So, I've procrastinated long enough on registering for baby care/childbirth classes and was making myself look through everything this morning. And I have to admit, I'm totally on the fence. We will absolutely take the Infant CPR class, that's a given. But other than that, I feel like the other classes I'm pondering (at Is.is Mate.rnity in Boston) seem a little goofy/useless, especially for a 39-year-old who has alot of young nieces and nephews. It's not like I'm unfamiliar with babies, though I know it's a whole different enchilada when it's your own and you're the primary caregivers.
The other classes I'm waffling on are: Childbirth, Breastfeeding Basics and Newborn Essentials. By far the childbirth is the most expensive at $179 while the other two are a more reasonable $59. Anyone have any opinions on the usefulness of these classes? I feel almost guilted into taking Childbirth, what first time mom doesn't take a childbirth class? But I'm not sure about the other two - are they redundant as to what the hospital will cover? Are they common sense?
The main reason I'd even consider all of them is that we have Flexible Spending money to burn -- we're in a plan that doesn't allow carrying over to next year and we put in more than we've needed in anticipation of doing donor eggs this spring, as we had to make the contribution decision last November. Looking back at that, you can see how optimistic (not!) I was about my December IVF being successful ;).
I had been under the impression that FSA covered newborn basics like diapers and formula, as well as vitamins for NoodleGuy and me, so putting in a chunk of dinero didn't seem risky. But no such luck, serves us right for not reading up on it earlier. So, taking some childbirth classes would spend some of that money, which is silly, but I'd rather spend it than let the evil corporations just eat our money. Neither NoodleGuy nor I wear glasses, otherwise we could go on a designer glasses/sunglasses spree! ;)
One annoying note from my OB, who is usually a total sweetheart and very kind, was during this which-classes-to-take discussion, she suggested a hospital tour. I had already pretty much decided in my mind that I thought it was a waste since I'm familiar with the hospital but asked her what the tour encompassed. And she ran through the basics: knowing how to get there, where to park, where to register, what the L&D floor looks like. And I kind of looked at her for a couple of seconds, dumbfounded, and said "I actually am kind of pro at that, I've had two miscarriages and D&Es ." Hello?! I'm horrifyingly familiar with where to park for the "Angel Valet" (aka Dead Baby Sympathy Valet, which is the same as the birth valet except it's free) and I've seen more of L&D, since it's right next to the D&E surgery area, than any other first time mom should. She looked a little taken aback that she had walked into that one and kindly said "Of course, of course, only do it if you'd like to see it from a different perspective.". Irritating but she really is one of the nicest people I've ever met, so she's forgiven ;).
Anyhoo, I'd love to hear your thoughts on the variety of classes and what was worthwhile!
I'm taking the Natural Childbirth class at Isis right now and both my husband and I have found it useful. Not that there is anything they are teaching us that can't be read in a book somewhere, but it does seem to be helpful to talk things out in a group setting and be able to ask specific questions. Actually practicing relaxation techniques is a lot better than just reading about them too. I am also going to be taking the CPR/Breastfeeding/Newborn Essentials classes, but haven't started those yet so I can't offer any advice on those. Good luck!
ReplyDeleteMeredith
Also- I meant to mention- you should check with your insurance about reimbursement. Mine will reimburse $150 of the cost of the class. Also, your insurance might cover a breast pump (mine will cover the Medela backpack. If so, you can get a prescription from your pediatrician and bring it to Isis and they will take care of ordering it and getting reimbursement from your insurance company. (If your insurance won't cover it, maybe you could at least use funds from your FSA?) If you get your pump at Isis, there is a free weekly breastfeeding and pumping group you can attend if you have any issues/questions.
