I am interested in learning what types of classes are offered and what other mothers suggest. I am looking for inexpensive classes that can be taken with a friend if the father chooses not to participate.
University of Chicago Hospitals runs lots of great classes although I think they are mainly intended for people who will be giving birth their too.
http://uchospitals.edu/programs/index.html
Look at the classes for Expectant families.
R.,
I took about 5 or 6 classes before I had my baby and one afterward at Northwestern - Prentice. They were all great! My husband even took at daddy class. Let me know if you have any questions.
Lee
R.,
Try www.withchildchicago.com
The Choldbirth Education class is about $100 and includes a tour of Prentice Hospital. They also have many other types of classes.
T.
R.,
I took the Prepared Childbirth class at West Suburban Hospital in Oak Park. $80 for five weeks (2 hrs each time). It's taught by a doula named Pam-- she's excellent. There wouldn't be any problem with bringing a friend instead of the baby's father. In fact, you should consider having a doula at your birth. http://westsuburbanmedcialcenter.reshealth.org/sub_wsmc/e...
Talk to your OB. Most of them have classes through the hospital or birthing center you will be using. They are fairly inexpensive, more knowledgable, and less trendy than some of the others that are more fad centered. Sweet Pea Studio's may be a good reference for classes as well. Good Luck!
Hi R.,
I took the classes at IL Masonic on Halsted. That's where I had my baby and they offered a class that was 4 secessions and it was only about $40. Women brought husbands, friends, and relatives. I had a great experience with IL as the Hospital for my child's birth and with the classes.
K.
Dear R.,
I have two resources for you. One is for the woman that held my birthing class. Her name is Juli Walter and her email is: ____@____.com The other is for the organization where I work as a post-partum doula. The place is called Birthways and their website is www.birthwaysinc.com. You can go on their website and see what they offer or just call them. Either Jeanette, Meagan or Heather will answer the phone and give you whatever info they have. If they are not offering a class during the time-frame you are looking for, they will DEFINATELY know someone who is!!! They will treat you with absolute care and concern (it's our job) but tell them that I told you to call (a little inside track always goes a long way).
Personally, I think the Bradley Method is the best one out there. Lamaze used to get a lot of attention but it's not as helpful during the actual birthing process.
Good luck to you,
L.
Hi R.,
The hospital where you are going to deliver will have a free childbirth class for its patients. Ask your OB or the nurse in her/his office for information and how to register. All childbirth classes allow you to bring a "partner" - whether that is a husband, a sister or a friend.
Good luck,
C.
Hi R.,
What type of class you decide to take will *really* depend on what sorts of things you want to learn. If you are planning on a regular hospital birth with epidural and all that and want to know what to expect, you may just want to take one of the weekend workshops that they offer many places (I've seen them on Northwestern's hospital website).
However, if you are considering a natural childbirth class then you will definitely want to spend more time learning about comfort measures, etc etc. In that case there are a number of people who teach the Bradley Method in the city (google that and they have a list of instructors that you can email). The Bradley classes run from 9-12 weeks and I think are around $250-$300. Also a company called Mother Me does natural childbirth classes - they have a 6-week class and it runs about the same price (www.mothermechicago.com I think). There's a yoga studio on the north side (can't remember the name - Bloom Yoga maybe?) that also does classes that looked pretty good. I think all of these are around $250-$300, which isn't cheap.
There are a number of good books out there, too. A really excellent one is "Ina May's Guide to Childbirth". She definitely comes at it from a natural childbirth point of view, but does a great job giving any woman, no matter what her plan is, a good idea of what to expect, what types of medical interventions you may encounter, pros and cons of each one, etc.
I was glad we took a class if for no other reason then because my husband felt much more reassured afterwards, so I knew he'd be much more supportive during the process! I definitely suggest bringing a friend/partner who will be at the birth with you, or having them read whatever book you choose with you.
I am taking my classes at Swedish Covenant and NorthWestern. I am delivering at Swedish Covenant so the classes are free. So check with the hospital where you'll be delivering. I am also taking a couple at NW (ex. multiple breastfeeding) cause Swedish doesn't offer it but the prices are reasonable. Hope this helps.
