If you’re like me, knowledge is power. I can’t go into too many major situations blind, I have to have SOME idea of what to expect (pun intended). Childbirth is something I wanted to make sure I studied before going into it because like many women, all I’ve heard are horror stories. I knew if I went into this blind and scared, I would already be defeated. In my opinion and experience, mental preparedness or toughness is 90% of the game. If I decided in school that a subject was too hard, I would defeat myself and not learn it. I like to work out, and if my brain is too clouded with other things or decides it doesn’t want to work out, my time in the gym will reflect that. So I weighed the risks (of learning something that might scare me more) with the benefit (of educating and mentally preparing myself) and decided to sign up for the seven week childbirth class that my hospital offered. Another plus to doing this–I love my husband but he isn’t big on reading books, sadly. His preferred method of learning is hands-on and engagement, so I also saw this as a great way to get him involved in the learning process and know what to expect (intended part 2).
So, what are these classes all about? I’ll provide a breakdown below, as well as some other things that are good to know.
Class One: Preparing for Childbirth
This class touched on a lot of different things. It started with how to facilitate a successful labor–such as breathing techniques and relaxing. We discussed physical changes that would come with pregnancy, normal symptoms, symptoms to watch out for, signs of labor, and how to know when to go to the hospital.
Class Two: The Wonderful Work of Labor
This class honed in on actual labor and ways to prepare for it. We were given a hospital bag checklist and told what the hospital would and wouldn’t provide. We went into the details of each stage of labor, and dads were told how they could be supportive during each phase.
Class Three: At the Hospital
This class went over how to check in, how to identify hospital staff based on the color of their scrubs, what kind of specialists they employ (lactation consultants, Neonatal NP, etc), hospital procedures, and pain control options.
Class Four: What If’s and Postpartum Care
This class was a more intimidating one, but one I appreciated because it went into common complications that may come up. We went over inductions, c-sections, NICU admission, postpartum, and things to watch for once home.
Class Five: Baby Basics, Birth to 2 months
This class made me look forward to meeting my daughter! We went over what baby will look like when they’re first born, what happens in the first hour at the hospital, newborn behaviors, assessments, how to bathe them, how to change diapers, swaddling, sleeping, crying, feeding, sickness, play time, and tummy time.
Class Six: Breastfeeding Basics
This class was, of course, about all things breastfeeding. We were given a side by side comparison of breast milk and formula. We were educated on the types of breast milk and how it changes with the needs of your baby. We also went over breast and nipple care, hand expression, feeding cues, latch, burping, pumping, and milk storage.
Class Seven: Infant Safety and CPR
This was right on up there intimidation-wise with class four. We touched on a lot of preventative measures such as baby-proofing the house. We also went over safe sleep, areas of concern in each room of the house, safe traveling, and finally, CPR.
FYI:
The cost of my class was $100, which I saw as a worthy investment for my peace of mind. My insurance didn’t cover this.
Your husband or “coach” will be expected to come.
You want to get ahead of the game with these classes–I had some people so far along in their pregnancy in my class that they only made it to a few classes before delivering. I’d recommend signing up in your second trimester.
Take notes! I knew some of the material, but a lot of it was new to me.
The final class went over infant safety and CPR, but did not give you CPR certification.
Overall, my husband and I were pleased with these classes. We learned a lot, and it was honestly a weekly ritual that we looked forward to. If you gain confidence by learning like I do, it is definitely a good way to invest your time and money. And make it fun! Add to the ritual a Sonic drink run or grab milkshakes after. Remember, you don’t get to live this part twice.
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