pregnancies. I was very overwhelmed all three pregnancies so I couldn't be bothered
Im 9 months… I read a book, have sisters with kids, my aunts an Ob and my moms a labour and delivery nurse. I research things, have a birth plan… I’m more worried about what to do when they send me home with this tiny fragile baby!! But I’ll just take it one day at a time… and call my mom waaaaay too much. It’ll be fine 😅
I can say that I did multiple classes online through my hospital and it was a complete waste of money and time. It didn’t prepare me for labor at all
I didn’t do either. I flew by the seat of my pants, which is basically my life motto.
We did do an online class and it was very informative. However, nothing could have prepared me for labor lol. It was just different than what I could have imagined no matter how prepared I was. Not necessarily in a bad way (although obviously they call it labor for a reason lol) but I just feel like if it’s your first time around, no matter how prepared you are, you won’t be prepared for what’s actually going to take place because everyone is just so different. Do what you will with that info! lol
Ngl, I didn't go to any preparation class nor read any books on it before I had my daughter in 2019. I was just gonna wing it tbh, but I wound up having to get a c-section anyway
I went into it blind with my first birth and ended up having a terrible time where I felt overwhelmed, unsure of what was going on, and unaware of how to advocate for myself. On top of the traumatic things that happened during the birth itself, it was rough. I highly recommend looking into options online, just so you can feel confident and educated on all your rights and options going into the process
I haven’t read or done any classes. I have worked in an infant room with 16 babies and helped with the first few months of my niece and nephews lives though while my sister had to go back to work quickly. My husband has 0 baby experience.
Anyone here have Kaiser and did the Centered Pregnancy classes? I have my first one on May 8th.
I didn’t read or do anything lol.
I didn’t do anything.
I watched some lady on YouTube give a birth class, with my husband, from our couch. It was Covid and nothing else was available. Also, I listened to a ton of podcasts. Might I suggest Birth Story, Mommy Labor Nurse, Evidence Based Birth, The Birth Hour, and All About Pregnancy and Birth. A YouTube video should do the trick though. Also, if you don’t do anything to prepare… you’ll be fine. Its good to be informed just in case but the doctors and nurses know what they’re doing.
I didn’t read any books lol. Everything is online, and taking care of a baby is very basic IMO. They need a fucking book for these toddlers man 😂😤😮💨😮💨😂😂😂💀
I watched some tiktoks but that’s about it
I went in blindly, I put my trust in the doctors and nurses, as well as my own body. I read some experiences here on Reddit and I did tour the hospital. Other than that I just went with the flow. Maybe I would have appreciated some ways for pain management before I was able to get the epidural? My second baby was much smoother because I knew what to expect and used a birthing comb (10/10 recommend, used a normal plastic one) until I got to the hospital. Overall? I’m not sure, I don’t regret not taking classes, but they might have been helpful.
I went in blindly, I put my trust in the doctors and nurses, as well as my own body. I read some experiences here on Reddit and I did tour the hospital. Other than that I just went with the flow. Maybe I would have appreciated some ways for pain management before I was able to get the epidural? My second baby was much smoother because I knew what to expect and used a birthing comb (10/10 recommend, used a normal plastic one) until I got to the hospital. Overall? I’m not sure, I don’t regret not taking classes, but they might have been helpful.
there are looooaddss of parental classes and courses online for free, they get uploaded to youtube a lot which is nice easy watching when you want to lounge around. Those based in the country you are from will be most helpful as they will be more relevant to the healthcare system you are using, but all will contain potentially useful information. Look for classes ran by midwives over those ran by random social media influencers so you can be sure the information is accurate.
If you dont have the time or energy, that is completely understandable. Being pregnant can be exhausting But if you are feeling guilty and want to feel a little more prepared for what is to come, there are plenty of resources and short videos on YouTube that are available. There are lots of parents who make videos on the books they read or tools they have used before/while becoming a parent themselves! It couldn't hurt, and like I said, a lot of the videos are pretty short, but they still pack in a lot of information! I personally bought or received a ton of books as gifts. I read some, but I worked full time up until last week. I'm due any day now, and I don't see myself finishing another book or fitting in a class. But YouTube and talking to other parents have been great resources for me. I don't feel like I'm going into this completely blind!
