Advice About Lamaze

I took them with my first and I was glad I did. The teacher we had was great and explained everything in detail. I actually knew what the doctor was talking about. IT is helping now with different breathing techniques as I am 9 months pregnant with my second. Soem people find it a waste but my husband and I found it very informative.
Good luck to you.
J.

I have many friends who took Lamaze and said it was a huge help. I took the Bradley Method classes, which were incredible!!! I definitely couldn't have made it without them. I believe the better informed you are the better birth experience you will have! Take the class!!!

We didn't take Lamaze, but we did take a childbirth preparation class at Edwards Hospital that did calm my nerves about child birth. So I would recommend something like that. Good Luck.

Yes just do it! They teach your spouse how to help you, massage you and comfort you, and help both of you understand everything. It sounds so simple but it is worth it. There is always info that you never would have thought of. It's nice to have a hubby who knows what is happening and knows what to do. Best wishes!

ps...when my daughter was born she inhaled the poopy fluids on the way out, and didn't cry right away...they rushed her away to suction out her lungs and she spent most of the week in the intensive care with premies. Had it not beeen for the lamaze class we would have been horrified, but we covere it in class and it was a great comfort knowing it was normal and everything would be OK, It was also nice to meet the other moms who were in the hospital at the same time. God Bless!

I did Lamaze classes with my 3 older children, and I 100% tell everyone to take the classes. You might not need the epidural if you follow the breathing techniques. I had natural childbirth for the 3 pregnancies. But had a C section with my twins. The breathing and relaxing is amazing. I recommend taking them.

Hi K. ~
I've heard a lot of different feelings about lamaze. Personally, I thought it was a great class!! I learned so much even my husband found it interesting. I did use the breathing during labor.
My sister in law on the other hand said it was a waste and she didn't use the breathing.
So I guess just do whatever you feel is right. I found it really helpful though. Hope this helps! Good luck to you :)

I took a Bradley Class, and did a natural childbirth. I skipped the Epidural because taking it highly increases your chances of a C-section.

Please think long and hard about the type of labor and birth you want to have. It is a memory that will stay with you.

I did not take Lamaze and I was just fine. I heard the same thing...it is a waste of money. The nurses are there to help you through it and tell you what to do. I would just read some books on the delivery, and just remember to breathe!

I am a nurse who works in L & D. I think taking childbirth ed classes are really important. The main reason is that although you don't seem to hear about this, epidurals don't always work well. I would say 25% of the time or so.

Also, most often (if you have a responsible doctor or midwife) you will need to be in active labor before you get an epidural. This can lead to having to deal with some contractions before that point. Many women are utterly unprepared for this or for the fact that often even with a working epidural there is some pain and pressure. It's also nice to take classes at the hospital where you will deliver to get an idea of their policies. Some hospitals still require babies to go to the nursery, some hospitals you go directly to L & d, others you go through the ER, etc. It's good to get an idea before you get there in labor.

Lamaze is a particular type of classes (like Coke is a particular type of pop). If you were planning an unmedicated birth I would recommend Bradley classes. It's good to take a class outside the hospital where you deliver to get unbiased information-for example a hospital class may say everyone in labor should have an iv because that is their policy while an independant teacher will just give facts, risks, and benefits not geared towards a particular hospital. Independent childbirth educators can also give you advice about your provider- for isntance if you are likely to end up with a c-section or episiotomy. I recommend hospital sponsored-classes for anyone delivering at a hospital so you know what to expect. Best wishes with your delivery.

I took a childbirth class with Natalie Evans: http://mamabellybirth.com/

she doesn't advocate a specific method of birthing, but gives a great wealth of information about the many options facing one during pregnancy/labor/new motherhood, gives pros/cons of each.
It really helped me make informed choices and feel prepared.
good luck!

If you're concerned about time and money i'd suggest watching a DVD of a Lamaze class. It's free (if you get it from a library) and you can watch it, stop it, and rewind/fast forward however you like.

I watched Laugh and Learn about Childbirth with Sheri Bayles to prepare for my first child (no epidural). Very informative, funny, and engaging. It was nice to have that extra information she gave so that I knew what the hospital staff might "suggest" and I could be prepared and be confident in my decisions.

