Review of Classes

TL;DR version - Both the breastfeeding class and the childbirth class were a waste of time for us (and in the case of the childbirth class, a waste of $65), BUT I don't necessarily regret going.

Longer version: I just feel like we're so well-informed. We've done so much research: I've watched videos, read birth stories, seen pictures, read books, gone to websites, asked questions, asked for advice from friends and family.... Matt has read parts of books I've marked for him (what a good husband) and done research online, and his recent-ish Human Growth and Development class had plenty of pregnancy and childbirth information.

The only thing we didn't really know in the childbirth class (7 hours last Saturday) was the part where the teacher showed us all the things we will get at the hospital for both me and the baby: toiletries, peri bottle, cord clamp, etc. etc. I also appreciated seeing and talking about different labor positions and why each one is good for something specific; some of those were new. We practiced breathing patterns, which was fine. And the husbands learned some different massages to do on their wives; I liked that part a lot! Everything else from what a contraction is to what different medications do to what to pack for the hospital, we pretty much knew.

The breastfeeding class was 2 hours in the evening last Tuesday. (Since there's not a lot Matt can do in that department, I went alone.) I guess it's kind of nice to have all the information in one place--the booklet we were given--but again, I knew everything we went over. Holds for nursing, how the body produces breast milk, how to latch the baby.... I've watched videos, I've read things. At least this one was free.

It's just sort of astounding to me that not everyone is as prepared as we are. My mom brought up a good point: we really really want this baby and we really really wanted to get pregnant, so we're excited and learning all we can about this journey we're on. However, maybe some people that didn't want to be pregnant, or at least didn't want to be pregnant right now, are not nearly as excited, so they kind of ignore it as much as possible until it's almost time for the baby to come, then they figure they probably ought to take a class so they're at least kind of prepared. Those are the kind of people that should take these classes. It's sort of a quick overview, crash-course. You get a couple of booklets, you get to ask questions, you watch a few videos, then you go home.

(Disclaimer: This is not a reflection on the quality of the classes my hospital provides! I think both teachers were good and knew their stuff, and the way the material was presented was effective.)

If, however, you're a good self-advocate, you know how to do internet research (find reputable sources, enter good search terms, navigate websites), you will read books and watch videos (either movies or just YouTube videos), you will communicate well with your care provider, and you will educate yourself on what you feel is important for yourself and your baby... In my opinion, you don't need to waste the time and money on these classes.

Finally, we took the hospital tour today. Mostly we filled out all the paperwork ahead of time so we won't have to mess with that when I'm, you know, a little preoccupied in labor! Then the nice lady walked us through the Labor and Delivery floor and showed us the rooms, snack areas, etc. and we went up a floor to Recovery to see those rooms. It's a Catholic hospital, so there's a small crucifix in every room. It's not like it bothers me, exactly, it's just not something I feel like I need around. Could I take them down, do you think? Would it be disrespectful? Hmm. Probably I won't even notice them once it's "go time."

I'm looking forward to the jacuzzi tub and shower in L&D! There's also a big, nice, wall-mounted television in the Recovery rooms, and through a remote by the bed, you can do everything from watch movies to surf the web to order dinner! The cafeteria is only open from 6:30 in the morning to 6:00 at night, though, which I think is kind of lame! Who is DONE eating dinner by 6:00? Luckily there are a bunch of restaurants, delis, and take-out places really close by, and the snack areas on both floors provide things like fruit and yogurt as well as a fridge to store our own stuff if we want.

I've been pondering what I'd like to eat once I have the baby and things have settled down because I know I will be STARVING. I guess it depends on what time of the night/day it is and what's open. I feel like I will definitely deserve a big, juicy hamburger from our favorite local place--best hamburgers EVER. Maybe a giant cinnamon roll from the bagel shop if it's morning. If it's the middle of the night.... I don't know, we'll find something. At that point, probably even Taco Bell would be delicious.

I've heard of some women scarfing down stuff they hadn't been allowed to eat for the past 9 months: sushi, deli meat. I hate sushi, though, so it's not like I've missed being banned from it, and I don't really care about deli meat. I guess what I've missed is wine! But since I'll be breastfeeding, that's not a good idea. Maybe I can have Matt smuggle in a third of a glass in a coffee thermos or something. Shhh!