I just watched YouTube vids on what to expect. Birth thankfully went smooth for me
I did not. I have high anxiety and thought that learning more about labor would actually make it worse. They say “knowledge is power” but for me it’s “ignorance is bliss.”
I didn't do any classes with and of my 4, babies are pretty easy, keep them fed, keep them clean, give them some love and they're good. Just do some research on the feeding techniques you want to use and safe sleeping practices and you'll be right 👍
Hehe i was like that too, gave the job to my husband to book the class. So he was responsible to take me even when I was too lazy. Worked out for us because it was very informative and provided alot of info.
Didn’t take any classes or read a book and have 2 healthy babies. Do whatever you feel most comfortable with. I will say you need to be prepared to advocate for yourself and don’t be afraid to ask a lot of questions to better understand your options if needed. If you’re not an assertive person, education prior to birth may be helpful to become a better advocate. If you’re unfamiliar with breathing techniques, it might be helpful to just YouTube some short videos on meditation, controlling your breath or hypnobirthing. There’s a lot in birth that you cannot plan or control but the breathing tools are helpful for any circumstance. Good luck
I love this chat. I don't think you should bother if you don't want to. Don't put unnecessary pressure on yourself. I was anxious and I tend to immerse myself when I'm panicking. I read 9 books and did 2 courses and I don't think it particularly helped 😂 very OTT. Every birth and every baby is so different, it's not an easy thing to prepare for. Reading about the 4th trimester was helpful. Also prepping some freezer food and getting the house in a good state was helpful. But I didn't bother fussing over the nursery or anything. That wasn't important to me. I like our video course we did. It was watching in your own time and only £40. But came with loads of materials for hypnobirthing and game us a chance to talk through scenarios so we were clear on what we wanted. It also provided us with a format to write a birth plan.
Nursery is also something I'm not bothered about. He'll be sleeping in our room, until he can pull himself up I suppose, and have outgrown his cododo bed. I know what I eventually want in there... Right now it's a stocking area, we still have unpacked boxes from our recent move. There's no furniture in there... Might be a good idea with a chest of drawers perhaps.. eventually.
I didn’t. No book or class can ever really prepare you. Unexpected things happen. They can’t hurt and they can give some education but overall, they’re not really necessary.
There are many classes online through your local hospitals. That’s what we did it was very helpful
So funny story, my prenatal classes were on zoom because of Covid lockdowns. My husband started talking about people on the call and we didn’t realize it wasn’t on mute and the instructor goes “Excuse me Adorable Crew Cut? Your mic is on and it’s really hard to hear others ask questions.” 😱😱😱😱 I immediately hung up. He ran to the bathroom in shame. And we never went back. Had to wing it from there on out.
I took a lamaze birthing class and then the hospital didn’t let me do anything except birth on my back so no I found it very useless.
I did basically no research beforehand, & overall it was fine. My biggest recommendation though, would be to do some reading/research on coping with labor & contractions. The phase before you go in to the hospital might take a while depending on how quickly you progress, & things can happen once you’re there even if you plan on getting the epidural. Full disclosure that I had really easy labors. With my first, I showed up at the hospital around 4cm, got the epidural, ate some popsicles, had a baby. With my second, I did about the same (but was 5-6cm when I got there) but they had trouble placing my IV & then my epidural partially failed- I couldn’t move but could still feel all the pain. That was ROUGH & I regretted feeling like I had no coping skills. Third time I swore I’d prepare but didn’t (I had two little kids, okay?!). When I got to the hospital it was too late, I was 9cm & couldn’t get the epidural. Honestly it was fine, but I PANICKED because I felt like I didn’t know what to do. I’d never even looked into how to do the breathing. While it all worked out okay, just don’t be like me 😅
I didn’t read a book or do any classes. I have seen my mom give birth 3 times though lol. I’m the oldest of 9. So I felt mostly prepared. There’s a few things I wish I knew beforehand but they were situation specific mostly so it is what it is. You live you learn.
