What birth classes would your recomment and how far in advance should you sign up? Lamaze, bradley, or hospital classes? (Any others I may not know of)
I took Hypnobabies and loved it. It was so informative and really changed my perspective on birth. I was able to use the hypnosis techniques I learned and have an amazing birthing experience. I want to try something a little different this time around though so I think I'm going to take a hypnobirthing class.
I'd probably recommend taking a class run by a birthing instructor or doula though as I haven't heard great things about hospital classes. This time around I'm think about starting my birth prep around 6.5 months just in case I go early again.
ETA: Also you definitely do not have to be aiming for a med-free birth to take a doula-based class! Even if you're planning for an epi, the pain management techniques can come in handy while you wait for it and/or if it doesn't work or it's too late to get one etc.
What birth classes would your recomment and how far in advance should you sign up? Lamaze, bradley, or hospital classes? (Any others I may not know of)
I took Hypnobabies and loved it. It was so informative and really changed my perspective on birth. I was able to use the hypnosis techniques I learned and have an amazing birthing experience. I want to try something a little different this time around though so I think I'm going to take a hypnobirthing class.
I'd probably recommend taking a class run by a birthing instructor or doula though as I haven't heard great things about hospital classes. This time around I'm think about starting my birth prep around 6.5 months just in case I go early again.
ETA: Also you definitely do not have to be aiming for a med-free birth to take a doula-based class! Even if you're planning for an epi, the pain management techniques can come in handy while you wait for it and/or if it doesn't work or it's too late to get one etc.
Thank you! I do equate doula to non medicated so that's good to know its not necessarily the case.
I took Hypnobabies and loved it. It was so informative and really changed my perspective on birth. I was able to use the hypnosis techniques I learned and have an amazing birthing experience. I want to try something a little different this time around though so I think I'm going to take a hypnobirthing class.
I'd probably recommend taking a class run by a birthing instructor or doula though as I haven't heard great things about hospital classes. This time around I'm think about starting my birth prep around 6.5 months just in case I go early again.
ETA: Also you definitely do not have to be aiming for a med-free birth to take a doula-based class! Even if you're planning for an epi, the pain management techniques can come in handy while you wait for it and/or if it doesn't work or it's too late to get one etc.
Thank you! I do equate doula to non medicated so that's good to know its not necessarily the case.
Yeah the doula's job is just to help you get the birth experience you want, whatever that is. I hired a doula for my last birth and she was 100% supportive of medicated births. I didn't end up doing an epi last time but the place I'm birthing at this time has laughing gas so I might give that a go!
What birth classes would your recomment and how far in advance should you sign up? Lamaze, bradley, or hospital classes? (Any others I may not know of)
We took a hospital class and stopped attending halfway through because it was a waste of time. Everyone in there was sort of dumb. My favorite was one guy asked what to do with his wife in the car on the way to the hospital. "Do I make her a nest of blankets and pillows? Is it okay if she's not buckled? How do I drive with her yelling at me?" I wish I would have taken a doula birth class that a friend recommended. The particular class she recommended was not natural birth centered or anything. I also wish I would have attended more classes/support groups postpartum, especially breastfeeding help and support groups.
Well crap I want Tim to build me a car nest this time!
Call me old school but I never took any birthing classes, my doctor actually said its not worth it, you forget most of it and the nurses and doctors tell you what to do i.e. breath, push, rest, push like your making a poo... push or we're going in for c-section... all quotes from my labors, both times, my doc gets me.
Call me old school but I never took any birthing classes, my doctor actually said its not worth it, you forget most of it and the nurses and doctors tell you what to do i.e. breath, push, rest, push like your making a poo... push or we're going in for c-section... all quotes from my labors, both times, my doc gets me.
I think it just depends on your vision for your birth. I didn't birth in a hospital so I'm sure that's a much different experience. At my last birth it was just me, DH, my doula, and a midwife that came to check on me/take vitals every once in awhile. The class I took was mostly centered around trusting your body to do its thing, how to relax and let it happen. That's where the hypnosis comes in. So I guess I didn't really learn how to birth, it was more just learning how to get out of my head and let my body get it done.
What I really could have used a class on was the first PP poo. That was not something I was prepared for and probably would not have refused an epi had one been offered. Not even kidding.
I'm a little confused about the OB process. So my first appointment next week is with the OB I've been to for years for my Annual and stuff, but I don't know that I'll want her to be the one to deliver my baby? I don't even know what hospital she works at, but her office is about 45 minutes from my house which = no thanks.
I guess I feel really ignorant about the entire process there. How do you decide where to deliver and who to deliver with? And at what point do you start seeing those doctors?
You're welcome for today's most ignorant question.