*story* For my second child, I was in the hospital for 15 minutes, the nurses said I wasn't progressing fast enough and said I could either stay in bed hooked up to monitors, get pitocin or go home!!! I chose to walk the halls for an hour and that got things going just fine. It also helped me decide that I did want an epidural since the staff was not helpful. *end*

I did not take Lamaze for either of my births. I did one with an epidural and one without (not by choice - labor was only 1 1/2 hours and delivered 2 minutes after getting in the delivery room!). I don't think I would have benefited during either from such a class. Just remember to stay calm and let nature do it's thing. Good luck.

Hi K.,

For my first child I did not do lamaze. I was 18 when I had her so the whole thing was very scary and I was alone (she's almost 13 now). Anyway, for my son (he's 16 months) I did go to Lamaze. I felt that it was more informational for my husband then me. Although, I did enjoy the massages he gave me during the class. He understood a lot more things and when I said I was tired and I had a hard time doing things, he understood why. Which was nice!

It helped me understand some things as well and they gave us a lot of papers on different things and some coupons.

Just wanted to share my story.

Good luck!!! Enjoy your bundle of joy.. they grow up way to fast!!

L.

If you are a first time would be MOM, I would recommend taking the class. Lot of things that friends and family dont talk about or they miss are covered systematically.

I did lamaze and teh breastfeeding class. I have no regrets, it help me be prepared batter than I would have been.

All the BEST for your baby!!

Hi K.,
I took lamaze with my first child and found it a HUGE waste of time! I did not use an epidural and was still okay. Everything in the class was covered by the nurses when the situations came up. Personally, I say don't waste your time and money.
Good luck with your decision and Best Wishes with your upcoming delivery!

I took a lamaze class, and to tell you the truth, it felt like a waste of money. Mainly because the only thing useful that I felt I got out of it was the infant CPR and Heimlic. You can take those classes anywhere. They teach you pain management and things like that, but I felt like once I was in labor, ALL of that went out the window. So since you plan on getting an epidural anyways.. you won't be missing much by not taking the class. Also, they say they teach you how to push.... but trust me, when it comes time to, you'll know what to do.

I went to a child birth class with my first and I did find it helpful. Even if you understand the process of childbirth, it is likely your partner does not. My husband really had no clue! Even if you are planning on having an epidural, there are cases where they don't work or you get to the hospital and you have progressed to far to have one. With my first my epidural didn't work very well, so what I learned in the class really helped. I used the breathing techniques to help me through the pain and contractions. Luckily with my second, my epidural worked great and I swear had very little pain until I was fully dilated and ready to push. A lot of women will tell you to try to go "natural", I don't see any reason to suffer that pain if there are things to make your labor easier. The only reward you get leaving the hospital is your beautiful baby, no medals for being the "toughest"! I would say go to the class. Good luck!

I took a child birthing class and had a epidural. In our class a lot of things were discussed which I found to be useful or at least give my husband and me food for thought. If this is your first child, I would recommend it. It was especially helpful for my husband, because he had not been around too many babies for more than one hour at a time. Our class was a one day class, so everything was crammed in. It was little bit over one hundred dollars. If you decide to forego this class, I would suggest to take some type of child care class. These may be cheaper and put you in touch with maternity nurses who can offer both medical and practical advice with questions you have. I was glad to have taken the class even though I knew how child birth works. It helped me appreciate the process. Good luck with your decision and the baby.

I do recomend it. I had to wait a really long time to get my epidural and had no idea how to make it easier for myself. I was verging on hysterical and the nurse had to all but slap me to get me to focus. Not a shining moment for me I have to say but I'm sure if I had some type of training under my belt, I wouldn't have been so scared or out of control. I did take a childbirth class at Northwestern but my husband and I paid no attention to the birthing part because I planned on asking for my epidural at the door and getting it seconds later.

I would definitely recommend you and your husband/partner taking any and all of the baby-related classes offered at your hospital. Lamaze classes teach a lot more than just breathing techniques, plus you can ask questions and talk to other expectant mothers/couples. It was easier to get my husband to go to these classes than read pregnancy or baby books with me.

