We havnt taken our classes yet, but I did make DH wear a heavily weighted pack in front to show him exactly how awkward it is to do certain things. Within minutes he was grumpy and said he could see himself wanting to punch something. It was sweet vindication.
@yogadevil DH had to pick things up off the floor, and lay down on the floor and then get back up. He admitted that it was much harder than he thought it would be, even just having his center of gravity pulled while trying to pick something up.
Our teacher told us about this video to watch on Babycenter with newborn babies doing the "baby crawl" to breastfeed immediately after birth. It talks bout how they use their senses and instincts to find the nipple and I thought it was awesome! Forewarning: not suitable for work or public environments as there are many nipples just chillin.
@WinchesterGirl you will have to let us know what they go over in a six hour class, that seems so long!
We had our "baby basics" two hour class last night. Both H and I haven't spent a lot of time around babies, so it was nice to go over the basics. However, it was definitely hard to use a baby doll in place of an actual baby so I'm sure there will still be a big learning curve for us at the beginning.
We also recently attended our two part birthing class. It was taught by L&D nurses from the hospital we are delivering that, so we got an inside scoop on some of the hospital procedures. It was also nice that the nurse had a 1 & 3 yr old, so she had some recent personal experience to share as well. I think the biggest thing I learned was the different labor stages and how short of a time the transition stage is. That's helpful to know if I try to make it without an epidural. I'm still a little nervous about the whole thing!
We just decided to sign up for a two night intensive class . I need a refresher! But, the hospital we are delivering at really only had a full day like 9-4:30 option that seemed crazy so we opted for the other nearby hospital where we actually delivered the other 3. We are only switching hospitals because my doctor no longer goes to the old one. The class isn't until mid January though which makes me nervous !
Married - 7/29/06 Ben and Maggie - 4/10/09 Mia - 6/16/11 Surprise! due 2/23/17
@Partyof6? We are (hopefully) taking a two part birthing class on 1/4 and 1/11 and I'm due 1/29, which makes me very nervous as well! The class is only offered every few months, and the MW recommended it to me just last week at my appointment. It's offered through my practice for free though, so I'm not out the money if I happen to deliver early.
6 hour birth class today was very informative! It ended up being 5 hours of instruction/practice with a 1 hour lunch break. We also got a 100 page book with everything we covered to take home, which is nice.
Subject-wise, we covered a LOT. What's normal for newborns, feeding breast and bottle, diapering pre- and post-cord stump, bathing techniques, how to use a bulb syringe, swaddling, signs of illness, safe sleep, and calming techniques.... you name it, we talked about it.
DH and I agree we are very glad we went. The instructor was very nice; a retired RN and LC who worked with babies and moms for 40 years. The thing I was most surprised about was that while many of the things they showed us I didn't know, they really were pretty common sense. For instance, when bathing they showed you how to wrap your non-dominant hand around begind baby so the neck is supported by your arm, yet you can still hold onto their little arm and keep them upright.
Also, we either are just odd in that we keep getting interesting classmates, or there are a lot of strange people in the world. We are working with this life size dolls, and who knows how many people handle these things, yet one of the moms snuck a kiss on the baby's forehead before she left. I was inwardly cringing at the germs. To each their own, I guess?
Also, we either are just odd in that we keep getting interesting classmates, or there are a lot of strange people in the world. We are working with this life size dolls, and who knows how many people handle these things, yet one of the moms snuck a kiss on the baby's forehead before she left. I was inwardly cringing at the germs. To each their own, I guess?
I'm not doing any classes but occasionally lurk in here to see if there's any fun or surprising info to stimulate my brain... but this reminds me of those people who buy those expensive life like dolls (I can't remember exactly what they are called), and actually push them around in strollers and buckle them in their car.
We have still been steadily attending Bradley classes; last Sunday was class 8! Only 4 more to go...
It was kind of a heavy class, because we talked about all of the possible complications, what they mean, and what the common options are in that situation. I know it's important to be informed, but yowza. Now I'm trying to put all of that out of my head, and think happy thoughts!
They had us do an interesting exercise for homework, though! We are working on our actual birth plans, but each partner is supposed to think on their own, and write down or tell the other the "birth story". Basically, what each of us expects to happen with our labor and delivery.
