Childbirth classes overpriced! can anyone relate?

[susamor]

I've been researching childbirth today and its recommended to take a childbirth class for coping with pain during early labor etc... Come to find out my hospital charges $96 for members for a 5 week class each 3 hours long and I was supposed to have registered at 5 months to start class at 7 months (Im 33 weeks)! Just bothered that it costs so much and lamazze classes seem to be so against taking an epidural. I might as well buy a book and teach myself these things... I still need to learn more about labor and after baby. Can anyone relate?

[susamor]

Ok good to know, now I won't feel like Im missing out too much.. books it is :D

[junebaby2]

It was one time class for several hrs. With work and appts there's no way I ever could of committed to the class you're talking about.

[Larson52]

The classes im going to are all free and confident!
Im sure its different in other places but there helping me as much as they can

[junebaby2]

I took a class at the hospital where I was delivering. It was $20 I think at most for bf and I.  However, I did not retain or use one piece of info from it! As previously stated above, I too forgot everything!

[abbb01]

I never took any classes and I'd say when my son was born is was good experience labor wise I had a good nurse too though. I hadn't really been around too many babies either but they will help u with that too if u need but yes instincts do kick in don't worry.

[turtle414]

Read a book, class was a waste. But do go on a tour of your hospital so it will feel more familiar. Those are free :)

[babytime43]

Yes classes were a waste for me. everything goes out the door and as the previous post stated instict kicks in. Reading a book would be a better investment.

[brooke_13]

I'm not sure where you are located, but I was a single parent during my first pregnancy and I didn't want to sit in a birthing class by myself surrounded by couples. I contacted public health and a nurse came to my house and have me private classes and dvds and info and did a few well baby visits after my daughter was born. It was all free. At the time it made me feel prepared,but honestly I didn't use anyof the info iI learned during labor. You really do forget all that and your instincts kick in.