Did you take a parenting class while pregnant? Is it necessary?

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   nmdondersposted 11 years ago

   Did you take a parenting class while pregnant?  Is it necessary?
   
   Is it enough to learn from books, videos, friends, and family, or would you suggest parenting classes?

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2. 78

   RichardPacposted 11 years ago

   As a new dad, I can say that I attended a birthing class and a breast feeding class with my wife. In addition, she bought me a few books, "Be Prepared" and "Dude you're gonna be a dad". All of it was very beneficial. I have written a few hubs about the awesome birthing experience we had, which may help out as well. Overall knowledge is power, never be afraid to learn. Oh and we got some awesome freebies when we went to the classes including a ton of formula samples which have come in really handy as it is really expensive!

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   Traci21posted 11 years ago

   I did not take any classes and I wish I would have. I would do that now if I could. Anything to better myself for my children.

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   Abzolutionposted 11 years ago

   Hello nmdonders !
        I never went to a parenting class, I had a midwife and a large supporting family. But I also had common sense. I started reading some books when I was 4 months but only managed to scare myself so decided to just listen to my body and listen to advice, but not too much .

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   hbentleymomposted 11 years ago

   We took a class with the first child and I was very glad I did. This class was very informative and had everything you needed. I was one night a week for I think 4 or 5 weeks. It included a tour of the ward and labor rooms, information about no drug pain relief, information on the kinds of drug options and pain relief, breathing, counting and understanding contractions, knowing when to call/come in, what to pack for labor room and a question and answer time. Also included was baby care night, they taught how to properly swaddle, bathe, ways to calm baby and even info on breastfeeding and breastpumps.
   
   Although I had a book that I read and family and friends, the class told us things that we may not have thought to ask. When you just ask people questions you have to remember that hospital and doctor procedures change all te time so what they say may be wrong. Having this information made everything run smoothly and what I learned carried over to the next time I had a baby. The information on counting and understanding contractions was wonderful, it made going into labor at home much more calm than it would have been!

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   Mama Kim 8posted 11 years ago

   I didn't, but I wish my husband and I did. I think its important for couples to take a parenting class together (not birthing, we're taking parenting) if nothing else to get you talking about parenting styles so you don't clash after the baby's born and you are both too tired to think clearly.

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   lindieslposted 11 years ago

   I didn't take any birthing classes. I saw midwifes while I was pregnant and they gave me a lot of great information and I asked a ton of questions. They were nice enough to give me a tour of the labor and delivery floor as well. I couldn't rely on anyone else's advice because everyone I know had such different experiences. I wish that I would have taken a class so when I was pregnant the second time I went to one class that was a few hours and then at 37 weeks I had a placental abruption. None of the information and techniques I learned prepared me for this. After one ambulence ride and an emergency c-section. So I thought maybe the next one it might come in handy. wrong again! I lost my son at 5 months gestation. My husband and I tried one more time and at 31 weeks I developed severe toximia and had to have my labor induced. I forgot everything from that class. They don't give you a tour of the NICU and that is where my daughter was for 3 weeks. So although those classes are good for a lot of people. In my case it all went out the window. They prepare you for the basics of a good healthy pregnancy and delivery but not for the what ifs. Don't worry folks, I do not plan on having any more children but I do have 3 very beautiful healthy little girls that made the stress of all that I went through to bring them into this world worth it.

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   Steadman11posted 11 years ago

   Really I think it depends on who you are, and what sort of influences you have around you. Personally, I did not attend any classes. The only book I purchased was 'What to Expect When Expecting'. I didn't even read magazine articles or internet sources on the subject. But for me, I had enough experience from those around me and observing them with their children. I was able to decide what I felt they were doing right, and what they were doing wrong, and modify my own techniques from that. Another reason that parenting classes may not be benefiicial, is that every child is different. Really, no one can tell you what the best way to raise your child is going to be, because no one has ever had your child. He/she will be 100% unique and will react differently to things than other children might. As long as you make yourself aware of the health signs to keep an eye out for, a lot of it will come naturally. Friends and family will be a huge benefit if you have any questions, but remember that the majority of the time, it is only advice, not a rule of thumb. Just use common sense and most will come naturally! Good Luck!

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