Hi K.,
Congratulations on getting ready for you child. I would recommend you talk with your doctor. The hospital where I delivered my son would not let me pre-register, which was a requirement, until I completed their birthing class. The class was very helpful, because it not only talked about the lamaze aspect, but what to expect at the hospital. We toured the hospital and was able to see where the delivery and recover would take place. They also talked about how the partner could be more helpful during the pregnancy and things to think about during the delivery.
Anyway, you might want to see if the hospital has a birthing class versus a straight up lamaze class.
Hope this helps and good luck!

http://www.juliwalter.com/

Hey K.,

Congrats!
I may be in the minority here and this is not meant to be seen as a "show off" message, but truly, you may want to consider natural childbirth. I've had 5 kids, all natural with no epidural and no lamaze, just great support from hubby and excellent medical staff (all 5 diff. staff.) (same husband, LOL.) The best thing you can do to prepare HONESTLY (if there's no complications for your pregnancy) is to just stay calm, walk as much as you can, and practice breathing as if you want to "do a number 2" pushing it out (TMI here, sorry)...that is just what it is like to have a baby! Good luck in whatever you decide, just wanted to let you know YOU CAN DO IT!

Take care!

I have taken it Lamaze classes with both my children... 17 years apart :)

I would have to say the first time around it was wonderful for me. I was a teenager and it prepared me for things I had no idea were going to happen. It also prepared me for the wait that I had before being given the Epidural. If you remember the breathing techniques they teach you it helps... I am not sure if it really helps the pain but it gives you something to have control over.

The second time I took it, I took it for the sake of my husband. He wanted to do it and I was kindda against it but knew it would make him feel like he had some part in this besides the fun in making our daughter :) He felt like he had some control and knew what to expect and it was nothing like on the movies where this beautiful baby comes out with a cute cry.... she was a slimy mess he would not have been prepared for! lol

I am sooooooooo glad I took it the second time since there were A LOT of complications we had not expected. I went into labor 6 weeks early and had to have a c-section. I was also in back labor for about 12 hours or so before they gave me an Epidural. The breathing and calmness of my husband helped! Thankfully some of the curveballs we were thrown were covered in our class. It helped to keep us calm, especially when we seen a whole team of Drs and nurses in the OR. We knew what to expect when they took her from us and what they were doing in the corner with her.

It also helped us to make the decision to do skin to skin contact right after she was born. Unfortunately that was not gonna happen immediately but within an hour my hubby was able to do it since I could not. If we had not known that he could do it we would have just allowed the nurses to tell us no. There was an older nurse who was absolutely wonderful and knew this was very important to us and she took my hubby in the NICU and put up a curtain around him, helped him get his shirt off and put her on his chest with a blanket over them.

My sister and girlfriend both had Epidurals and my sisters did not work at all and my girlfriends only numbed one leg and that was it! Thankfully my sister was prepared but my girlfriend had no idea and she is scared to death to get pregnant again!

So while it does not always help every person... I honestly would do it all over again if I was to get pregnant again! I also think that most parents forget just how bad labor can be after seeing thier precious baby and that is why they think it was no problem! lol Think about it... how many of us would have another baby if we really remembered! lol

Whatever you decide I wish you a happy birthing experience! Many blessings to you and yours!

I think it depends on the person/couple. My husband and I took a lamaze class for our first, and I don't think it helped all that much. My husband either didn't retain much, or didn't care, because when it came to the breathing he was really no help. My MIL was there. I was in labor for 36 hours with my oldest and I didn't get an epidural for the first 28 hours and my MIL was the one who helped me with my breathing and things. I guess what I'm saying is if you have someone who can help you with your breathing (hubby, mother, MIL, nurses, doctors, etc) than it can be better than taking the money and time for the class, because when your in labor (if your like me) you forget about most of the stuff you learned anyway.
**story** for my 2nd my husband was NO help. My MIL was watching my oldest, so she couldn't be there to help, but my husband sat in a corner of the room playing a game until it came time for the pushing and all that. If you ask him about it he says he was there for the "important" part. I don't think he realizes all that goes into it before than. I got an epidural almost as soon as they would let me.

Any class is helpful for a first time delivery or a second delivery for that matter.

We found BRADLEY to be 100 times more informative and to include much more information on preparation, delivery and breast feeding than the LAMAZE class we took. I've been to to both.

And, just because you take a Bradley class doesn't mean you can't use an epidural. Actually, percentage wise, most Bradley graduates end up getting an epidural.

They will also educate you Medulas and mid-wives - which I would highly recommend to consider using. They meet with you just as your doctor does each month, week, etc. and get to know you and the type of delivery you're looking for. They won't lecture you on not using an epidural, but will definitely be your #1 advocate in the hospital with knowledge & experience your hubby can't possible have for you.

Best of luck!

