[bbunny]

We've done 1 birth class at the hospital on the wkn and we really enjoyed it. The person running it was funny and knowledgeble. We are looking forward to the next class on parenting this saturday.

I thought I'd just start a thread for people to share what they have learnt or found useful/surprising/feedback...anything really

Few things we have decided/learnt after the class:
- I won't be having a birth plan. All the stuff that people generally put down like skin to skin contact etc...the hospital does anyway. Also, I'm going with the flow on pain relief...if I need it, will take it.
- I don't want pethadine, it will either be the gas or an epi if I need it
- you can ask for an epi at ANY time, even at 9cm dilated. But if you've made it that far....there is a lot of encouragement that you probably won't need it.
-They provide everything for baby, clothes, nappies etc...so I'm not packing anything for him except a going home outfit.
- plenty of support for after birth, there are daily classes you can do during your stay at hospital, including settling your baby, feeding and a few others, run by the midwives or the peaditrician

Overall, we had a great time. first time we visited the hospital and very happy with the facilities/vibe. Met other couples due around the same time and we learnt q lot, particularly my DH , so happy he enjoyed it. We weren't shown any gruesome videos or anything.

[Guest_chocmudcake_*]

-They provide everything for baby, clothes, nappies etc...so I'm not packing anything for him except a going home outfit.

Just wanted to add, people should check this one with their individual hospital. The hospital I am using does
not provide anything. They will give you the first nappy, but after that you need to provide everything.

[butterfly75]

I have only had 1 class so far and it wasn't taught by the regular midwife, so it became more of a getting to know you type thing.

The one thing I did learn is that apparently I have been having Braxton Hicks contractions for a few weeks!

[CalC]

Had first class on Sunday and then have one again this Sunday. Have Breastfeeding class in a week. Things I learnt/found good

-Got a tour of the birthing suite. They have exercise balls if want so don't have to use our own. They promote having an active labour - so being out of bed.
- They believe in about an hour of skin to skin contact and will also help try establishing the first feed in this time before any injection or weighing etc of the baby.
- Got told that for the first 24 hours if we have a shower not to use soap on our chests and maybe go without deoderant so baby gets familiar with scent. Apperently help with early breastfeeding.
- They wheel in a big incubator when you are about to give birth even if all indications are that the baby is doing fine. I am glad they told me this otherwise I think I would have a freak out moment thinking they weren't telling me that there was something wrong with the baby.
- Bring your own maternity pads as the hospital ones are big fat ones.
- The hospital encourages you call them regulary when you go into labour if you are unsure about anything.
- There are strict visiting hours and that the midwives/nurses will help you get rid of any unwanted guests without you appearing rude.
- Went over some pain relief options such as TENS machine (thinking I might hire one of these), Water Injections (not really my thing) and the Gas (might use this too).


Going over things in relation to complications at next lesson including epidural and pethidene, ceaserans and interventations such as forceps. Will also be covering some early care of the baby - guessing this involves washing, nappies etc.

[starqueen_78]

I just finished the third class last night........ we had such a good time and all of the mummy's are planning on catching up once the babies are born! I love our choice of hospital and the staff are great...... the rooms are lovely and really home like. My husband has even made a new man friend -they have been msging each other and playing words with friends! So funny.

Our fantastic midwife who ran the class (and i see through my OB too) also told us they will help to get rid of unwanted guests....... nicely of course!

I didnt realise how many people are in the room for a c-section - 7 people plus us! Or that you can ask for the baby to be with you in recovery as long as there isnt someone in there who is recovering from a d&c.

They also recommend if you are having a c-section to wait until mummy is back up in the room for you to call your family - otherwise they can see the baby before you return from recovery (if the baby isnt in there with you) I will be so mad if I don't get to see the first time our parents see their first grandchild.

Loved being shown how to bath the baby (with a 3 day old gorgeous girl from the nursery).... didnt realise the water was so deep or so warm. That baby was loving it!

Slightly freaked out about the spinal block...... actually all the drugs freaked me out, but the natural birth isnt an option for me, so I have to go with the c-section which is a shame.

It all felt VERY REAL after last night.............. I think it was that little baby that did it and her parents telling us about the birth etc. It was such a nice touch.

[emibt1975]

We have our first class in 2 weeks and now I am excited! Thanks!

[athnessa]

This is probably not really the spot for me to contribute as I went to refresher classes. I found it useful because the focus was more on the older child and how to behave so the babys arrival is a positive experience for the other child. I found that useful and got some good tips on things to do such as make sure I am not breastfeeding when DS arrives, leave DH in the room with the baby while I take DS down to the cafe for a treat.

It was also helpful to be reminded of some of the things you can do in labour to assist make it more comfortable.

But all in all our session was pretty short - 1 session which went for about 2.5 hrs. The other tip I got was, if we want the hotel option let them know asap after the birth as it is really popular. I definitely want that option this time if I can get it.

[Loue]

Good tips about looking after DS, thanks Athnessa. A girl at work said the same things, & extended it to not holding the baby when the toddler / other children visit. Plus a present from the baby for the toddler.

[irises]

Thanks for these tips on how to make it easier on your toddler, they're great.

My toddler will only be 20 months old when the new baby is born so I don't know how much she will understand about what's happening, but I'm sure she'll notice she's not getting quite as much attention as she used to! I'm keen to hear every little tip to help her through it, especially with her headed towards the terrible twos.

[CalC]

Something that I got out of my breastfeeding class that I wouldn't have thought of was that they encourage you now not to swap from side to side from feed to feed but to try and keep one breast fairly drained at all time.

Apperently an empty breast fills quicker than a half full breat so but mainly using one breast it helps with supply. The 2nd breast should be kept at a comfortable level.