Prep Class - take 2

Yes, there was a take 1, in the fall of 2007. I even have the information recorded in this blog. That was a time when we were optimistic, didn't know what IF entailed and had just (and I mean only just) thrown the birth control to the side. Needless to say, we haven't had any interest in even learning what preparation courses were available until recently. So we had to start from scratch. The landscape has completely changed in 3 years. People have retired, programmes have been discontinued while others have popped up. Thank God for my SIL. She recommended 2 that we should check out. Both were for parenting and one would provide specific info related to c-sections. Both are cheaper than their advertised price since we won't be doing the labour and delivery prep segments. And one had an 'early-bird' session that covered nutrition and other prep. I called both and I am glad that I did.

The one with the c-section info isn't until October 16th. It'll be a 12 noon - 6pm session and I've now spoken to 4 friends who did this course who had c-sections - only one was scheduled btw. It is actually the second session as the week before is labour and delivery. So we've booked and are paying 1/2 price.

As for the second option, we decided to do it as well. It is usually a 3 stage process - the early-bird one-on-one session, a 5 week (2 hour session each week) Lamaze and parenting workshop and an amazing baby session. The facilitators are phenomenal and one was my nurse forever in my pediatrician's office. Unfortunately she is retired (her son had twins last fall so she's being grandma, in addition to her regular job) but she's agreed to do amazing baby one-on-one when we are ready because she loves us so much!!! We did the early-bird session with her former partner last night and will only have to do the parenting classes in November (2 sessions) - again, at a reduced price. We're going this route because it'll let us meet people who will be due around the time we are (if we're here... I hope we will be).

Last night was great. It was a two-hour session and she covered so very much. I've decided to capture my favorite bits below:

• Nutrition - eat small meals throughout the day; eat at least 5 portions of fruits and veg daily; a balanced diet is important; floradix is a good addition; drink lots and lots of water
• Relax - go walking, go swimming, turn off the tv during meals, turn off the blackberry for an hour when you get home and rest
• Allergies and Asthma - remove unnecessary pillows, cushions and stuffed toys from the bedroom; Do not use perfume, household sprays or plug-ins (I was banned from these when I was diagnosed with asthma...); Keep the baby's bedroom simple.

There was a lot of other information provided (and 2 books). It was great because Aidan really enjoyed the session and liked many of the recommendations on decorations (minimal) and child development (yeah, he'll be setting up a special ipod for sproglet). It was a good entry back into this world and I am so happy that it was one-on-one. Discussing our journey and our high-risk status at the beginning was difficult but she made us feel so very comfortable. She also evaluated my diet and exercise (high marks), our nursery plans (a great big yes since it takes into acount our allergies and my asthma) and our product research (she gave us recommendations since we are 'tall parents'). It was money well spent!