I have three children and my husban and I took lamaze for the first one and the refresher course for the other two. I am someone who likes to know what is going on and why the doctors and nurses are making the decisions they were making. I also had an epidural with two out of the three children. They were very helpful but not a cure all. With my first one, it was time to push and the epidural was in full effect. I did not have the urge to push and it was hard to follow the directions because I couldn't feel what was happening. With my second son, the epidural worked the first time, we got it sooner because they say with the second you can miss the safety window for putting one in quickly. By the time I really needed it though and they put a second dose in it did not work! I am not sure why, but I relied on the breathing and focusing techniques to get me through. I was greatful that my husband knew how to coach me without getting upset and got me through the delivery without panic. That time I knew what the urge to push was like and then some! I was right in the middle of getting the epidural for my daughters delivery when I sat up for them to put the port in my back that movement sent me from a 3 to a 10 in dialation and it was too late! before I knew it I was pushing and before long Amanda was born. Every pregnancy is diffrent, just as every woman is different. I also knew people who thoght the classes were a waste of time and money. My brother and sister-inlaw for starters. I can only speak for myself and my husband. We enjoyed it, and felt better prepared because of it. If you are not concered with the details of the delivery and just want to do what the doc and nurses tell you without an informed decision skip the classes, but at the hospital they will not have a lot of time to explaine why they are doing what they will be doing, and you will not be in the best frame of mind to take it all in. One other piece of adivise I got from lamaze was to take freeze pops for labor. They taste better than ice chips and you won't be allowed to eat for what seems like a very long time.
Best of luck with whatever you choose and rember it will work out and be over before you know it.
Peggy

I would recommend taking the class. It answered all of my questions, helped absolve many of my fears and prepared me for the whole birthing process. The classes themselves were a great bonding time for me and my husband.

It was also nice to be around other pregnant women and hear their stories (good and bad). I felt less alone.

As far as the techniques go, I planned on following them exactly but that just didn't happen. I did use something that I learned in class and sort of adapted it to my needs. It worked really well and got me through a long and difficult labor.

Take the class and then take from it what works best for you. I wish you all the best and a healthy, happy baby!

My hospital didn't even offer any type of Lamaze class. They offered a multi-hour "Great Expectations" class that covered the basic physiology of what would be happening to our bodies when we were in labor, the options we had for pain relief, what to expect from the staff (the nurses pretty much run the show -- and help you do whatever you need to do -- until the OB shows!) And other topics such as what happens to the baby after she is born, what happens if a c-section is deemed necessary, etc. We spent about 20 minutes on the benefits of breathing techniques and a little practice, but that was it.

I was very glad my husband and I took this class. It made me feel a little more "ready."

I suggest taking the classes. Everyone is very different. But it's nice to have the experience under your belt. The "what if's" will be answered. It may help you to enjoy your experience better. I have 4 kids & took lamaze & each labor was very different. But I learned some great techniques to help me through each of them. I didnt need an epidural with my 1st but I labored at home for 3 hours then only 45 min in the hospital. But my 2nd & 3rd were different because I needed petocin so I got epidurals. And my 4th, well she was almost born in the car (labored for 25 minutes total). Although its a whirlwind in the delivery room I am positive my husband & I got use out of lamaze classes. Best wishes & congrats.

With the births of my two children, I've learned that birthing classes are as much for your partner (or whoever will be with you when you deliver) as they are for the birthing mother. With my first baby, I was single. I did take a birthing class and so when it was time for baby 2 I figured I didn't need a class even though it was my husband's first baby. Afterwards, I realized that it would have been helpful for him to have gone through the classes, just to know better ways of helping me and understanding the birth process. I think the more the partner knows, the more prepared they are to help YOU through. But I think it depends a lot on your personality. If you are the type (like me:) that reads the baby books and mags, then you'd probably benefit from the knowledge and preparation from a class. If you're like my sister and easily come up with your own solutions to problems and don't worry about much, then you'd probably find it a wast of time:)

Hi K.. I read a lot of the answers below and it looks like there are alot of different opinions out there. For my husband and I the classes were one of the BEST things that we did before our little man came. We also took the Bradley Method classes and I did end up doing it all naturally (yipee). A lot of my friends that took both classes (w/different kids) all told me that they liked the Bradley class way more so we decided to just do that and I'm soooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo glad we did too!!
It helped all around to prepare mentally, emotionally, and physically. I also read tons of books. I'm a huge reader (9 books in the first 6 wks. after birth) and none of them even came close to being as helpful as the class was.
I think part of it was that we had an awesome teacher and we also ended up meeting a doula in that class and asked her to work with us as well. She was INCREDIBLE and both of us already told her that with our next one, we are calling her the second we see the plus sign so she can save the date for us, Lol!!! I am so serious though, they were phenominal and even made my husband's and mine relationship even closer, more excited and much better prepared to be parents.
Anyway, best wishes to you and I pray that you have an unforgettable and magical experience at your birth as we did.

