Birthing classes :/

[loopsie]

I keep getting told my midwives and consulatants that theyre useful and I should at least attend some. My parents are saying 'you won't cope without birthing classes, you won't know what to do'
I know I may not have the experience to say this, but i daresay people can manage to have a baby , without the classes
The way I see it, I will probably be in too much pain to even remember what Ive been taught in birthing classes!

The main reason I don't want to go is because I am thinking about placing my baby up for adoption, and also FOB, who im still insanely in love with, left me when we found out i was pregnant and i told him i couldnt abort. It will be torture to be surrounded by happy couples, while i'll be on my own or with my mum. And people will be talking about taking their babies home and getting everything ready, and I don't have that.

I just know i'd end up crying, either during or afterwards. I feel like i'm getting so much pressure to go though. So because of that i'm kind of in two minds about it. On one hand, people have been giving birth since mankind began, and us humans managed to have our sproglets without that sort of thing. But on the other hand, the fact my folks and the midwives are pushing this makes me feel it must be important. It's confusing my already mushy pregnancy brain.

Have you gone/Will you go to birthing classes. Do you think they're essential?

 

[ClairAye]

I did, they were interesting and only slightly helpful, more interesting though, in labour you won't even think about the classes and you'll follow your instinct, or what a midwife tells you what to do They are a good insight though

 

[xforuiholdonx]

I never went to birthing classes. Your body naturally knows what to do.
for your situation. Do what you feel is best for you and baby.

 

[SnuggleMum]

I hope you don't mind me posting here. I was hesitant about going to antenatal classes as my partner was working away and I had awful antenatal depression. I'm so glad I went though, although I'm not a teenager, I was 23 and by far the youngest, but everyone was incredibly friendly. Everyone is there to learn, and so there will be no judgement. The Antenatel teacher was lovely, really reassuring and spent a lot of time answering questions after the class.

I agree that birth is natural and normal and woman have been doing it for a very long time, but unfortunately it has become more medicalised in recent times. Antenatel classes (especially something like the NCT - they do reduced fees so you'd likely only pay £15 or so) can teach us the tools to deal with that, and have the best chance of the birth we want.

Could you tell your MW what your fears are? They might be able to reassure you, or recommend a way for you to get the information in a gentle and safe way.

 

[nicoleJOLIE]

i didnt and did fine with labor ! 36 hours !

 

[try4girl2]

I haven't taken any birthing classes and I am about to have my third. I had my first when I was a teen. ( I hope it is ok I am posting in here) I had almost 7 years between my first and second. I know that they have birthing classes online you can take. I also have a friend that gave her little boy up for adoption she took classes though a agency that she was using. (this was a while ago) I know you she said that some of the moms ended up keeping the baby. I am not sure where you live but maybe you can look into this. Also if you are in the states maybe you can contact Planned Parenthood or a local pregnancy crisis center. I hope everything works out for you.

 

[OhhBabyBump]

Im kinda thinking the same way you are, for the longest time humans have survived without pain meds for labour, birthing/parenting classes, and baby formula soo why is it so important now? If you think you have enough knowledge or people around you to handle labour i would say you wouldnt need them. Now if you WANTED to go i would say go. Im not and im sure i will do just fine do whatevers best for you! Good luck with your situation

 

[Abby_]

I went to the NCT antenatal classes, i found that they helped me a lot. Although you might not remember everything, it does help you feel more prepared. I went along with my mum i only felt 'left out' once when a stupid lady said to the group 'what would you like your baby to inherit from your partner', which was a bit awkward as i don't want my LO to inherit anything of FOB!
I would say try them, if you don't like it, don't go back.

 

[Linzi_x]

I haven't been to a birthing class, but I do go to pre-natal aqua yoga once a week which teaches breathing techniques and some good advice

 

[fl00b]

i haven't been to any as i was terrified of going on my own and being the only one without a OH. i defo wish i would have gone to them now! as abby said, if you don't like it then you don't have to go back so i'd give one a try =)

 

[MrsEngland]

I didn't go to them with my daughter and I won't with this baby either.