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LGBT Parenting
JoySeattle
member
Childbirth Education/Preparation
JoySeattle
member
As I'm creating my curriculum, I'd love to hear about what your childbirth prep experiences were like.
Did you read (books/online), watch videos/shows, take classes? If you took classes, were they lesbian/LGBTQ specific or general? A specific brand/type, or a combination? Any good resources (esp. videos that were shown)?
Met 07/07/05, Wedding 07/07/07, Legal Marriage Ceremony 12/9/12, Baby Boy Born 08/09/13
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Re: Childbirth Education/Preparation
We read the typical books, which I guess covered childbirth (Your pregnancy week by week, the lesbian pregnancy books, etc.)
We took a 3 evening (generic) childbirth class through the hospital where we delivered. It wasn't LGBT specific, but there was another lesbian couple in the class expecting twin boys at the same time we were. At that point, we were pretty sure I was going to have a c-section since Baby A (Gray) was breech and the class was 90% about vaginal births (relaxation techniques, hospital protocols, etc.) I think the teacher did a good job of saying partners and while I am sure there were a few sideways glances at us, it was fine. I am sure we watched movies, but I have no idea what they were. Honestly, the only think I can remember from the class was testing out various massagers/massaging techniques. LOL. L was obsessed with finding the perfect massager and hard candy (neither of which were used. LOL.)
I don't think we would have done a lesbian childbirth class (unless it was done at the hospital where we were delivering) because I think it was more important for us to learn about the hospital's policies, be familiar with the space, etc than be with other lesbian families.
Good timing--we just got home from childbirth class.
We took a 6 hour "All In One" that was 3 hours of labor info (not relaxation techniques, just the process itself) and 3 hours of breastfeeding/bathing/newborn care. Tonight, we took an additional 2 hour class that was about breathing techniques and labor specifically. You can google Amma Parenting Center to learn more, if you like. They showed a video of labor that was EXTREMELY helpful...but it might have been their own product. I didn't realize how long early labor can be and that it can be done at home..I think I pictured woman on a bed in stirrups for the whole thing until I saw that movie.
We loved having someone just plain tell us what to do. The books are helpful, but I find all of the very overwhelming because there are a ton of different theories/opinions/perspectives and it's hard to know which is right for you at any given time.
Our classes were very LGBT friendly (we were called partners or support persons the whole time)...but I haven't read a ton of LGBT specific resources for childbirth, other than on this board. I did read "She Looks Just Like You" which was a great book.
Not sure what your curriculum is about/for, but one unique thing that isn't covered, of course, in these types of classes is how to protect the partner and baby if something goes array in childbirth. Even my lawyer hasn't answered that yet. A "legal section" would be something specific for LGbT couples.
Hope it goes well!
I agree with this.
We chose the hospital we did partly because (despite being Catholic) it is LGBT friendly and because they have the only birthing tub in the area. They also had the mostly highly recommended birth class. K and I choose to do the one day class (6 hrs?) instead of several shorter evening classes and honestly it didn't feel that long.
I really liked that the teacher emphasized having a birth plan but remaining flexible. It was clear that she felt epidurals are often asked for/given too early and really tried to explain the different stages of labor and how each stage could potentially be negatively effected by an epidural. But she also showed us epidural equipment and went over exactly how it would be done. It was a pretty fair balance.
During the class we spent time on the ball, mat, focused on breathing, and watching a few videos which was a good mix.
The teacher checked on me at the hospital and when we see her in public she always loves on JB and calls her "one of my babies."
We did Bradley classes which I loved and always highly recommend to anyone who will listen
As you know, Bradley is much longer than most other childbirth education programs, but it is so, so thorough. I loved the wealth of information about what happens in all stages of labor. And there is lots and lots of practice. Lots of practicing relaxation techniques, and one entire class that is a full mock-labor practice. C and I both got so much out of the class, and for baby #2, I'd love to do one of their shortened "refresher" classes.
We were the only gay couple, which wasn't a big deal. The instructor did her best to remember gender-neutral language.
We watched several natural birth videos, but I don't know their names. We did watch one birth from the super hippie-dippie Orgasmic Birth video (our instructor was not an "orgasmic birth" person, but the video had been recommended to her), which was verrrry hippie dippie, but good.
sahm ~ toddler breastfeeder ~ cloth diaperer ~ baby wearer