ReplyDeleteMeredith
Personally, I kinda wish I wasn't doing my childbirth classes. They have leaned heavily on the natural aspect so far and I know that I am 100% an epidural girl. I'm just not sure that what they've taught so far will be very useful. And I'm still debating the 3 hr breastfeeding class too. It's only $25 but they have lactation consults with you while you're in the hospital, so I'm not sure I want to kill a Sunday doing it. But I do see the dilema of not wanting to lose the FSA money either. Will it cover things like gas drops, etc.. for Bug? If so, I might would stock up on that type of stuff instead. I wonder how long Flinstone vitamins stay good for...if it's a couple of years you could always start stockpiling those for him. ;)
ReplyDeleteI am planning to take a childbirthing class to prepare my husband. I took the class 10 years ago, and I think it was somewhat helpful in preparing me for what to expect.
ReplyDeleteI also want to take a breastfeeding class because I have heard how difficult breastfeeding can be. I hear breastfeeding consultants are amazing. You do have a good point about them being redundant though, because I'd bet there are nurses at the hospital that could help with breastfeeding.
I don't see the benefit in the newborn essentials classes though, especially for people that have taken care of newborns. But, like you said, I bet it's different when you're the primary caregiver!
I think whether or not to take a class really depends on your birth plan! If you want to do a natural birth i'd look into finding a natural birth class of some sort. In hindsight I really wish I had taken once since I was planning on a natural birth.
ReplyDeleteIf you're not planning on a natural birth i'd skip the class. I read the description of the birth class offered at my hospital and honestly it seemed like a waste of money because I could have read everything in a book!
Hospital tour i do recommend, even though you've been there for other things. Its a good time to ask policy questions: how many people can be in the room, how long you stay in each area of the hospital, what their rules are regarding videos/cameras, will they let you eat during labor (i was given free range over a snack room with clear liquids!), can you walk around, what sort of monitoring is required... that sort of stuff!
Breastfeeding class i DO recommend if you plan on breastfeeding! But if you don't want to spend all the money on a class you could go to some LLL meetings instead! I did my breastfeeding class through the birthing center and it was free. It really will help explain all about breastfeeding and I felt VERY confident about breastfeeding after taking the class.
Infant care class I signed up for but never took... and honestly I don't feel like I missed anything. There are lots of good books to read and websites to visit and if you've had experience wtih babies before then I think you're okay. =)
I know you said you had the FSP to use, have you thought about a doula? I wish I had one... even if you aren't planning a natural birth I've heard so many stories about how wonderful they are to have. Just a thought!
Sorry, i've written you a book here!
To spend the FSA money, I would do the classes, perhaps it will give your husband a way to bond with the baby. Also, look into getting a humidfier/vaporizer -- at least with our FSA those were covered. (I unfortunately learned the hard way that that breast pump was not)
ReplyDeleteAs for the worth of the classes--if you are comfortable with babies and small children, if you are comfortable with your own body and understand the basics of childbirth--you won't need them. Most of them just go over things that you can read in books/internet. Also, in the hospital you will be visited by a lactation nurse if you want to breastfeed, etc. I found the BF course for my first born, was useless and run by a BF Nazi--she made it sound SO easy and it was such a disappointment when I had troubles with BFing. On the other hand, when I took a refresher course on childbirth for my second--no one came, which was a blessing, cuz we got a one on one discussion with a nurse about the procedures, etc.
So, I guess it is what you want to get out of them that matters.
I'd say the birth classes through the hospital are ot worthwhile i you arereadng a lot. The breastfeeding class Id definitely recommend, Ive use what I learned that day many times in these past 56 hours of my daughter's life.
ReplyDeleteOur breastfeeding class was by far the most helpful of the 2 we took -- if anything just to be reassured over and over of how to do it because in the moment it can be so frustrating!
ReplyDeleteIf you're on the fence, just take the childbirth class, if anything - you'll have something fun to laugh about :)
Take the breastfeeding class if you take nothing else. Yes, it's natural and all of that, but it's also the hardest part of becoming a new mom.
ReplyDeleteI also recommend the hospital tour. I took it again with my second just to refresh our memories. You're going to want to know policy more than where things are located.