I'm a little confused about the OB process. So my first appointment next week is with the OB I've been to for years for my Annual and stuff, but I don't know that I'll want her to be the one to deliver my baby? I don't even know what hospital she works at, but her office is about 45 minutes from my house which = no thanks.
I guess I feel really ignorant about the entire process there. How do you decide where to deliver and who to deliver with? And at what point do you start seeing those doctors?
You're welcome for today's most ignorant question.
That's not ignorant at all! It's a big decision and not always an easy one. I toured a few different hospitals and birth centers and chose the one that worked with my insurance, was close, and felt like a good fit for me. I loved the midwives at the center I chose and the place itself just felt peaceful to me. Kind of like an upscale B&B, I just wanted to take off my shoes and settle in with some tea when I walked in.
I'll have my first appointment at 8-9 weeks and then see my midwife once/month until I think sometime in third tri when I'll go every 2 weeks.
ETA: Sorry if I'm totally mis-remembering you but you're in England, right @pugsandwine? If so I imagine the birthing expectations/procedures could be a little different than here in the states?
I'm a little confused about the OB process. So my first appointment next week is with the OB I've been to for years for my Annual and stuff, but I don't know that I'll want her to be the one to deliver my baby? I don't even know what hospital she works at, but her office is about 45 minutes from my house which = no thanks.
I guess I feel really ignorant about the entire process there. How do you decide where to deliver and who to deliver with? And at what point do you start seeing those doctors?
You're welcome for today's most ignorant question.
That's not ignorant at all! It's a big decision and not always an easy one. I toured a few different hospitals and birth centers and chose the one that worked with my insurance, was close, and felt like a good fit for me. I loved the midwives at the center I chose and the place itself just felt peaceful to me. Kind of like an upscale B&B, I just wanted to take off my shoes and settle in with some tea when I walked in.
I'll have my first appointment at 8-9 weeks and then see my midwife once/month until I think sometime in third tri when I'll go every 2 weeks.
ETA: Sorry if I'm totally mis-remembering you but you're in England, right @pugsandwine? If so I imagine the birthing expectations/procedures could be a little different than here in the states?
LOL. Girl, no. I'm in Texas - about as un-british as it gets. ;-P
Thanks for the answer! So did you just call places and request a tour?
That's not ignorant at all! It's a big decision and not always an easy one. I toured a few different hospitals and birth centers and chose the one that worked with my insurance, was close, and felt like a good fit for me. I loved the midwives at the center I chose and the place itself just felt peaceful to me. Kind of like an upscale B&B, I just wanted to take off my shoes and settle in with some tea when I walked in.
I'll have my first appointment at 8-9 weeks and then see my midwife once/month until I think sometime in third tri when I'll go every 2 weeks.
ETA: Sorry if I'm totally mis-remembering you but you're in England, right @pugsandwine? If so I imagine the birthing expectations/procedures could be a little different than here in the states?
LOL. Girl, no. I'm in Texas - about as un-british as it gets. ;-P
Thanks for the answer! So did you just call places and request a tour?
LOL! Must have dreamed that I guess. Now I'm going to have to switch from reading your posts with a british accent to southern.
Yep I just called them or sent in a request for more info if they had a thing to fill out on their website. A few of the places had weekly tours so I just signed up for the next one which was nice.
I'm a little confused about the OB process. So my first appointment next week is with the OB I've been to for years for my Annual and stuff, but I don't know that I'll want her to be the one to deliver my baby? I don't even know what hospital she works at, but her office is about 45 minutes from my house which = no thanks.
I guess I feel really ignorant about the entire process there. How do you decide where to deliver and who to deliver with? And at what point do you start seeing those doctors?
You're welcome for today's most ignorant question.
I'm a FTM but as I just chose I am going to answer this. I think it's important to know if you have a birth philosophy or some basics that you strive for, and can work from that as a starting point. I would like to attempt a med free birth in hospital, so for me it was really important that I find a practice that actively supports/encourages that, not just tolerates it. I googled doctors and Midwives in my area. Yelp was surprisingly helpful. I also asked people I knew for who they used/are using and did they like them and why. From there I just pulled the trigger. I could probably research forever. If at any point I am not happy with my care I will be moving on.
@pugsandwine if you are seeing a practice with several doctors, midwives, whatever, you may not get to deliver with "your" doctor. I'm at a practice w several Drs. I have one who is my primary but towards the last few months I will see each of them at different visits so I know them. I will deliver with my doctor if she is available, but if she isn't, I will be with whoever is on call. For my first, I'd seen two Drs up till the end but ended up with a high risk delivery and delivered at an entirely different hospital. I made sure to advocate for myself when relevant and it was overall a good experience. I returned to my regular Dr for my follow up.
How prepared did you feel your H/Partner was for baby, and if the answer was they have only seen an infant from across a crowded room, what is the best way to handle that? Obviously, everyone has stuff to learn, and it's different when it's your baby, but H has never changed a diaper or held an infant, etc.
