- Pregnancy
- Baby & Toddler
- Parents
- Getting Pregnant
- Baby Names
- Product Reviews
-
Registry
- Community
-
More
Want a personalized experience?
Download the free app
South Florida Babies
cocojack10
member
Childbirth classes, and other classes
cocojack10
member
So according to the Bump pregnancy checklist, I need to begin research on childbirth classes... and where better to begin my research but w/ my favorite most exprience ladies! LOL
Someone posted earlier that So Miami had a good class. I've also heard that Mercy has an amazing lactation consultant. What other classes should I look into? Not sure if it matters, but I'm delivering at Mercy, and live near Baptist/So Miami.
THANKS!
-- Jackie
"If we couldn't laugh we would all go insane" -- Jimmy Buffett
"If we couldn't laugh we would all go insane" -- Jimmy Buffett
This discussion has been closed.
Re: Childbirth classes, and other classes
LOL, that checklist drives me crazy sometimes!
I signed up for the class bundle at Baptist. It includes childbirth preparation, breastfeeding, and newborn parenting. IDK what Mercy has available, but you can check their website and see what they offer. I don't think you have to deliver at Baptist to take the classes there. They are available on Saturdays so that's very convenient.
I know you can take the classes at any hopsital, which is why I mentioned the hospitals I'm willing to visit to take the classes. I just looked up the Mercy classes. They offer a childbirth class, infant CPR and Breastfeeding class in one package. Plus also offer a lactation center for add'l classes for when baby arrives.
Just want to go to the most informative class available. ; )
"If we couldn't laugh we would all go insane" -- Jimmy Buffett
Thanks. Just got the schedule for both hospitals. Need to calculate when I start 3rd Tri, and when our schedules are "open." LOL Need to sit down w/ Dh this weekend to discuss quite a bit (ie, nursery, birthing classes, shower). These babies are taking over our lives, and I LOVE IT! : )
"If we couldn't laugh we would all go insane" -- Jimmy Buffett
I did the ones at Mercy. I will warn you that they are extremely pro-breastfeeding. The classes are taught by the lacation consultants at the lactation center. So be prepared to have breastfeeding shoved down your throat and formula feeding bad-mouthed left and right lol. This is the case in all the classes, not only the class that is specifically about breastfeeding. For me it wasn't a problem because I was (am) very pro-breastfeeding and wanted to be as informed as possible on the topic, but I can see how it would be a huge turn off to many expecting moms who are more neutral on the subject or planning to formula feed from the start. Besides that, the classes have a heavy natural birth and attachment parenting bias. There is a class where they talk about epidurals and c-sections (which ironically, we missed), but in the other classes they definitely push going med-free and talk about ways to get through labor naturally. As for attachment parenting, it's a philosophy that you either agree with and can relate to or not, but just be prepared to have it pushed on you in the classes.
Having said all that, I enjoyed them a lot. There were a lot of things they taught that I already knew from reading my pregnancy books, but I did learn a few new things that were extremely helpful and informative. More than anything, I did them because I wanted DH to learn about labor and delivery and breastfeeding, since he wasn't sitting there reading all the baby books with me, and I think it definitely achieved that purpose. He actually understood and knew what was going on when I was in labor, which had it not been for those classes, he would have been more in the dark. He has also been a great source of support throughout my whole breastfeeding journey and I think that has a lot to do with him learning about it in the classes as well.
We did the pregnancy and childbirth series, which is 4 classes, the breastfeeding class (1 session) and the infant CPR and baby safety class (also one session) - so six classes in total. One night after one of the classes, they did a tour of the labor and delivery ward of Mercy which we skipped since I wasn't going to deliver there. FWIW, I initially signed up for the labor and delivery tour at South Miami but never ended up going because they rescheduled it and I couldn't make the new time. I didn't feel like I was missing out since once I went into labor and got checked in to the hospital, the procedures were pretty self-explanatory and obvious and nothing like I felt I needed a separate tour to figure out.
Jen - thanks for the info! Since we are delivering at Mercy, I sorta wanted to go to those classes, even though I know it makes no difference.
For years, I've always said that I would never breastfeed... so not my style. However, since I got pg, I've been thinking about it more and more, and espeically now that it is twins. I know it is extremely good for them, especially that they may come a little early. Plus let's not mention the $$ savings! Dh would like me to give it a try, and I am in agreement with it. So, I'm glad the classes are geared to breastfeeding that way I'm more encouraged to do so.
Funny you mention the whole med-free births. For some reason this week, I was thinking maybe I can give it a try... I know it is prob crazy thoughts I'm having, but I'd like to look into the topic more, so glad I can another perspective on it.
We are both Catholic, as you know, so I'm also glad the hospital is religious and advocates those beliefs, which I'm sure we'll get an ear-full at the classes. LOL Which is perfect b/c I want to have the most info as possible when making a decision, either way.
Cool, now I'm excited about the classes... and it is making this pregnancy more and more real!
"If we couldn't laugh we would all go insane" -- Jimmy Buffett
Jackie, the Baptist website recommended attending the classes b/w 5-7 months and they do fill up fast. My friend is taking them now in her third tri and she recommended I sign up earlier. It also works out for me that I'm doing them throughout my summer vacation so I don't feel so tired attending on Saturdays after a long work week.