FYI...Our teacher was Debbie Boucher ###-###-#### (she teaches out of her home in Libertyville.)

Our Doula was Jacque Shannon-McNulty ###-###-#### (she's in Grayslake, but comes to you...house,hospital, etc. and I could not and would not have had the memorable experience that I did without her.)

I'm so excited for you and if you have other questions feel free to call me ###-###-####. CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!!

I loved the Bradley class we took and as so many others have said, it really helped my husband and me to know what to expect during labor and delivery. The husbands especially benefit since they haven't grown up chatting with moms, sisters, and girlfriends about what labor and delivery is like, probably haven't read any books etc. It was also a nice bonding time for us as a couple, and lastly we just really enjoyed it. Our teacher was great. Worth every penny. I've heard less than glowing reviews about many of the hospital classes. Ours met in someone's home.

I would highly recommend taking the classes! I took a class through the hospital that was a combo of lamaze and the Bradleymethod. I wanted the birth experience to be as natural as possible. I was so glad I took the classes! They were a great help. I did the breathing throughout my labor, 8 hours and 18 minutes, lol. Not only did it help me avoid an epidural, but it gave me something to think about and focus on doing during the pain. I didn't want the epidural and the risks that go along with it and I was very glad that I didn't end up needing it. I did get two shots for pain to take the edge off. My nurse told me she was very impressed with how well I did during the toughest contractions, the last hour - the transition. I would've never made it through that without the breathing techniques I learned. After my daughter was born I was very proud of myself! Being educated about the birthing process and ways to cope with it really made me feel empowered and in charge of what was happening. Take the classes! Why get an epidural if you don't need one?
And this was my first child by the way. :) Good luck!

i had a natural birth with my daughter. I did take childbirth classes w/ my first child (not her) and they were very helpful for me and my husband to get a sense of what to expect. If you want to skip them, that is ok but i would do lots of reading and try to see some videos of births before the big day. For books I highly recommend:
The Birth Partner, by Penny Simkin
Ina May's Guide to Childbirth, by Ina May Gaskin

I would encourage you, finally, to consider hiring a doula, and to think carefully about what interventions you decide on, since one can often lead to the next, setting off a "cascade of interventions" and resulting in a birth that isn't how you imagined.

I took lamaze and honestly didn't remember much of it...but when i having contractions every 10 minutes for 28 hours... the breathing i learned did help me to relax (I think i focused on the breathing to help, and actually took my mind off the contraction). Once I was in the hospital and i had the epidural....I didn't use it...but it did help when my epidural wore off (twice) and you have to wait for the doctor to come up and give you more.

Also.. we learned a lot of techniques for your spouse/coach/significant other to do... I had all back labor and they showed us a lot of techniques to help "elevate" the pain and some positions that helped with that.

Overall... I found some helpful...but definately not all of it.

I took a full class with my first and a refresher with my second.

My first child I went into labor at 3am. I was admitted to the hospital at stage 4. I got stuck at 7. I started using my lamaze breathing. The baby was coming sunny side up but both our vitals were great. I watched the morning, afternoon nurses leave. I got stadol to take the edge off. Both baby and mom were fine. I got an epideral at 4am the next day, but it only blocked part of me. I could feel fully on my left. I delivered breathing lamaze at 5:23am seeing the morning nurses in disbelief that I was still there. She and I were fine. She was 7 lbs 13.1 oz and 21 inches. I delivered her the day after my due date but went in on my due date. 26.5 hours of active labor.

My son was induced a week early due to his size. I was put on PIT. I used my lamaze breathing. Started at 9:30am. Had an epideral that worked at 1:15pm and delivered at 2:39pm. A healthy 8lb 12oz and 21inch boy.

If it was not for lamaze I probably would have given up and had c sections. My children are 9 and 5 1/2 which I had been able to breast fed both after each delivery. I am now 35. I would not have changed anything. The lamaze was the best thing. I even used the technique during therapy after having acl replacement surgery.