If he's nervous about it all you can look into classes and read all the books but H wants into that at all. Honestly you learn as you go, the nurses in the hospital usually provide a lot of support and instruction. H wouldn't hold a baby until it was at least 6 months before we had our first but he was walking around the hospital room with her like a pro a few hours after birth. All daddy skills can be on the job training.
This. MH was the type who had never held a baby and immediately after L was born, he just sort of figured it out. Now H and DS are bffs and I'm just "the lady who does chores". Ok, maybe not really, but it sure feels like that sometimes!
I would agree with PP who said birthing classes are not necessary. Definitely informative, but not necessary. We did classes but mostly for H who had no clue wtf was going on.
Post by almachs0786 on Jul 14, 2015 17:23:15 GMT -5
Just catching up, here's my input for questions so far: Products: I'm a very simple person and we did with just the "basics". As far as carriers, I wouldn't get carried away until you know if your child likes to be worn. DD absolutely hated 4 different carriers that we had (Moby, Ergo, Tula, and Ring Sling). I was so disappointed because I had spent a lot of money on them and she would not have it!! Things I got that I felt were unnecessary: bottle warmer (for multiple-piece bottles, this seemed to make bottles leak at the seams), and swaddle wraps (regular baby/receiving blankets work just as well, if not better IMO). If you haven't discovered Aidan & Anais, you really should. These were my big splurges. I LOVE their blankets. DD still sleeps with one every night in addition to her comforter. ETA: A&A can be a bit pricey. Totally worth it though!
Post by almachs0786 on Jul 14, 2015 17:26:02 GMT -5
Classes: Look at signing up now, but for class dates at around 6-7 months (or later if you want). I only did a hospital class. Most of it was unnecessary, but we toured the birthing center which was nice as it gave me an idea of what to expect of my surroundings when the time came. If you feel like you might want a specific type of birth, I would suggest researching the different methods and then calling your local women's center/OB/hospital to find classes offered in your area.
Post by almachs0786 on Jul 14, 2015 17:29:52 GMT -5
H: zero experience with babies prior to DD. He was a natural from day 1. I worried throughout my whole pregnancy that he wasn't reading or preparing enough (I am a planner/researcher by nature)... And TBH I never really saw any excitement from him the whole time. When DD came though, he was a natural and it was like everything just clicked for him. He was amazing!
Talk to me about how much your boobs actually grow? I am starting off large chested on a not that large frame. The thought of 2 cup sizes extra is terrifying.
This is my biggest silly fear (like a fear that doesn't have anything to do with baby's health)
Talk to me about how much your boobs actually grow? I am starting off large chested on a not that large frame. The thought of 2 cup sizes extra is terrifying.
This is my biggest silly fear (like a fear that doesn't have anything to do with baby's health)
Oh they're going to get bigger. The best thing I did was go to maternity store and get fitted for bras. I was probably about 7 months PG at the time and the nice lady told me they were going to grow even more. It will happen. Nothing to be scared of. Just be prepared.
Married since 2010 DX w/PCOS in Feb 2011 Five cycles w/Letrozole+TI+IUI BFP w/injects+IUI in 2012 DD born May 2013 NTNP since 2015 Early miscarriage March 2015 TTA April/May BFP June! DS born February 2016
Talk to me about how much your boobs actually grow? I am starting off large chested on a not that large frame. The thought of 2 cup sizes extra is terrifying.
This is my biggest silly fear (like a fear that doesn't have anything to do with baby's health)
Oh they're going to get bigger. The best thing I did was go to maternity store and get fitted for bras. I was probably about 7 months PG at the time and the nice lady told me they were going to grow even more. It will happen. Nothing to be scared of. Just be prepared.
Yup, agreed. I was 20 weeks pregnant and didn't think I needed a maternity bra. Well, they fitted me at Motherhood. I'm normally a 40C...I went up to a 42G. It happens. Kid's gotta eat.
@pugsandwine if you are seeing a practice with several doctors, midwives, whatever, you may not get to deliver with "your" doctor. I'm at a practice w several Drs. I have one who is my primary but towards the last few months I will see each of them at different visits so I know them. I will deliver with my doctor if she is available, but if she isn't, I will be with whoever is on call. For my first, I'd seen two Drs up till the end but ended up with a high risk delivery and delivered at an entirely different hospital. I made sure to advocate for myself when relevant and it was overall a good experience. I returned to my regular Dr for my follow up.
This is a good point. My practice had 8 doctors. I made a point to see all of them, so I would know the doctor who was on rotation when I delivered. Coincidentally, it ended up being my two regular doctors (I got to see each twice- I was in labor forever). It was also really helpful when I went into PTL at 30 weeks. It helped me relax a bit that the doctor on call wasn't a stranger.