Jen, thanks for the warnings. I have an idea of what I want to do and I figured that they would push for certain things in these classes, so I'm not going to worry about that. My biggest reason for attending is for DH to also be aware of what's going on and be on the same page with me during the birth. However, I am a little concerned that if they do push certain things to much that he'll put added pressure on me to follow the "expert's advice."
"If we couldn't laugh we would all go insane" -- Jimmy Buffett
Jackie, I was always on the fence about b/fing. I want to do it, but I don't want to feel pressured. MIL already mentioned some things in front of DH and since she's a doctor, he's putting added pressure for me to do so for at least 6 months. I'm willing to try, but I don't want to feel bad if it doesn't work out for those 6 months or more. I also feel the same way about the meds, but mostly b/c I'm scared of the epidural and don't take meds in general - only as a last resort. I want to also try to go med-free, but I'm going to be open to whatever happens that day.
Neither my mom or my MIL breastfed. My mom can careless what I do. She respects that it is my decision. However, when I told MIL I wasn't sure, she started to give me a speech... hello woman, you are no one to talk! She didn't even try with either of her 3 children.
Like you said, I don't want to feel pressured, so I'm keeping my decision low-key and seeing how it goes. I know in theory it is best for the child. But then again, I was FF fed, and didn't get sick until I was 8 mo old. Niece/nephew were both EBF for the first 3 mo, and were sick during that time. It all depends on the child, and how you expose them to germs, I think. Granted, I know there is something to be said about BF, I'm not knocking it... but know that if it doesn't work out for us, it won't be the end of the world either.
As for the meds, I'm pretty sure that once those contractions kick in, I'm going to be begging for meds... I'm a wuss! LOL We'll see how that day pans out. ::sigh:: SO OVERWHELMING!
"If we couldn't laugh we would all go insane" -- Jimmy Buffett
I agree with this, too. I was EFF and I think I'm healthy, but DH pointed out that I'm always getting sick and have allergies, lol. I've been a teacher for the past 7 years, so yeah I get sick a lot. This year as a reading coach, I haven't been sick at all! It was the kids and their germs, especially, the years I taught primary. As for the allergies, it's only the dust and being in a/c too long that make me stuffy/sneezy. On the other hand, my cousins were EBF and they are allergic to everything. The one thing our moms have in common is that they're OCD with the cleaning, cleaning products, and having the a/c on at all times. I think that's what eventually gave us allergies. They also didn't let me have pets, so I wasn't exposed to animals when I was little. So, I agree with the benefits of BFing, but I don't think that's going to determine your overall health/allergies for the rest of your life. It's mostly genetic. However, ever since my MIL mentioned to DH the case of some lady in their family that didn't BF and her daughter is really unhealthy, he's all over the BFing. But, in that lady's case, I'm sure there are other factors, like the fact that she only gained 18 pounds during pregnancy and was super skinny to begin with.
Sorry, for all the venting, but I see what's coming with all the nurses/doctors in our families!
Opinions are like butt holes... everyone's got one! LOL Seriously. No matter what you decide, someone will try to convince you to do the opposite, stating their way is better, for whatever reason.
We as parents need to stay focus, and make an informed decision with all the knowledge we have, which is why I'm interested in going to the classes, and getting a PROFESSIONAL's opinion on the subject (not grandma's way of doing things which is now antiquated and no longer in line w/ doctor's views). LOL
"If we couldn't laugh we would all go insane" -- Jimmy Buffett
The only class I took was a Bfing one. I did a ton of reading on childbirth and my thought was that one way or another I was going to push this kid out. And I was set that I was walking into the hospital backwards so that I can get my epidural asap!
As for BFing, it really is a personal choice. The benefits really outweigh anything. There are so many benefits other than the one everyone always mention--the child not getting sick.
Sounds like you have a good plan! My situation may not be very helpful for you since I'm north, but the woman I spoke to at the hospital's learning center recommended that since I'm due at the end of October, we should take the childbirth/breastfeeding/infant care type classes anytime in August or early September.
She did recommend we take the infant CPR class closer to July/early August since there's more activity in terms of practicing the CPR, etc. Her point was I'd have better mobility and not be quite as uncomfortable as I'd be if we waited until August or September.
Surprisingly, religion was never brought up in the classes!
Ah, opening the breastfeeding can of worms lol...there are not enough hours in the day for me to share all my thoughts on that LOL. We got into it a little bit the other day in Justine's post on the topic. Just know as far as the Mercy lactation consultants are concerned, they ARE experts, and I do believe that they know best...but keep in mind how extremely biased they are. I am having major guilt over supplementing with formula now even though Emma was exclusively breastfed until she was 5 and a half months old because of some of the things that were said in that class about how "bad" formula is. I truly believe that breast is best, but I think that the lactation consultants really blow the "negatives" of formula feeding out of proportion. I think formula feeding is a super valid choice that I completely respect and even as pro-breastfeeding as I am, the opinion that moms who choose not to breastfeed are doing something wrong bothers me. And that's basically what you're going to hear at the Mercy lactation center (that choosing not to breastfeed is wrong).
I think that's the worst part - the guilt. New moms already put enough pressure on themselves that they don't need it coming from others, too. I agree with pretty much everything you said and I don't think FF should be seen as something wrong. A friend of mine was EBFing for 2 months before she found out that her baby was allergic to all kinds of milk EVEN breast milk. Poor thing was suffering so much and it wasn't until she had some blood in her stool that the doc figured out she had to be on a soy-based formula.