Prenatal Class #4

As I continue the saga of our shitty prenatal experience, I add a caveat this week: On Wednesday our instructor found out her aunt (Mothers side; of eleven) was sick. She was at the hospital 'till 2AM, didn't sleep 'till 4:30AM. Should have cancelled the class but didn't. Also forgot that this was the pillow/mat week and didn't inform anyone is the first place. In all fairness she and her family were pulling the plug on Friday and she's pretty distraught. She also has a wedding on the weekend and is full of conflicted emotions so she made class number four video night, instead.

Except the connecter cables to the DVD player TV weren't working properly and caused her more anguish. My social worker side came out, wanting to plead with her to cancel the night but, due to frustration and annoyance with the whole shebang, I did not. I figured maybe some one else would. But no one did. So we had class.

E&I had decided this would be our make-or-break class. Spoiler: We chose break. Double spoiler: But we're going back next week because pillow/mat week will be epic!

We watched three happy videos (Her words) to help lighten the mood. The first was on post-pardum depression which writes its own joke.

Then a second video so bland that neither of us remember what it was about. Something to do with gel being put in the baby's eyes.

After the break, video number three was a repeat. The teacher had left the class and there was that whole awkward thing going on where everyone knew we were watching the wrong video and getting confirmation of this from their partner but no one was actually articulating it. Until E did, the teacher was fetched and we watched a half hour film on comfortable birthing positions. In summary: Your body knows what position it wants to be in.

Other happy topics discussed were breast feeding and the problems that can arise as well as solutions (Go to the hospital's breastfeeding clinic). The teacher gave an interesting anti-formula talk. Essentially, formula companies are desperate to get into hospitals as parents will naturally assume that whatever brand the hospital uses must be the best and buy it when they go home. This is not necessarily so. When Nestle was the biggest annual financial donor to the TEGH, the arrangement was that they would also supply the hospital with unlimited free formula. When the hospital became baby friendly with a mandate to actively encourage and promote breastfeeding, Nestle pulled both its formula and funding.

Mothers in the class were also strongly encouraged to attend post-natal classes once their babies were born. The TEGH has pre-registered E for these classes which start on September 10. 3-12 days before she's due. Thank you, TEGH.

In conclusion, dear reader, you may be a little confused by what was written previously - September 10? 3-12 days before her due date? The mid-wives have assessed where E is at and figure she will be giving birth between the 13th & 22nd. Further appointments will clarify this all in due time.