Should I do Ante-Natal Classes? | ExpatWoman.com
 

Should I do Ante-Natal Classes?

108
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 06 January 2012 - 16:47

Hi ladies,

I'm currently 26 weeks pregnant with my first child. I've been looking into ante-natal classes and have seen that American Hospital (where I am delivering) offer a 2-day weekend course for 1500 AED.

I wanted to ask some mums for an opinion on whether it would be worth doing it? I like the idea of going into labour having some kind of idea about what to expect (breathing exercises, breastfeeding info etc) - but equally, 1500 AED would come in extremely handy for buying things for the baby and I don't want it to be wasted for the sake of it. If people felt it was necessary, though, I would definitely sign up.

People at home have said "Oh but you'll make some friends" - so I wasn't sure whether that was the main reason why ladies signed up in the UK, rather than for the info they received.

108
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 07 January 2012 - 16:23
Thank you so much for your replies - I've decided that I think it would be beneficial, but love the suggestion of Health Bay Clinic so have emailed them for dates/costs. x
671
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 07 January 2012 - 15:09
Bfc I would be interested in this how do I get more information? http://www.facebook.com/pages/Breastfeeding-QA-UAE/150974098253197?sk=events#!/events/305238879515368/ or e-mail sian.breastfeedingqa at gmail.com
117
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 07 January 2012 - 14:59
If cost is an issue, then you might like to know that Breastfeeding Q&A are offering an ante-natal breastfeeding workshop in Dubai on the 14th. The only charge is 15Dhs (to cover refreshments and handouts). Of course it won't help with labour and delivery, though. Bfc I would be interested in this how do I get more information?
671
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 07 January 2012 - 14:50
If cost is an issue, then you might like to know that Breastfeeding Q&A are offering an ante-natal breastfeeding workshop in Dubai on the 14th. The only charge is 15Dhs (to cover refreshments and handouts). Of course it won't help with labour and delivery, though.
270
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 07 January 2012 - 11:29
I am 28 weeks pregnant with my first baby, delivering at the AH and my husband and I have decided not to do the ante natal classes for the following reasons: 1. We both work full time and our weekends/evenings are too precious together and we are trying to make the most of our time together before the baby is here 2. We have bought some books and read some very good websites - the information available is more than enough 3. No matter what you write in your birth plan - everything might change during the delivery and you cannot control it 4. I have friends with newborns in Dubai who are teaching me how to treat a newborn 5. I do pilates and yoga where I have my socializing with other pregnant ladies 6. I don't really need to have a tour in the hospital or meet the midwifes or have a marketing person trying to sell me the umbilical cord stem cells services 7. AED1500 is money that I would have never paid in my home country for something you can get for free online/through friends Of course every person and situation is different and this is only my opinion. I am very keen though to pay the services of a lactation consultant once my baby is here. I think she will be very useful in helping me how to nurse.
73
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 07 January 2012 - 09:24
I did classes at Health Bay Clinic and while the information was useful it was the friendships I made that were the lifesaver! Almost three years later we are still good friends and we still keep in touch with the ones that have now left Dubai. It was a sanity saver to meet up with people who were going through those sleepness nights aswell as friends with older kids tend to forget what its like at the time!! I delivered at American but I heard most people didnt really make friends from their antenatal classes so thats why I choose a clinic. Good luck!
298
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 06 January 2012 - 20:58
We didn't actually have classes but had a doula who covers all of the same material in private lessons. My feedback would be that in retrospect, I would have preferred to focus more on what happens after baby (most lessons cover about 35%+ after baby and 65% labour and birth etc from the plans I have seen at most of the private clinics.) They will send you what they cover if you ask. Maybe choose a class that spends more time on how to soothe a baby who's crying, how to swaddle, how to give meds (like the Vit D you need to give them which was a nightmare for me!) and lots more in that vein, rather than the how to diaper and bathe etc which is pretty basic. As first time parents those are the things we struggled with and would have appreciated more help on.
74
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 06 January 2012 - 18:41
My dh and I did the ante-natal class at American and found it really helpful! I had been doing tons of reading and research before hand and debated about going, but it was helpful and reassuring to have a crash course in all of this stuff before. It was also nice getting to meet the midwife and getting all of my questions answered. I also felt like I got an inside look into the hospital via the staff and tour--I really wanted to return to my home country for the birth and this class made me much more comfortable with the hospital here. They cover a lot of ground. Probably the biggest bonus was that my husband went with me and it was wonderful "wake-up" call for him. He was definitely excited about the baby and all, but was a little clueless about everything that went into it. I know some clinics offer antenatal classes and they may be a bit cheaper than American, so you might have a look at other places. You do meet really nice people in the class, but I wouldn't say we "made friends." I am really glad that I did it. I am now pregnant with my second and may do it again for a refresher course. Good luck with your decision!
 
 

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