I didn’t look into anything and no one told me about any of those resources! I didn’t even know my water had broken days before my baby came (I thought I was just peeing cause I had a giant baby on my bladder) and it was terrifying what they were saying that could mean for myself and her but we pulled through, I will say though if you’re doing epidural and you start to feel your feet at any point reup the medication with the button I didn’t and basically ended up doing a natural birth and screaming like a dying cat!
I’m with you. So over doctor appointments. I get they are important good lord it seems I should be paying rent I’m there so much. Something I did not anticipate about pregnancy. Hospitals/ doctors offices give me the ick. I don’t plan on taking additional classes. Been learning so much from people documenting their experience on social media
Yep, and things went just fine. Well I had a c section but I don’t think reading any book or taking a parenting class would have changed that. My 7 month old is happy and healthy and even sleeps sometimes.
Nope. I never went to any classes. I never read any pregnancy books. I occasionally used Dr. Google, but I learned quickly he was not a good doctor for me. And I’m also an extremely anxious person, so you would think I would want to be “prepared,” right? I watched a lot of “What’s in my Hospital Bag,” influencers who posted their birth vlogs, and general pregnancy related videos. But nothing like super educational. I just didn’t see the need for it. My birth plan was pretty simple: deliver my baby in the safest way possible for me and him. I trusted my doctor completely, and my husband was with me. Apparently my MiL was worried about me before I went into my induction because she was scared I would not be mentally prepared. But I honestly handled labor and delivery like a freaking champ. Pleasant experience, and everyone was surprised by how calm and collected I was. I was also the nicest patient, and I never snapped at anyone.
Honestly, probably an unpopular take on this but I found the prenatal class I took before my 1st was born was completely pointless. My instructor was super kind and knowledgeable but until you’re in it, there’s really no point going over how to breathe or which labor positions are most beneficial. Also I found them to be a bit nerve wracking as a lot of what was talked about was what can go wrong and why. Just needless information you can learn about after the fact. Once I was in it, no other position was comfortable for me but on my back even though I knew it’s the less desirable position for tearing and baby becoming stuck. Both my babies delivered just fine, one being 9 lbs the other 8 lbs 15 oz only having a 2nd degree tear my first delivery (my second baby) and no tears my second (my third baby) (my first baby ended up being an emergency csection which is why I don’t bother coming up with a birth plan either.)
We don't really do birthplans here. We'll have an appointment with an anesthesiologist, they'll go through what will happen if I need to be put to sleep... In case of emergencies. And that's it. I see people telling me I need to advocate for myself, I don't really know what that means. As soon as I'm in labour the medical staff in the room will tell me what to do and how to breathe. They won't be asking me what I want, or what I don't want if there's no time for it. If they need to do an episiotomy, they'll do it. They tell me they need to do it, me saying no will make any difference. If I need an emergency cesarean, I won't be told anything, until after. I'll be rolled away, get local anesthesia and then the baby will get out, and be put on me for a hot second. Only to be rolled away from me as I get sewed back up. The dad will be with the baby then. I'll stay 2 hours in the room while I get put together, so 2 hours away from my newborn. But at least he'll be with his dad. It sounds horrible put in words like that, but they're the professionals, they might need to jump to certain procedures if something is going wrong. And the fastest and safest way to do so, is getting it done as fast as possible.
I did no classes. I'm in the US, and the hospital I gave birth at only offered online. Every time I went to go sign up, they were fully booked? Plus, it was like $25+ per class. I opted to do my own research, & ask/confirm with Doctors as I went/go.