Talk to me about how much your boobs actually grow? I am starting off large chested on a not that large frame. The thought of 2 cup sizes extra is terrifying.
This is my biggest silly fear (like a fear that doesn't have anything to do with baby's health)
I went from 32DD to 32H... not an easy to find bra had to order online hated most of them, looked so granny like. When I was around the house I just wore nursing tanks. They had a supportive shelf that held me together.
Talk to me about how much your boobs actually grow? I am starting off large chested on a not that large frame. The thought of 2 cup sizes extra is terrifying.
This is my biggest silly fear (like a fear that doesn't have anything to do with baby's health)
I'll just say that it's not entirely a silly fear. Before DD, I was a 34C. Around six months, those suckers ballooned. I went up to a 38K. Can I please just say that I didn't even know there was a K before that??? Not everyone grows that much, obviously. I ended up having over-active supply, and I was pumping 10-12 oz. (from each breast) after feeding DD each feeding. The milk bank freaking loved me, but DUDE...it was ridiculous.
Talk to me about how much your boobs actually grow? I am starting off large chested on a not that large frame. The thought of 2 cup sizes extra is terrifying.
This is my biggest silly fear (like a fear that doesn't have anything to do with baby's health)
I went from a DD to an H with my first. I'm really hoping to avoid that this time, but I don't have much control over that I guess.
Talk to me about how much your boobs actually grow? I am starting off large chested on a not that large frame. The thought of 2 cup sizes extra is terrifying.
This is my biggest silly fear (like a fear that doesn't have anything to do with baby's health)
I went from a DD to an H with my first. I'm really hoping to avoid that this time, but I don't have much control over that I guess.
LMK if you find a way to avoid that! I'm already lopsided here, it's awful. So obvious that I may stuff one side.
H: zero experience with babies prior to DD. He was a natural from day 1. I worried throughout my whole pregnancy that he wasn't reading or preparing enough (I am a planner/researcher by nature)... And TBH I never really saw any excitement from him the whole time. When DD came though, he was a natural and it was like everything just clicked for him. He was amazing!
This is exactly how it was for us too. I remember having hurt feelings because he wasn't interested in feeling the baby kick or watching the birthing DVD I bought. But when she actually arrived he was a natural and was way more comfortable with her than I was. He did everything at first because I was the nervous one!
Boobs: besides gaining cup size be aware your rib cage expands too. My bras are already cutting into my ribs. I think I gained 2-3" last time, and one cup size. They make strap extenders so if the cups fit you can make your bra band longer. Best item: a car seat that you like. We didn't get fancy-Graco-but the straps were easy to use and it snapped in the base easy, etc. I got a different brand convertible and HATE it. Straps suck, buckles are awkward and it's huge! Baby wearing stuff: try to find a used whatever to try before you drop some serious $$. I hardly used my Ergo and that thing was expensive! Hoping this LO likes it better.
H: zero experience with babies prior to DD. He was a natural from day 1. I worried throughout my whole pregnancy that he wasn't reading or preparing enough (I am a planner/researcher by nature)... And TBH I never really saw any excitement from him the whole time. When DD came though, he was a natural and it was like everything just clicked for him. He was amazing!
This is exactly how it was for us too. I remember having hurt feelings because he wasn't interested in feeling the baby kick or watching the birthing DVD I bought. But when she actually arrived he was a natural and was way more comfortable with her than I was. He did everything at first because I was the nervous one!
This was us too. We'd neither one ever really even held baby humans. DH was helping me with night feelings and baby magic right away. When I went back to work at six weeks, I started traveling again too. DH was fine by himself with LO. The nurses gave us the basics, we watched Happiest Baby and winged it.
Talk to me about how much your boobs actually grow? I am starting off large chested on a not that large frame. The thought of 2 cup sizes extra is terrifying.
This is my biggest silly fear (like a fear that doesn't have anything to do with baby's health)
Everyone is different. My boobs barely changed at all and I successfully ebf DS for a full year until I decided to wean. I bought nursing bras, but didn't need to change sizes at all. I'm very small chested though. I was looking forward to having some cleavage and got nothing.
Talk to me about how much your boobs actually grow? I am starting off large chested on a not that large frame. The thought of 2 cup sizes extra is terrifying.
This is my biggest silly fear (like a fear that doesn't have anything to do with baby's health)
Everyone is different. My boobs barely changed at all and I successfully ebf DS for a full year until I decided to wean. I bought nursing bras, but didn't need to change sizes at all. I'm very small chested though. I was looking forward to having some cleavage and got nothing.
Yup, this was me too (though I didn't make it as long EBFing). I buy my normal bras and my nursing bras at Soma. Both are the exact same size. D cup? I don't remember.
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