TAKE THE CLASS!!! I found it to be extremely helpful, and so did my husband. Also, it is a very rewarding, bonding time w/ hubby, getting to know about the delivery, your body, baby, and what to expect in more specifics. I HIGHLY recommend it...w/ or w/o the epi. xo PS the labor and delivery can be the BEST part of pregnancy! Mine were!

I took the class and found it very informative for both my husband & I. I didn't need it for my firstborn, but for my 2nd, unbeknownst to all of us in the delivery room, the epidural pulled out & drained (another story altogether). I was in pain and used the breathing techniques, which helped. Also, just because you want an epidural, doesn't mean you'll get it. Sometimes it's too late. I think it's best just to be prepared.

good luck!

I did Bradley which is foccused on natural child birth, I didn't do an epidural. I can't imagine having gone through the experience without the class. And I am a huge advocate for the class. It is 10 weeks and your husband goes too, or whoever will be with you. Well well worth it, plus all the money you save by doing it without interventions is awesome!

I took it with my 1st pregnancy with my husband. It was a great way for him to be involved and to bring us together to do this as a team as much as possible. As for the "big moment" it helped very marginally to know breathing techniques, but we learned a lot about what's going on during birth which helped illeviate stress and anxiety. I highly recommend it for those reasons, and not so much learning how to breathe. Good luck!

Hi K.,

I don't think I'd call my Lamaze class a lifesaver, but I do think it was helpful to learn the information presented. It really helped me move past my fears about labor. We learned a lot about what one might expect during labor, the stages of labor, what might happen to your body, etc. The positions and breathing might be helpful (even if you do plan to have an epidural) for early labor when you might be at home/before they would put in an epidural. (Or, on the off chance that your labor goes so fast that it's too late to put in an epidural!).

The other nice thing about Lamaze is that it creates a small community of women/families who are expecting around the same time. My classmates sent out e-mails with pictures when their babies were born and had several reunions/playdates after the babies were born.

Lamaze classes do cover epidurals and c-sections, so that you'd know what might happen in those situations, too.

So, no, it wasn't a lifesaver, nor was it amazing, but I'm glad we did it.

Best of luck,
R.

I am a first time mom. My son is 10 months old. I did take lamaze, and had an epidural. I am GLAD I took lamaze. I was in labor for 34 hours and had 2+ hours of pushing. I am glad I knew breathing techniques and concentration techniques to get through many hours of labor before I actually got the epidural. My lamaze class also went over basic infant care, pregnancy backround and other informative info. Some of my friends that took lamaze said they gained valuable knowledge too, others said it was a waste of time. I decided to pay and form my own opinions. I also figured since this was my first pregnancy having any information would be helpful.
Good Luck!!

My husband and I took the lamaze classes and ended up with a csection, but we were still glad we did it. It was a neat way to "connect" with what is happening and helped us know when we were in real labor. We enjoyed being with other couples and learning what was going on in our body. I recommend it even though we didn't use it.

I have 3 children and didn't go to lamaze.I read books,they didn't have internet than,so you can get all the information from the internet and friends or family.
It's a personal choice.I figured they have done that for millions of years..................
I was never scared of childbirth,maybe if you scared, it would help............

The mom's I know who took Lamaze said it was not very helpful. Most of the mom's who had a better birthing experience took HypnoBirthing, which I took. It was amazing and so worth every penny and moment of my time and all the mom's I know. You can go to HypnoBirthing.com website to learn more and to find a practitioner near you. I will say it was so worth it whether you want a natural or medicated birth. It will change your outlook on birth and on babies forever!!!! I cannot say enough about it; it changed my life and I know my son was the one who really benefited!!!!!

I wished I would have taken a lamaze class. I had an epidural and I still felt pain and pressure. The nurse kept saying do your breathing and I looked at her like WHAT BREATHING?!? The nurse said some women can even get through it with just simple breathing techniques learned through lamaze. For the next baby we will definitely be taking a lamaze class!

I thought Lamaze was a complete waste of time and money. The nurse at the hospital happened to be the same nurse that taught my lamaze class, but even still. All the nurses were wonderful and easily helped to walk me and my husband through each step of the birth. I say buy a book and read it!