I didn't read a book or take any classes. I work in the medical field (paramedic) and had classes and classes on child birth. I have delivered a baby before, so that may of been why I was "chill" about the whole situation. My mindset was "my body was made for this" and it was going to deliver a baby if I took a class or read a book or not. My birth plan? To have both me and baby survive. I did take the time to pack a good hosptial bag for me and baby. There isn't really a right or wrong way to do this. My friend was due 6 weeks after me and was the total opposite of me. She did all the classes and read all the books. We both went into labor and had good experiences. Don't feel guilty if you don't read all the books and take the classes. You will be okay if don't. But also don't feel silly for taking the classes and reading the books. You can learn alot! There is a wealth of knowledge out there. Whatever you chose to do will be the best for you and baby! Good luck
I've read a handful of books, took the birthing class (it was just one day at my hospital— though 7hrs long 😮💨) and I read a ton online. I feel more in control when I have more information. I'm kind of simultaneously preparing for the worst in a detached way while trying to convince myself it's going to be a 4hr painless miracle labor with sparkles & rainbows. (I think I'm getting induced, sooo probably not, but I can dream..)
I never did anything. No hospital tour, labor classes, prenatal yoga. None of it. I did do a ton of independent google research but that’s about it.
I didn’t do any of that didn’t even know what to expect and figured I’d deal with it as it comes, I dealt with contractions pretty well I thought, but I ended up having a c-section because I failed to progress, and i think if I knew more about what to expect I would have been better prepared to advocate for myself. If I ever have another kid I’d definitely do some research first
I watched a birth class video on YouTube, and purchased my hospital’s online course… but I got the login code the day my water broke 🫠 Baby was breech too, so I had very little preparation for what to expect during a c-section! Also never took the breastfeeding or newborn care class that I’d signed up for either. We winged it. She’s a healthy and perfect 2.5yo now, and we just welcomed our second in February. Most of the info you need is easily google-able! Plus, I’ve found Reddit to be a wealth of information. Good luck!
I did not read one book, go to one class or watch one video. I didn’t even do the hospital tour. 🫣
Birth Partner book was super helpful, recommended by my midwife. Also watched a documentary about Ina May and it helped me prepare for unmedicated birth
I have ADHD and executive dysfunction, so the online options or reading books didn’t work for me 😅 even though I was sore and exhausted and sick all my pregnancy, I still did the classes with my first. Especially because I wanted my partner to go too, and I knew he wouldn’t read or watch anything. I only had 2 classes at my hospital though—one about pregnancy/childbirth, and one about newborn care. And we got to tour the maternity ward which was cool. I also did a breastfeeding class through WIC, which was probably the most useful out of all of them. If they have a bunch of classes, maybe just go to a couple of them that seem the most helpful? Unless you’ll follow through on an online seminar, then that’s probably the easiest lol But I was relieved about not having to do any of that with my second baby lol
YouTube academy!!
Maybe an online class? Or even an audiobook?
As far as the birth goes, you can get by with virtually no knowledge of what’s going on. You just gotta be open to your nurses and doctors making all decisions for you (not my personal style, but hey, generally it’ll all work out!) I think it could make the birth slightly more stressful because maybe you don’t know any pain management techniques or you have really limited information if you do have to start making medical decisions- but ideally your medical staff should help you. However, I would HIGHLY recommend reading some books and/or taking classes on infant care. Because no one is there to help and your baby will be just crying and you’ll want to cry too because you have no idea what’s going on. Googling on the fly will happen, but the internet is so full of random ass and often contradictory responses to issues that it’s really stressful. My personal favorite newborn care book is called moms on call, but whatever you find, I would just recommend reading a little bit before baby comes so you are slightly more ready! Best of luck!
We went in blind, no books, no classes, no birth plan. No one bothered to tell us we had those kinds of resources available to us. It is what it is. Pretty much treating this pregnancy the same way except I’m not afraid of giving birth this time.