DH and I did it this weekend, and it was surprising some of the things we differ on. For instance, DH sees labor starting with a call for him to race home from work mid-day. I'm thinking it will probably start up slowly one evening, and interrupt our night's sleep.
I JUST signed up for the newborn and breastfeeding class I've been putting off, and the only date that works for H is 2/4 - I will be 38 weeks pregnant. A little concerned that we're cutting it so close, but I guess it's unlikely I'll go into labor two weeks early... right?
@madamerwin I wasn't able to go to my breastfeeding class for obvious reasons and I found the LC was more than happy to give me all the info I need. Hopefully you can go to your class, but worst comes to worst I don't think it's an absolute necessity.
@madamerwin I signed up a month ago but am in the same boat. The first available classes were Feb1st and Feb 6th so hoping this guy stays put! I feel not I figure I'll just have to go with the flow and hope hospital staff will tell me what I need to know. That and our hospital has mom groups where you can bring the baby and ask questions. Maybe yours has something similar so that you can at least feel like there is a backup plan?
Me: 33 | DH: 34 Married: October, 19, 2015 EDD 2/22/17 DS1 born on 3/2/17 EDD 3/8/20 DS2 born on 3/10/20 EDD 11/24/23 (Formerly Marriedhamstermom Feb ‘17)
@marriedhamstermom there are definitely baby groups at my hospital, as well as lactation consultants. While I really HOPE to be able to take the class, worst case I am sure I can get the info I need while I'm at the hospital after delivery. I just like to be extra prepared We already took a 4-week childbirth class as well, so at least that's out of the way.
Re: Birth and Babies Class Chatter!
We had our "baby basics" two hour class last night. Both H and I haven't spent a lot of time around babies, so it was nice to go over the basics. However, it was definitely hard to use a baby doll in place of an actual baby so I'm sure there will still be a big learning curve for us at the beginning.
We also recently attended our two part birthing class. It was taught by L&D nurses from the hospital we are delivering that, so we got an inside scoop on some of the hospital procedures. It was also nice that the nurse had a 1 & 3 yr old, so she had some recent personal experience to share as well. I think the biggest thing I learned was the different labor stages and how short of a time the transition stage is. That's helpful to know if I try to make it without an epidural. I'm still a little nervous about the whole thing!
Ben and Maggie - 4/10/09
Mia - 6/16/11
Surprise! due 2/23/17
Subject-wise, we covered a LOT. What's normal for newborns, feeding breast and bottle, diapering pre- and post-cord stump, bathing techniques, how to use a bulb syringe, swaddling, signs of illness, safe sleep, and calming techniques.... you name it, we talked about it.
DH and I agree we are very glad we went. The instructor was very nice; a retired RN and LC who worked with babies and moms for 40 years. The thing I was most surprised about was that while many of the things they showed us I didn't know, they really were pretty common sense. For instance, when bathing they showed you how to wrap your non-dominant hand around begind baby so the neck is supported by your arm, yet you can still hold onto their little arm and keep them upright.
Also, we either are just odd in that we keep getting interesting classmates, or there are a lot of strange people in the world. We are working with this life size dolls, and who knows how many people handle these things, yet one of the moms snuck a kiss on the baby's forehead before she left. I was inwardly cringing at the germs.
It was kind of a heavy class, because we talked about all of the possible complications, what they mean, and what the common options are in that situation. I know it's important to be informed, but yowza. Now I'm trying to put all of that out of my head, and think happy thoughts!
They had us do an interesting exercise for homework, though! We are working on our actual birth plans, but each partner is supposed to think on their own, and write down or tell the other the "birth story". Basically, what each of us expects to happen with our labor and delivery.
DH and I did it this weekend, and it was surprising some of the things we differ on. For instance, DH sees labor starting with a call for him to race home from work mid-day. I'm thinking it will probably start up slowly one evening, and interrupt our night's sleep.
Married: October, 19, 2015
EDD 2/22/17
EDD 3/8/20
EDD 11/24/23
(Formerly Marriedhamstermom Feb ‘17)