Childbirth Classes

We finished up our childbirth classes last week.  I wanted to do a quick post for those out there wondering if they want to take the classes or not.  


I am glad that we did them.  If I had it to do over again I would have taken the weekend class and not the 5 week course.  I chose to do the 5 week one because I wasn't sure what weekend my husband and I both would be available.  He had two call weekends, I had one call weekend, and I knew I was going to have at least one shower in August.  So I figured going on Monday nights would be easier as far as scheduling.  


There was a lot of stuff that she talked about that I already knew...probably about 60%-70% or so.  There were multiple times when I thought....people don't already know this?!?!?


But there were some things that I did like hearing about.  It was good to know how this hospital works and what their protocols are for things like getting out of bed, epidurals/pain meds, catheters, breastfeeding, pacifiers in the nursery, etc.  She was very reassuring when it comes to true labor/false labor and wondering whether or not your water broke.  She made me feel much more comfortable calling labor and delivery to talk to the nurse and ask questions if I needed to.  


Our last class was probably the best one.  She talked all about what they will do to the baby once she is born, what they send us home with, and what products to use or not use.  I might be the only one but did you know you shouldn't use baby powder??  Apparently it has talc in it and that can be very dangerous if inhaled by the baby.  There are some that are cornstarch based and those are ok.  


So, all in all, I am glad we did the class.  I would do it again.  There was a ton of info that I already knew and feel like most people already know.  But there is a reason she talks about the things that she talks about.  She has been doing the class a long time so I am sure there are people that need to hear the most basic things.  Ya know, like don't put a plastic baggie over your baby's head.  I'm kidding, but really, things as obvious as that!  


I have my breastfeeding class next Thursday.  I am really looking forward to that.  I have been reading but I really feel like I don't know a thing about it!  


Hope everyone had a great Labor Day weekend!  I am going to try to blog more often in the next couple of weeks....I have a ton of posts in draft that I just need to finish up!