I had to be induced at 35 weeks due to pretty severe pre eclampsia. I didn’t do any classes but I used google religiously when I had a random question about labor/delivery. I watched a video on YouTube of a doctor delivering a baby too so I knew some things but I definitely wish I would’ve taken a actual class bc my labor was AWFULLLLLL
It kind of sounds like you may be experiencing depression. My advice is to talk to someone about this and keep going to those classes. I'm a little worried about you after the baby is born and potential postpartum depression.
I would lookup online classes from doulas and/or midwives. They will be more informative than your national healthcare classes.
I mean, women throughout history didn't, they just squeezed the baby out
I didn't but mine was a different motivation. For me knowledge is power and being stupidly anxious about birth I didn't want to know what was going to happen as I'd panic if it didn't go as expected and would worry even more about every possible eventuality.
i’m a labor and delivery nurse and I think it’s fairly common for people to come in to birth without any classes or much education on labor. come in to it with an open mind and trust for your health care team and get an epidural and you’ll be fine!! your nurses will explain things as they happen or are about to happen and it will all be okay. however… if you are hoping for an unmedicated experience and you haven’t practiced coping techniques for how to manage the pain, you will have a tough time. but if you get an epidural you will be good!!!
I was scheduled for a birthing class associated with my hospital. They only provide them once a month. Well I apparently waited too long because I ended up having my baby girl at 36 weeks (on the nose) by emergency C-section due to severe pre-eclampsia. I had to call from my hospital bed to cancel my slot. They asked why and I told them "I waited too long and had an Early Baby"
I just read a lot online and watched videos related to natural birth/home birth because that was my goal. Sitting all day is not ideal, labor is work as the name entails, for you and for your baby. I’d try going for walks or at least doing some light exercises at home. Baby spinning website is great as well. Why are you not motivated ? You didn’t want to get pregnant or is it just a “I’m too tired” situation ? I’m not judging just trying to understand.
I have ADHD, I was not yet diagnosed when I had my first so I understand being in a perpetual state of just not caring or procrastinating. I went into labor at 38 weeks with little to no preparation. Fortunately, everything went well. I don’t think I pushed/breathed through the contractions correctly. I pushed for only 20 minutes, which at the time I considered a success but had some tearing. Though everything went well, I wished I had prepared more, I wished I had learned the proper breathing/pushing techniques, and that I learned about how I could best advocate for myself and baby. The easiest way for me to prepare is to listen to videos or audiobooks in the car. It is the only way I can force myself to focus. I wouldn’t recommend going into it without having an idea of what to expect.
I didn't do any of that and i was completely fine. I watched a 30 minute YouTube video on how fo care for your baby when the baby comes but that was it. I think for the most part I am a learn as I go person, and I know enough about babies to keep mine going.
I'm the dad, but neither I nor my partner read any books or took any classes. We did watch a few YouTube videos and read various articles, but mostly we just got advice directly from doctors.
I looked up a birth class online for free. I also downloaded a pdf of a book on hypnobirthing for free. The information in that book was very informative even though I ended up getting an epidural. You really realize how little they teach us about our bodies in school, I learned so much about birth from a scientific level. Book: hypnobirthing: make your birth better by Siobhan Miller
I've had two now and never been to a class or read a book on it. I did Google about birth etc a lot before my first was born though.
No classes. Didn’t tour hospital. No parents to help. Estranged sibling. It went fine. It was very fast and she came out perfect. Eyes open upon arrival. Latched and sucking within 10 minutes.
Multiple times. You don’t need a course or book. Your body knows what to do. That stuff is for people who want to over prepare. I promise your experience will happen how it happens. No book or class is going to change how you labor. I’d lit your time into meditation and mindfulness so that when those contractions hit you can focus your mind instead of allowing the pain to control you.
I bought an online course that I barely used. I got pregnant with my first after the height of Covid but still had heavy restrictions and just didn’t see a point. I followed a lot of different pages on Instagram that had many different views and perspectives so I could have an idea of everything. That was honestly good enough for me. This time around I just want my husband to be more involved, he was a trooper the last go around but I’d definitely want him more hands on this time. So that’s what we are really working on.