YES!!! Take the class. Even if you feel comfy with childREARING, you will want to know about childBIRTH. All the things that happen to your body, what is means when the doc says this and why they are advising that, and what to expect afterwards (like the spray bottle toilet wipe, for example, I had no idea). FOR SURE take a childbirth class.
ReplyDeleteThat's outrageously expensive though. Our childbirth class is $35 put on by the hospital and has been excellent so far. Boo for Is.is.
We took Lamaze(AKA Childbirth-there was no breathing really), Babycare + CPR, and Breastfeeding basics. CPR was very helpful. The other two were ok. I was pretty disappointed with the breastfeeding, it was basically just the instructor telling about breastfeeding her own kids for 2 1/2 hours. Lamaze was ok, there were a few things that DH learned but I knew most of it already from reading things here and there. It's really what you feel comfortable with. Our FSA lets us change the amount we've put in if a qualifying life event happens. A birth qualifies so we can lower the amount we've elected to put in once the baby gets here. I don't know if your allows for a similar thing, but you may want to check that out.
ReplyDeleteI took a 2-day weekend class w/ my husband and had a great experience. By far, the most informative and useful part was the breastfeeding class! The instructor was a L&D nurse for 20+ years and a certified lactation consultant. We spent at least half of the second day learning about BFing. If this is something you want to do, then I highly recommend it (along w/ a BrestFriend pillow and Angel Baby/Earth Mama Nipple Butter!!) I also learned a lot about timing contractions, dilation and effacement, the stages of labor, etc. which I did not know about prior...I found it helpful. Congrats and good luck w/ your delivery!
ReplyDeleteI found the CPR and breast feeding class totally useful and would recommend them. We also took a "taking your baby home" and M took a "daddy bootcamp class". We found the former somewhat useful and the latter wasn't too useful, especially since he'd taken the other three with me. All of them did help us feel prepared which helped with the 3T anxiety. Good luck deciding!
ReplyDeleteI am sorry I do not have any advice but I wanted to wish you the best with your decision making. The hospital I go to offers a class for free so I am thinking it might be helpful to try especially because we are clueless. I am searching for a CPR class too but have not found one nearby yet.
ReplyDeleteHypnoBirthing,
ReplyDeleteIts the Childbirth Preparation Class that I teach and I LOVE IT, I am also a doula so I get to see the births that come from it. Truly amazing!!
Breastfeeding class was the best for me. It really helped my confidence.
ReplyDeleteChildbirth was ok... I didn't really "need" it because I got induced and then had a c-section, but I felt more prepared for the c-section from the class.
We had an infant care class that we could have skipped. DH's mom came to the hospital the first day and showed us all we needed to know. It's hard to learn that stuff on a doll. Having an experienced person with us and our real kid was way better.
Skip the class and go for the doula! I'd also see if you can get massage covered since breastfeeding kills your mid-upper back at first. Yes, even if you are properly supported, etc. etc. - until the baby has some more muscle control you really have to hold them in place.
ReplyDeleteI HIGHLY recommend a buckwheat hull pillow for nursing. The boppy is too flat to really help, better for supporting the baby later in a sitting position. Blessed Nest and Beans72 make the japanese-style buckwheat pillows and they are awesome. They don't squish down like a cushiony pillow, and you can make a high side and a low side so your baby can lie at an angle across your body, which helps with reflux.
So, not helpful with the account money, but that's my two cents for today...
take the breastfeeding class if you plan to breastfeed. Breastfeeding is HARD, and I totally wish I knew more when I started. Just to be familiar with the types of things hat might happen.. is way better.. becasue you'll be able ot say, "oh yeah, i heard about this" and go and google more abotu it, or find your manual.. or at least get introduced to an LC who you can call when you have trouble (when, not if, i promise)
ReplyDeletegood luck. you are one of the blogs I follow that hasn't had baby yet - so I can't wait!!