Getting our Learn On

I had heard mixed reviews about my friends' experiences with the classes offered for first-time parents. From the start, I knew that I was going to take them despite any negative feedback I had heard about them, and I knew that I was going to drag Kyle along with me so that I could feel totally supported and prepared. After all, I am kind of a "planner", so after the books, the phone app, and the classes, I don't know if there is really anything I'm not anticipating. Kyle says this has just caused me to have a case of "the worst-case scenarios" worrying mentality, although I, on the other hand, feel rather calm in spite of what I could be feeling giving the impending finale to this pregnancy.

Well, here is my take on our classes (in case you were pregnant and planning to ignore whatever I have to say about classes, too).

Class 1: (we went a little out of order here) "Baby your Baby"
This class taught us all the basics of what happens after we leave the hospital, except it started with what happens at the hospital. Having extensive experience as a babysitter, nanny, and older sister, I felt that I didn't really learn all that much (that I hadn't already, in a fit of paranoia perhaps, read in a book) that was useful. I did learn the difference between newborn pacifiers and other pacifiers, what my baby's poop will look like each day of his first week, and what rashes to ignore vs. rush to the doctor over.

Pros: A little bit of hands-on work with a plastic doll to practice swaddling and diapering, burping holds, and some useful information about how many diapers I'll be expected to need in stock for the first year or so of baby's life.

Cons: This class is subtitled "100 Ways to Kill Your Baby". From hanging pictures on the wall, to crib bumpers, from pacifiers with loops, to husbands with plastic bags at their disposal, we covered all the safety hazards you knew about and some your  never imagined. It was also repetitive to the labor and delivery class (as we found out later) in that it covered the hospital procedures as well.

Memorable moment: Kyle decided to swaddle the plastic baby like a ninja, and then since the baby's legs were molded in a bent position, thought swaddling the head was easier. The neighboring couple only egged him on. I was, at that point, dreading the full-on labor and delivery class.

Class 2: Labor and Delivery Class (expedited- we did it in 1 shot on a Saturday instead of spread out)
This class,  I was told, would be awkward, and feel useless when you aren't actually planning a natural birth. On the contrary, I wound up really enjoying the class! I think our presenter was just really dynamic and listened to and answered our questions. Then, I reverted back to my biology obsession of high school and sat through the videos and graphic illustrations with fascination about the human body.  I think that being knowledgeable about the process biologically will actually help to calm me when I want to be freaking out during labor. It was a bit long to be sitting in uncomfortable chairs, though.

Pros: Biology is freaking cool. And I got a massage with a tennis ball that felt SO good during the practice relaxation and visualization exercises.

Cons: Graphic videos of natural childbirth are disturbing. Preparing for a C-section when I really don't want to have to is not pleasant. Practice visualization in a group of people is awkward.

Memorable moment: I was SO glad that my mom didn't decide to accompany us, as one woman's mom was there and she asked innumerable questions. She even commented at one point that she "just doesn't feel prepared for this" after learning her daughter wants a natural birth. Um, not you having to be prepared, lady. Kyle and I was also center of attention when he insisted I give HIM a massage after he gave me mine. Then we had to demonstrate a wall-supported labor position that was a bit inappropriate!

Class 3: Breastfeeding class (and yes, many men were there!)
This class was pretty dry (no pun intended). It could be that I was just worn down from the end of the quarter. Either way, I did find the tips useful. Will I remember them when it comes down to it, not sure.

Pros: I really want to breastfeed, so it will hopefully help me be more successful. I now know what to do to "start" the process in the hospital.

Cons: It really focused on women who would be able to breastfeed solely because they are not going to be working moms. Unfortunately, many of us will be pumping and feeding with both boobs and bottles. The class really didn't ease any of my worries about achieving this balance.

Memorable moment: When they split the dads up into their own group and made them brainstorm ways they could help moms out. Nothing makes Kyle more comfortable than having to contribute to a group in an academic way.

Final thoughts on this whole experience: I have always been one to try to get the most out of classes and trainings, no matter what the subject matter. I think I approached my pregnancy classes with the same mentality, and I think that I came away with some valuable information. Hopefully the more I know, the more I'll feel relaxed during the process of labor, delivery, and bringing baby home, all the way through the first year.

Kyle proving to me he could diaper a baby.

A proud papa after his actual swaddle- not the ninja!