What happens once the classes are over???

Yesterday we went to the final baby prep class before sproglet graces up with his presence. Same as the other class, we only had to attend 1/2 of the programme since we aren't doing the labour then delivery part. The group had therefore been together for 6 hours last Saturday to do all of that. After we did introductions (there was another couple having a scheduled c-section in the class as well) we were split up for an exercise. It became very apparent to Aidan and me that we didn't feel nearly as prepared as 3/4 of the people in the class to even participate in the discussions. Part of it was due to the fact that we really haven't been reading up on things like pain meds, etc since I know I'm having a spinal but the depth of some of the discussions was quite impressive. We knew early on that we were in for a day!

That first exercise was on pain medications and then induction was covered in detail. Then came the c-section portion. The facilitator covered both scheduled and emergency c-sections and it was thorough and very useful. Both of us agreed at the end that it was exactly what we needed to feel more prepared for what we will be dealing with. After that, while most of the couples watched a birth DVD, we and 2 other couples met with a birth doula to go over post-c-section recovery and recognising labour signs. This piece was also excellent and probably more beneficial for the husbands because they seemed to realise that their role was going to be so critical when baby comes home. I also got advice on my birth plan. I do not need the delivery section because they do not have any options related to stitches, the spinal etc - thankfully, all of the things in the section that I wanted are standard. I can do the birth plan for post birth but there are some areas that are hospital policy and we therefore don't have a choice (i.e. we can't cut the cord in the OR; I can't nurse immediately after the birth because the recovery room is not just maternity, Aidan can only be there from 8a - 8p and the baby will be in the nursery overnight (except of feedings or requests from me to have him brought to me) since I will be bedridden with the catheter still in). Other than that, there are a few things that I can request. My hope is that it will be a very positive experience and that we're out of there in 3 days!

The rest of the afternoon was what happens when you go home. The facilitator covered parenting and relationship issues, crying, post-partum depression and life with baby. It was again, a lot of information. The relationship section caught a lot of the couples off guard. Many thought that having a baby made the relationship stronger but the stats indicated the opposite. There was therefore a great section on gains and losses to our relationship once baby comes and then discussion on how to continue to work on our relationships.

We went home a little overwhelmed. Aidan said that the class indicated to him how little he hows about what he is going to do when sproglet comes home. We both agreed that it seems that whenever we learn about something, we find out that there are 5 other things that we also need to figure out. We know that eventually we'll manage but it is kind of scary when you know that your child will be here in about 2 months max! Added to all of this, Aidan is now able to feel Sproglets kicks consistently from the outside. He said that it makes it seem even more real due to that.

So our countdown is on because we're done with all of the prep classes. We still have books to read, going to have to practice babywearing with my cabbage patch kid and need to finish packing the suitcase and looad it in the car (just in case). Oh boy... we're getting closer!