There are no childbirth classes in my area, what should I do

I live in a really small town. We have a small hospital, there are only 4 doctors available here. I already took the only childbirth class they offer here, it was only 6 days long and went over the bare basics that everyone should know before giving birth. My husband and I would really like to take a class that teaches pain management. We would like to prepare for a natural birth and have a specialized birthing plan. I feel extremely trapped living in this town. Many people drive for 1 1/2 hours for things like this... I'm hoping there is another option. Is there a resource I don't know about? I've already asked my doctor, he is not aware of anything local that could help me.

Quoting MonaMa:“ I live in a really small town. We have a small hospital, there are only 4 doctors available here. I already ... [snip!] ... Is there a resource I don't know about? I've already asked my doctor, he is not aware of anything local that could help me.”

I am not taking any classes and I live ina big city. I have read many many books and searched the internet. Husband Coached Childbirth (aka the Bradley Method) was a very insightful book. Good Luck!

You could try ordering a dvd or book online? Do you have a local park district? Maybe look into that. Good luck.

Try a video. I know it's not the same thing but it can help.

I didn't take any classes and didn fine. The nurses instruct you the whole way through.

Quoting Dani+Bren:“ I didn't take any classes and didn fine. The nurses instruct you the whole way through.”

This is what I did for my first. It went alright, but I want a better experience. I couldn't even walk the next day and my recovery was really long for having it vaginally.

Any suggestions on good videos, CDs, books, etc?

just get the epi. Honestly, you'll be soo happy you did. I took bradley classes for over 2 months and all they did was scare me that IF I did let the dr.s do anything it would result in my baby being injured sick or die. my labor was hard and lasted over 26 hours and I ended up having many interventions.
Because, I had to let them help me it left me feeling like a failure which took me months and months to get over and forgive myself. I felt like I'd let my son down.

My advice if you want to go natural OR try to, do your research, find what method fits your wants and needs and understand that it is not true that everyone can have a nautural unassisted birth and in the even that you do need pain management or intervention of any sort. YOU ARE NOT A FAILURE!

what is #1 importance is the health and well being of you and the baby!!!!!!!!!

I will not in any way reccomend the Bradley method. It didn't work for us and really hindered me in being able to say "hay! look what I did!!! I successfully gave birth to this beautiful being" it took my pride away. It made me feel ashamed and like a failure. I wouldn't wish that on any one.

Natural is great IF and only IF your body can do it! I was so determined that I only made myself physically and emotionally miserable. It took my body 6 months to recover and about 6 months to a year for me to emotionally to recover my tramatic 26 hour labor.

Please please please look at all options and find out what is the best choice for you and do not let anyone make you feel like you did anything less than a beautifull miracle.

Good point Monkyn! I really have no intentions on actually having a natural birth. I would like to learn the techniques they teach to deal with pain management. I don't know of a system out there that teaches you all the natural stuff, but allows for interventions and maybe even encourage it. I'm sorry your experience was so bad for you. We all know that you did do an amazing thing and you should be proud of it! Endureing 26 hours of labor isn't easy! I was completely exhausted after my 15 hour labor.

I was thinking after my last post that it would still be difficult for me just reading a book or watching a movie to educate myself. There is the human interaction side of classes that I don't want to miss out on. I'm still open for suggestions.

Quoting MonaMa:“ Good point Monkyn! I really have no intentions on actually having a natural birth. I would like to learn ... [snip!] ... myself. There is the human interaction side of classes that I don't want to miss out on. I'm still open for suggestions.”

what did help in the 14 hours of unmedicated labor was the prenatal yoga i took. The breathing and vocalizations really helped to stay calm focused and breathing really does help. They say that every woman has a sound that helps open her up, dialate and controll pain. For me that was O a deep primal O. it worked like a charm until my contractions were right on top of eachother and lasting almost 3 minutes. Thats when I said fuck this mess and opted for nubain in my IV.

Quoting MonaMa:“ Good point Monkyn! I really have no intentions on actually having a natural birth. I would like to learn ... [snip!] ... myself. There is the human interaction side of classes that I don't want to miss out on. I'm still open for suggestions.”

i just realized you are due on my sons due date! he was due 10/26 but didn't come out until 10/31.... he was holding out for the candy!

Quoting MonaMa:“ This is what I did for my first. It went alright, but I want a better experience. I couldn't even walk ... [snip!] ... walk the next day and my recovery was really long for having it vaginally. Any suggestions on good videos, CDs, books, etc?”

Hmm. Well, I did have a natural birth. The pain was terrible, but using a birthing ball helped to keep me from throwing myself out the window...But my son was also "sunny side up", as they say, and I was on Pitocin, so those two factors probably made it worse than it could have been. Other than that, I used to go on YouTube and watch videos of labors to learn different techniques women would use, there are tons of videos. That's all I got. Hope it's a least a tiny bit helpful.

Quoting Monkyn&Coco'sMama (HippyB:“ i just realized you are due on my sons due date! he was due 10/26 but didn't come out until 10/31.... he was holding out for the candy!”

I have a sister-in-law and a good friend who's birthday is Halloween. They both LOVE it! Halloween parties every year, dressing up, candy, etc. I'd love it too.

Thanks for everyone's suggestions. I'm starting to feel more confident in my position. The last few months I have really felt trapped and hopeless. Now I'm researching more about online classes. Watching YouTube videos is an excellent idea. I have confidence I can have a birthing plan. Also gaining confidence that I can create a birthing plan that is right for me.

Of course I'm still willing to hear suggestions, so keep them coming!