Prenatal class — it’s just ONE more thing to add to an ever-growing list of things to do “before the baby” and it’s at an odd time, and with people who ask the dumbest questions. No fun. Not fun at all. {unless of course, you’re in my classes, but I am currently on hiatus}
That’s why I’m here to rescue you with prenatal class on your own terms. In your jammies, in front of your computer/tablet/phone screen, with snack of choice in your lap.
In case we haven’t met yet… I’m Hilary and I’m a labor and delivery nurse. I’ve been one for 14 years now. Wow. That’s an insanely long time. I’ve seen a lot of things, but something I see EVERY day that I work are nervous, pregnant moms. I remember being one myself. SO much happens on that day, and you want to feel prepared, but not over-prepared. Anyway, I’m here to help. Let me get my superhero cape on. 🙂
To get this party started. Let’s back it up {beep- beep}
My friend Katie has a great series on the first, second {my personal favorite}, and third trimesters. A lot of time in prenatal class you don’t go until your last trimester (if you’re thinking of booking a class, call early as they fill up and I would suggest going at about 30 weeks, earlier if the class is longer than 3-4 weeks). I would aim to be done with the classes by 35 weeks, just in case. 🙂 Katie has great medical info, as well as holding your hand through what can, quite honestly, suck. She’s actually pregnant AS I write this with #2. She’s a mom who’s been there. I also find her, “Who Had it Worst” post really helpful, and amusing (actually written by Katelyn, see more about her below).
Katelyn has a lot of great advice, as she’s had twins as well as singleton pregnancies. If you’re still early, I like her series about what pregnancy feels like. I had always wondered this before I was pregnant. I really like her post on exercising during pregnancy. I wish more moms would do this (but I get it, you’re tired and worn down from the day and keeping 2 humans alive — that IS a lot of work). I did work out with my last couple of pregnancies and found yoga to be super important to my hips surviving. If you’re not working out right now, I’d suggest a prenatal yoga DVD (I used Lindsay Brinn’s). And if you’re a repeat mom, Katelyn (mom of 3, with #4 on the way) has a few great posts, including what to buy the 2nd time around. and, if you’re considering a VBAC she has great info from a mom’s perspective on that as well (I have one from a nurse’s standpoint, and I think it’s good to get both viewpoints).
But, good ol’ prenatal class always covers a few things, and I just happen to have articles on all of those!
First off, what to put in your hospital bag. Seriously I’ve seen moms tote in their full luggage set, and that just isn’t necessary. I put it down to the bare necessities as well as told you what to make SURE your support person has handy when you’re in labor {just 3 things, but 3 things almost every laboring woman asks for}. Be SURE to read this one! And if you’re still in the early prep phase, check out 10 things to do before you have a baby at a hospital.
Secondly, people are nervous about delivery. As I stated it’s normal. It’s a scary thing, and there are strangers. Here are 6 things that it is VERY normal to be nervous about. Be sure to ask your nurse LOTS of questions (still need to write a post about that). Labor and delivery nurses are a special breed. We are born talkers. Talk to us, we want to help you! Also, don’t miss my labor terms. That will help build the groundwork to make you feel like you know a little about what they’re all talking about.
We also talk about what to do when you get home in prenatal class. My more comfortable postpartum post is SUPER popular, because it is — suffice it to say — not naturally comfortable.
And then there’s the medical aspect of it all. Your body has done a LOT, so here are 5 medical things to watch out for in YOURSELF after birth. I sometimes think I can move a mountain by myself after having a baby. But, newsflash, not so much. And just in case breastfeeding sucks. Here’s my post about when breastfeeding isn’t working. Breast is best, but God made it so you’d suffer a bit more than you’d hoped when you get that baby to nurse. It was certainly different than I had ever envisioned. Katelyn also has a great post on things they SHOULD teach in breastfeeding class.
Anyway, that’s prenatal class in a nutshell. Pin or bookmark this post to have a little light reading in your position of choice, in your room of choice, with your snack of choice. I don’t think this REPLACES a high quality prenatal class, having a nurse at your disposal to ask questions of (although I’m open to answering some questions in my comments, or perhaps even creating a new post to answer it), but I know prenatal class doesn’t work for all couples. Oh, and get that baby daddy of yours to sit down and read these too. He’ll be in the trenches with you! Be sure to check out my Prenatal Class Inspiration board on Pinterest, as well as all my other pregnancy posts:
