antenatal classes

My antenatal class only lasts 6 weeks and only has a week on the actual birth. The rest is on what not to eat, post natal depression and post birth stuff. I asked about breathing and got short shrift from the midwife like it was a silly question, she just said "you know how to breath, don't worry". If childbirth is so easy and fuss free then why do other places have classes on natural birth, breathing, techniques, oiling your bits, mobility etc etc. I just want to be as in control as I can be. I am in a fairly remote area and this is the only class there is, so another class is not an option.

The antenatal class we went to was over 6wks, 2hrs every Tuesday. We didn't cover breathing or anything like that either to be honest. We got given a flyer showin little diagrams on 'positions' that may help during labour but both our antenatal tutor and my MW have both said that there is no point covering that sort of stuff cause everyone is so different and you don't know what is going to be comfortable until the day. Apparently it just comes naturally when you are in labour and you will do whatever feels right. I guess I'm gunna have to believe them on that one! I didn't find our antenatal class overly great, didn't really cover much. Had one day on labour and giving birth which was basically watching a video and looking at pictures, a day on breastfeeding, a day on how to get baby to sleep and settled, and to be honest, can't remember what else! I've actually learnt more on this site and on other websites! Other people may have other experiences but that's just my opinion.

MindyW - I hope you are booked into an antenatal class........ I booked mine at 6wks and we were the last couple allowed in cause they were pretty much fully booked already. We didn't get taught anything about what to and what not to eat in our classes.

That sounds about right... ours covered what happens during labour (obviously if varies from person to person and that was kind of the point... nothing you read in a book is set in concrete), pain relief - pro's and con's, breastfeeding, basic at home with baby stuff... swaddling, bathing, essentials for baby, labour positions, short massage for bp to do if you want it. what you expect from your bp and what your bp thinks you want (that was interesting, our hubbys were way off LOL).

We didnt do breathing, that is lamaze and misconception that it is all antenatal classes. Most important is to remember to breathe, I kept forgetting LOL. If they tell you not to push pant.. you cant physically push while you are panting... We got told that at antenatal.

I was told that between contractions I was marching on the spot and during a contraction I was making big circles with my hips but I dont remember doing it so it must just happen....

Ours was pro natural and really good... in fact our CBE is going to be one of my support people at this next birth.

Ah crap! Better go and try and book a class

HB I would get onto it before your next MW appointment...
Your local Parents Centre normally do good ANC (but cost about 200$), or your local hospital (generally free, but have heard not as good as the Parents Centre)...

I have booked into classes and there is like six classes and 2 seperate one off classes one for breast feeding and one for massage and positions and breathing during labour. The latter 2 are optional.
Quick question: Do you know if you go to the classes allone or with DP/DH?? I know they are alloud to come to all but is there some classes which are better for DP to come to than others?? BEcasue i can imagine poor DP getting quite bored with it all and i was just wondering if some are better than others for partner participation??

WRX that sounds good, I might not have to worry about it then!

When do you plan on doing AN classes? Your not that much further behind me, do you think we'd end up in the same classes?

DH's coming to ours, he actually seems kinda interested, so I'm maximising on that

I booked in in Ham at about 10 weeks, and I got the impression I didn't really need to book that early (glad I did, though, I'm all for getting things out of the way). It probably does vary a lot from city to city.

HunnyBunny, the AN classes run by parent centre down here are good and FREE  I'd book in pretty soon though