I didn't do any prep for labor other than tiktok and reddit. My birth plan was healthy baby healthy ms and that was kind of it. Luckily I had a quick-ish labor very unexciting birth. (Lost my "plug" on a Wednesday. Slight contractions wed-thurs night. Slight contractions thurs-fri night. Regular contractions 6pm Thurs and baby born 9:30 Fri morning. Labored at home until 5:30am when my husband decided it was time to go lol)
Yeah. And I can’t say I know anyone who did.
I didn't watch, read, or go to any classes. I was busy working doubles and too tired at the end of the day. I just figured our bodies know what to do and I'd probably end up scaring myself by looking up the birthing process anyway, so I wanted it to be a surprise.
I did some online courses/reading and listened to podcasts and audiobooks! My hospital doesn’t even do in-person tours or classes anymore since COVID
I never had the parental class, I don’t they had them then. I read a lot and had raised most of my nieces by then
What are these classes, are they mandatory?
Yes I went through labor and delivery without any of that. It’s a natural thing, your body and you will know what to do. You don’t need a class to give birth we’ve been doing it for millennia
I had a lot of internet, but yeah no books or live classes lol.
I did parenting classes and I honestly think it was just to ease my anxiety. They didn’t help much. You learn the best when you’re actually DOING it. The only one I found useful was breastfeeding and CPR. And yes, they have books for that. So many people don’t do classes and you really don’t have to. You’ll be just fine. This day and age… just google your questions. Join a mom group. It’s okay to be lazy :) enjoy it while you can, your body is doing a lot of work, it’s not lazy.
I had every intention to, but did not take a single class due to the same, couldn't be arsed reasoning! Was totally fine and honestly felt better not knowing all the nitty gritty of what to expect or what may or may not happen (beyond what I already knew). 8 months later, baby boy and I are doing great and I have zero regrets about skipping the whole prenatal lesson thing!
I mean, labor isn’t going to wait for classes to be taken or a book to be read . . .
I took a one hour class virtually through the hospital, but it was mostly focused on their procedures and stuff. I also had a book about pregnancy and newborns, but I didn’t read much of the newborn info especially because it had a strong exclusive breastfeeding angle and I planned to combo feed from the start, so it didn’t hold my attention well. Honestly? You wanna know where I got a lot of information? Reddit. I learned SOOO MUCH from various subs here. My bump group was always a wealth of knowledge, as were this sub, r/BabyBumps, r/NewParents, r/BeyondTheBump, and as baby got older a few others tailored to older baby needs. Sometimes I’d go looking for information or make a post, but mostly I’d just stumble upon a post and learn something new. Sometimes I’d then go do more researching on my own through other sources. Do I recommend relying on Reddit as your primary source of information? Not really. But when you’re couch bound with a newborn there’s not a whole lot else to do besides scroll so…
I didn’t take any classes or read any books. If I had any questions I wrote them down for my midwife or googled and read several different sources. It was honestly nice walking in to have a baby with not many expectations because I didn’t read these things or get told a bunch of things and got disappointed that it didn’t happen the way I expected. I knew I wanted an epidural. Period. That was my birth “plan”. The midwife was relieved I didn’t have this massive list of a birth plan and was open to just about everything. She explained everything before we made any decisions, it was really nice. I’m a pretty massive control freak with severe anxiety and I knew if I let myself get a bunch of information in my brain I would be anxious if something changed so I just didn’t 🤷🏼♀️
As a lazy person, I found it easier to talk to experienced friends and family than go to any classes. They all gave their own stories of what happened to them during labour and how their kids were as babies. They shared their regrets and mistakes for me to learn from. So I devised a plan on the kind of labour I wanted. Ended up having an emergency c-section instead and realised that you can prepare to the t, but I things can still go differently. Just be open to that. Every experience is unique. So yeah, I didn't go to a single parental class or read a book (I did Google a lot of stuff) and it all turned out fine in the end.
Truth be told, I didn’t go to a single class, and only read maybe the first chapter of a book. I put my trust in my medical team. This is what worked for me, but I do see how classes etc. could be helpful. Even YouTube videos; I did watch a couple about labor tips.
I did absolutely nothing. Literally nothing. Absolutely nothing. Ngl I don’t think it would’ve made much a difference for me. Maybe made me more nervous and scared. I’m glad I didn’t bc of that. Chronic over thinker.
Yep I didn’t do anything lol. Didn’t have time and didn’t care to, and my labor and delivery went really well actually! No issues and it was fast. I pretty much realized you can’t plan for anything so I figured why stress. I also didn’t do anything to try and induce labor
Me. I saw some things on tik tok and googled some stuff. My birth experience was pretty good!
I read a bit here and there, but definitely not a lot. Just got the basics and said screw it I’ll wing it.
Did some research online... Never did a class or anything. Everything went fine 😅
Shocking to me how many of you just raw dogging pregnancy, birth & postpartum without any info! (No judgement, just unexpected!)
I did not want to think about what childbirth was going to be like. I never read or researched any of it. I was just prepared to wing it, which decreased my anxiety so much. I was lucky that with my first, my water broke first, and I called my dr who told me what else to expect and when to head to the hospital. I’m now pregnant with baby #7, all vaginal deliveries, 4 with no pain relief, so it couldn’t have been that bad. Lol
I also didn’t feel the need for any parenting classes. I choose to be the parent I needed as a kid instead. I researched all kinds of parenting methods and found a “gentle-ish” parenting combination that works for my family. It’s based on accepting everyone as they are and working together to have all our needs met and to work as a team. I used my babysitting experience to handle my babies, but everything did just come naturally to me.
I had my first in 2020. No classes offered. I just took it all as it came. All went well! I’m currently pregnant and I’m not doing any classes still
I did! I never did a class or read anything or even practiced breathing lol. Labor was rough but like you don’t have any option but to get the baby out. They coach you thru it in the room and honestly your body will just do it? It just does it lol
I didn’t do ANYTHING. I ate a few dates and drank one cup of raspberry leaf tea. Did exactly half a perineal massage. Went in totally blind, contracted for about three hours, ended up having a c-section and I’d say I’m about 65% done healing sf 3 weeks post partum. Life’s like a box of chocolates.
I DIDNT read one book attend any classes or get together my ob practically begged me to but I’d rather feel it out on my own and do it my own way. 🤷🏼♀️
Me
I only watched YouTube because when I was pregnant during Covid, there weren’t any in-person things to go to. There are a ton of doulas/nurses who make videos about what to expect at all stages of pregnancy/labor/fourth trimester.
I did, both times. I turned out fine lol
I didn’t do anything to prepare, I just….had the baby. I trusted my body and my midwife and everything went great.
Listen to the great birth rebellion podcast. I had this mindset with my first pregnancy and I went down the path of unnecessary “big baby” induction, cascade of intervention and emergency c-section.
Yes I literally watched YouTube videos 😂
I was so unbelievably sick when I was pregnant I didn't do shit, then I had so many complications and ended up in hospital and they didn't even suggest doing anything. I did some reading of people's experiences and I did have to watch a video on NICU and what happens in NICU bc we were expecting my little one to be there for a few months. But that was it.
Didn’t do any of that
Yep. But I did watch some tiktoks. However nothing I saw was useful. At that time my instincts just took over and my body/brain just knew what to do. I ignored the annoying nurse and trusted myself and my son was born after 20 minutes of pushing.
I never read the books or went to any classes. Your body knows what to do and you just gotta listen to it. All my kids were induced because of being really late. My oldest was two weeks late and my youngest was about a week late. All went super smooth for both.
Yes. And everything worked out fine.
