One of the things I was most excited about after getting pregnant was signing up childbirth education classes and baby classes in general. Besides always wanting to be a mom, I have always just had an interest in children and babies in general. Hence, why I have now been a nanny for going on 5 years. Wild to think about! Anyways, since sharing a few things here and there on stories, I’ve gotten a lot of questions about what classes we signed up for and why. We did a total of 3 classes that I would 100% do again, so I thought I would lay them out for you, give you the details and everything else you need to know in case you’re curious.
1. Hypnobirthing
Class: Mind Body Baby OC | Cost: $400 (subject to change)
When it comes to childbirth education classes, I believe it is important to take at least one. There are so many options that I highly recommend doing your research and choosing the class that best fits you! Take into consideration where you are birthing (either at home, hospital or birthing center), who your provider is (whether you have an OB or Midwife), and what your plan/goal is for birthing (are you wanting unmedicated, medicated, a scheduled c-section). My situation is I’ll be delivering with midwives, planning to go unmedicated and at a birthing center. I looked at what CBE classes would most benefit and help me try to achieve just that and came down to hypnobirthing being what I wanted to try. After reading a ton of testimonials, watching countless birth videos and hearing the stories of hypnobabies, I knew I wanted that to be me! At my very first prenatal appointment, I was given a folder filled with all sorts of information. One of the sheets was resources that included everything from therapists to chiropractors to CBE class recommendations. I chose off my list of recommended providers and ended up signing up with Mind Body Baby OC hypnobirthing classes. It was a six week course, where we met via zoom for 3 hours every Sunday. We learned literally everything there is to learn about babies I’m pretty sure, ha! Our instructor, Nicolle, was beyond amazing and even though our class is now over, I love that we still have access to her and can reach out when anything is needed. Keep in mind that this form of childbirth education is something that needs to be practiced daily–it takes a lot of time, dedication and effort in order to be successful. If you plan on taking the class and that’s it, I wouldn’t recommend signing up. You are actually training when it comes to hypnobirthing!
2. Infant CPR
Class: Through Hospital | Cost: Free
This is a must! You never want it to happen, but just in case it does, it’s better to be prepared. The last time I did a CPR class was right after I graduated high school and was starting high school. The certification only lasts for about one to two years I believe (the class I took at least) so it was definitely time I got a refresh. Tim also had never done one, so he was clueless. The class we did through our hospital wasn’t a certification, mainly just teaching you the basics in a 2 hour zoom class. I think once baby boy is born and a little older, we might consider becoming CPR certified because at the end of the day it doesn’t hurt to have. I feel more at ease though now knowing if anything happens to him while I’m gone, or if we’re both home, Tim and I know exactly what to do.
3. Breastfeeding Basics
Class: Through Hospital | Cost: Free
Something I learned while becoming a trained postpartum and birth doula is that even though breastfeeding is so natural, there is still so much to learn! I remember sitting in the class wondering why we were going to spend so much time talking about it. I thought to myself about how people just figure it out and what is there to know? Well, apparently there is so much to know!
If you are interested in learning the basics of breastfeeding (which I highly recommend if you have no experience with babies!), I would check with the hospital you are delivering at to see if they offer classes. At least where we are, the hospital offers a handful of classes for new and expecting parents. Breastfeeding is one of them, and the best part is that its free! Because of the pandemic, the class was taught virtually through zoom, but we learned just as much. They showed visuals of how babies latch, the breast crawl (google some videos, it’s pretty awesome), things to look out for and more. A majority of what they taught were things I already knew, but I wanted to sign up as a refresher and also so Tim knew what to look out. Even though they can’t breastfeed ladies, there’s still so much they can help with!
Hopefully this post helps you a little bit if you are first time mom, expecting soon or looking to start your family. I am in no way, shape or form an expert, but as you all know I do love to share my life and what I’m doing. Keep in mind that there are people who do no classes at all, people who do more than double of the classes we did, and some who don’t even know classes like this exist haha. Remember that you need to do what is best for you and your family, and whatever you decide to do, that is what’s best. If you have any questions, let me know!
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