May 2016 Moms
missnc77
member
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Birthing Classes
missnc77
member
This isn't really to ask a question, but to report back. I'm a FTM, and the hospital we're going to deliver at offers birthing classes that they recommend you take during the 6th or 7th month of pregnancy. My husband and I went to one yesterday from 8:30-4:30. It was a long day, but I found it super informative for both me and my husband. We talked about everything from breathing techniques to stages of labor/when to go to the hospital to watching videos from all different types of birth and experiences. I will say some of it was really hard to watch, but at the same time I feel like I have a much better idea of what to expect.
And to share some cool tips since you're reading - if you want to get the baby moving, apparently they are really attracted to heat. Putting a heating pad on one side of your body will attract the baby to that area. Whereas putting a cold ice pack somewhere will make the baby want to move away from it. You can also shine a flashlight on your back or front depending on which way the baby is facing. Another thing she recommended is around 35-36 weeks, start rubbing just a little EVOO right inside the opening of your vagina. This will help prep the area for stretching.
And on on the scarier side, we learned things like what to do if your water breaks at home and some of the umbilical cord comes out. Get on all 4's and call an ambulance immediately. Do not hop in the car and bring yourself to the hospital.
I highly recommend for other FTMs to see if any hospitals in their area offer similar classes - I feel like we got some good take aways. The book they gave us during class and to take home is full of really awesome information as well.
And to share some cool tips since you're reading - if you want to get the baby moving, apparently they are really attracted to heat. Putting a heating pad on one side of your body will attract the baby to that area. Whereas putting a cold ice pack somewhere will make the baby want to move away from it. You can also shine a flashlight on your back or front depending on which way the baby is facing. Another thing she recommended is around 35-36 weeks, start rubbing just a little EVOO right inside the opening of your vagina. This will help prep the area for stretching.
And on on the scarier side, we learned things like what to do if your water breaks at home and some of the umbilical cord comes out. Get on all 4's and call an ambulance immediately. Do not hop in the car and bring yourself to the hospital.
I highly recommend for other FTMs to see if any hospitals in their area offer similar classes - I feel like we got some good take aways. The book they gave us during class and to take home is full of really awesome information as well.
Re: Birthing Classes
DS: Born 5-17-16
Little frustrated with him right now.
@arj14 I would be frustrated with him too! I can't believe your DH is making a big deal out of $35. I think ours is $85 for childbirth, $45 for infant care, and $45 for breastfeeding. We've only signed up for the first two so far but I want to do the breastfeeding one too if we like the instructors.
@arj14 really? Over $35? I would just sign up for the classes and tell him tough luck. Maybe take him down the diaper aisle at Target and then watch him really freak out!
DS: Born 5-17-16
They also had a pregnancy suit that they let the husbands wear for about an hour each. My husband was the first to go, and watching him on the floor trying to turn as if he were in bed was hysterical. I was like yep, that's pretty much why I am up all night. Since the class, he's all about helping me get comfortable. He offers pillows, he went out and bought a big medicine ball for me to sit on the relieve back pain, he bought tennis balls for massages. It gave him a whole new appreciation for what's going on with my body right now.
One question I had for the BMB (that I also posted in the ticker change thread but hasn't been answered): the nurse leading the class told us they no longer stitch low grade tears after delivery. Apparently it's easier to heal without stitches (according to her). Has anyone else heard that? I heard the opposite from a friend in a different state so wondering if this is true in my hospital but not elsewhere?
I felt much better after the walk. Just a huge sense of relief, like some great burden had been taken away. Maybe I was stressing more than I'd realized about doing the class. Anyway, I might reschedule for March or I might not; haven't decided yet.
I'm really just posting because I thought it was so strange that I felt so content about not going. Normally I would never ditch a class or any kind of scheduled obligation. But this time, somehow, it felt completely different.
I feel like going to the class would be a better benefit for my husband than for me. He really hasn't done much reading and has been pretty much just relying on me to take the lead on this, which I totally get but, at the same time, think maybe he'll want to be better prepared before the actual delivery date comes. Honestly that would be my main motivation for rescheduling, if I reschedule.
But on the other hand, the 87-page packet that got emailed to us before class (which I did read! all of it!) didn't do a whole ton to inspire confidence in me. It's hard to be completely on board when the instruction packet has stuff like "...if symptoms persist more than 12 to 24 hours, consider homeopathy." Uh, no thanks.
edit: oh, wait, never mind (probably). Was it because of the tearing thing? I read that somewhere too. I think that's only for really minor tears, isn't it? If that's the case, then personally I'd be just as happy to do without the extra irritation of stitches if they aren't really necessary. Small cuts heal up fine everywhere else without stitches, why wouldn't that be true there too?
I also gained a much better understanding on the stages of labor, picked up on things to ask my doctor ahead of time, techniques to use through each stage of labor, and how to be an advocate for myself during labor.
It was a little overwhelming at points, and a major eye opener for my husband, but it was probably one of the best things I've done to prepare. I'm also way more motivated to keep training/exercising as I now understand the role that it plays in labor/delivery much better, and my husband's support has increased 100%.