Breastfeeding Class & Childbirth Class

I see I haven't posted here in almost two weeks. I've had a bad cold which I am still trying to permanently kick to the curb. As my sister said to me in a phone call Sunday, it does seem a bit unfair to have something additional causing you physical discomfort when you are in late pregnancy!

The second glucose test came back at 124, so I definitely don't have gestational diabetes.

The baby has been as active as always, working on his/her Riverdance routines in utero. I sing silly songs to him/her; neither my lyrics nor my melodies will be winning any awards. One goes like this: "I've got a big giant belly with a baby inside, a big giant belly with a baby inside, a big giant belly with a baby inside, and the baby's name is Roo." See what I mean?

Last Thursday evening I attended a breastfeeding class at the hospital. The nurse who taught the class said that at the least she wanted us to take two pieces of information away with us: how to position our baby at the breast, and how to know if the baby is getting enough to eat. We practiced positioning with lifesize baby dolls. There are three main positions: the cradle hold (where the baby's head is cradled in the crook of your arm and its body is parallel and crosswise of your torso), the football hold (where you hold the baby under your arm), and laying down (where you and the baby are facing each other and its body is parallel to and mirroring your body). One main way you know if the baby is getting enough to eat is that he/she will have a certain number of dirty diapers per day -- on the "what goes in must come out" theory.

The childbirth class on Saturday was great. I think both my husband and I were a little concerned that an all day class might get deadly dull, but the birthing center nurses who taught it did a great job. They took turns teaching/introducing the various segments. We watched a couple of short movies, did some group segments, got down on the floor to practice positions for laboring and breathing exercises. There was a break for lunch, during which K. and I went to a local sandwich shop for yummy sandwiches. I feel more knowledgeable about what the entire experience will be like and what it will be like at the specific place where we will be delivering (as some hospitals/birthing centers have different protocols/procedures, etc.).

Comments

[Lee]

Nice site. Good luck in your pregnancy. My wife and I are at 37 weeks (check out the URL) so I can relate to many of your comments.

[Laura]

Lee,

Hi -- thanks for the friendly comment. Best of luck to you and your wife on your impending parenthood. :-)

Laura