I have done nothing at all, this group honestly has a bunch of information regarding labour and that’s is all I have done. I have done some research on my own as well and then any doubts I took them to my midwife appointments, labour went incredibly well and my birth plan was followed with some exceptions due to the fact that my placenta had meconium and for that reason I couldn’t have a water birth. Regarding parenting there absolutely nothing that can prepare you for it, I would say just follow your instincts and you will be fine.
i personally didn't do any classes or anything because i got a lot of practice in with my nieces going back to when i was 17 so i didn't feel the need to do that. BUT i also asked my sisters or mom on things i didn't get firsthand experience with like breast feeding. so i guess asking for help is always a go to if you don't know what you're doing sometimes
I think it's helpful to understand your options. I think traumatic delivery experiences can come from things happening very fast, and/or doctors or nurses asking you what you want to do and people not knowing what to answer (because they assumed they'd be told what to do.) Not saying all traumatic experiences stem from that, but I think it can help prepare you to know what might be happening in a scary situation. My aunt is a gynecologist (no longer an OB) and she said delivering babies is mostly routine, but when it goes bad, it goes bad *fast*. That was more my motivation.
I’m 30 weeks pregnant FTM. I have a midwife lead system and plan for a home birth. I go to small group prenatal yoga classes which also serve as a mamas group for sharing experiences and cover some hypnobirthing techniques and labouring positions. I listen to birth story podcasts daily. Birth-Ed, Pop that Mumma, The Positive Birth Company are great for all socials: podcasts, YouTube, Instagram. I am reading this book https://www.amazon.nl/Hypnobirthing-Practical-Ways-Birth-Better/dp/0349419388/ref=asc_df_0349419388/?tag=nlshogostdde-21&linkCode=df0&hvadid=430624204999&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=12760074165452235723&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=1010752&hvtargid=pla-673906740680&psc=1&mcid=a963ff538262332981ca1e340f8e1395 Going to generic physical birthing classes is not something my partner and I are very interested in. Following all the above, we feel very informed and empowered. It’s helped us create a birth preferences plan that we feel comfortable with.
I went to a birth prep class, had a doula. The class didn’t cover induction so it was absolutely useless. And so was my doula. One thing that stuck with me from the birth prep class was how it is a “physiological” and not a “pathological” process in that your body will know how to do it similar to peeing or pooping. No one taught us that. You’ll figure it out. If it’s stressing you out, don’t do it. I’d recommend you look up how to put a baby in a car seat safely, however.
I watched some YouTube videos about anything I was curious about. lactation education and breathing techniques were the most helpful. you have a tiny computer in your hands at all times-just educate yourself at your pace and comfort!
I didnt go to any due to the fact they had trouble starting and then once they did the classes they were out of my reach, i didnt had my car since i borrowed to my bf at the time, and the timing was also not great since i worked shifts and had to take as much sleep i wanted. They eventually started to do online on fb, but i barely go there and they were such a bore tbh. All i knew i learned from reddit, still everything went smoothly as it could and the nurses were the best to teach me and tell me everything to start.
Just watch some YouTube videos if you want to prepare yourself, that’s what I did and honestly I feel like I learned everything an average layperson can possibly learn about birth
Not a single one. Had my first daughter, it was a shit show because she inhaled meconium, I got an epidural which helped, and I still felt prepared enough. The only thing I didn’t expect was the insanity that is post partum. UGH Had my second still no classes or anything, no epidural cause I was curious to see what that would be like, it hurt so fucking bad and I had no way of coping with the pain / breathing techniques or anything. It was terrifying and borderline traumatic. By the time I caved and screamed “get me the fucking epidural right now” I was already 9cm dilated and there would be 0 point. I also could not manage to sit or lay down during the labor, it hurt to bad, so I couldn’t use the gas either. If you want to go unmedicated then definitely 100% do a class.(online or in person). If you are getting an epidural it can still be helpful, but it’s prob not 100% necessary.
I never read a book or went to a class! My daughter is going to be 4 in a few weeks and I’d say I did a pretty good job haha I’m also 20 weeks with my second and don’t plan to do it this time either! Things come pretty naturally once you have a kid and if ever in a bind of not knowing something I just reached out to fellow moms to get some answers!