Any drug or medical intervention carries risks to both you and the baby, while the more natural your birth experience is, the safer it is and carries the most benefits for you and baby. Wouldn't it make sense to avoid the risks of medication and intervention if possible for as long as possible? This is why as a natural childbirth teacher (I teach Bradley), I recommend even those who don't think they want to birth naturally to attend a natural birthing class. Then you can be fully informed about the choices you are making and also have an arsenal of tools to bring to labor with you that can be just as effective as meds but without the risks.

And you will find there's a lot of misinformation out there about natural birth- that's there's no medal so why do it and it's so unnecessary and painful. But talk to moms who had planned, intentional natural births. Their stories are amazing and may include some low moments but they always come with the high of highs, incredible feelings of strength and empowerment, and of course the reward of a fully alert baby with no drugs in his or her system.

It's true the way birth is managed in most hospitals and by most care providers today *is* usually traumatic and painful and I can see why so many women are fearful and go the drug route. But when you avoid induction of your labor and the "cascade of interventions" and allow your body to experience it's natural labor in the space of freedom- freedom to move around, freedom from fear, freedom to labor in water, etc- you'll be amazed and inspired by your birth experience. This is the Truth of my own experience and the numerous women I've worked with.

Some really good resources whatever you choose:

childbirthconnection.org

Books:
The Thinking Woman's Guide to a Better Birth by Henci Goer
The Birth Book by Dr. Sears

DVDs:
The Business of Being Born
Orgasmic Birth (don't be scared away by the title, it actually covers much more than the title suggests)

(Both of these are very reasonably priced on Amazon.)

I took a lamaze class with my first and a refresher course with my second. (Not my third though because she came just 18 months after that!) I had an epidural each time, but I really enjoyed the classes. My instructor really explained a lot about the processes of labor and how I would feel at each stage. Basically, I used the breathing techniques as long as I could and then asked for the epidural. I would recommend taking some form of a childbirth class. Congratulations and good luck!

Hi K.,
I've given birth 3 times and taken Lamaze each time. I've since become a prenatal yoga teacher and asked my students about what helps them as they are preparing for the next child...The breathing from yoga class helps them more than Lamaze but I continue to encourage them to get to know the place where they will be delivering their baby...and be informed about choices at the place of delivery.
I encourage consideration of Bradley childbirth education (you can get the book via amazon.com and it has a lot of detailed information about preparing for birth - the classes are for pregnant lady and your partner so that your partner is more actively involved in the preparation and delivery of your child).
I encourage consideration of a doula to give emotional support in addition to the support from your partner and recommend doula Stephanie Eby - her web site is at:
http://www.korubirth.com/

You are welcome to participate in prenatal yoga at www.universalspirityoga.com.

I disagree that Lamaze was "waste of time" as reported by other Moms because there was useful knowledge about the hospitals I used (Good Samaritan for baby number one and Edward for babies two and three). My classes were taught by nurses who could speak personally about what happens during labor and delivery. I saw videos about "what happens if you have a C-section" and my partner saw them to understand how to support me if we needed to do this...and we ended up with three vaginal births.

I also recommend www.birthlink.net as a source of birthing information for women in Chicago area and suberbs.

Congratulations on your preganancy journey and best wishes with your upcoming labor and delivery!

C.
mother of three
prenatal yoga teacher in Naperville and at fitness center in Aurora

With my first child, I took not a lamaze class, but a child birthing class. It was offered through Christ Hospital, and I imagine other hospitals would offer similar classes.

I was glad I took it because it familiarized me with a lot of different aspects to giving birth. We learned breathing techniques (although I confess I really didn't use much of that knowledge!) and they explained the process of different scenarios: being induced, c-section, etc. They showed the equipment they used for an epidural and breaking water, which made it seem less scary when I encountered some of those things.

My daughter ended up being breech, so I required a c-section. I felt that because I took this class and learned a lot about it, it eased my worries (I didn't find out she was breech until I was at the hospital in active labor!) Even though you plan on having an epidural, our plans don't always work out--I had a friend who was so far along when she arrived, there was no time for an epidural. So it's always good to be prepared for alternative scenarios. For a first child, I definitely recommend this type of class. I also took a breastfeeding class, given by Christ's lactation consultants, and that was extremely helpful.

Good luck, and congratulations!

My husband and I took a lamaze class before our first child and I found the information to be very helpful,it was good for my husband. I will also say I have used the breathing more times than I can count since then, while dealing with every thing that raising childern throws at you. A mother of two, 18yrs.and 12yrs.old. A.