Ante-Natal Classes

[Eelis]

I've had what I think is pretty poor maternity care so far, part of which has been no ante-natal classes.

I did complain and was assured of classes but nothing happened and to be honest I've given up hope of starting anything now. Been kinda worrying even more today as a girl at my work with who is (was) a week in front of me just had her baby this morning

I have a midwife appointment on wednesday and was thinking of asking for a 1 to 1 at home appointment with someone so I can get some advice and ask questions to make up for not having any ante-natal classes.

Has anyone else had this problem or have any suggestions?

I know people say that when the time comes everything goes out the window but I don't know anything about the hospital I am going to and I have no birth plan or anything drawn up. I don't really know what I should put in my maternity bag. They say take one bag but then I see lists of stuff you are meant to take and it's like 3 bags worth of stuff!

I have good books but I thought I would get some "official" help with these sorts of things. It is really getting me down at the moment, I feel really unprepared for the big day and I am really worried about an early labour.

 

[Imi]

Hunni i did one class as i ended up in hospital from 32wks.

I'll be honest ... the one i did got to? they did nothing but chat SHITE and drank tea!

I went into labour and hun it all came naturally!

You just breath deeply, and when thy tell you to pant ... pant lol!

Bearing down is not hard eather just push into your bum ... all i would do is talk about pain releif!

Try not to worry darling it really isn't so bad!
xxx

 

[Eelis]

Trying not to worry >_<

I am having a lot of "what if something goes wrong" worries, I guess it's natural though.

 

[Imi]

Of course it is!

But what you have to think of is they are trained professionals! ...

Just grit your teeth, grin and bare it (or bare down lol)

You'll do GREAT!
xxx

 

[Jo]

I went to 3 when PG with Emily and was garbage TBH only thing was good was a tour which they will do if you ask anyway

With Jack i didn't go to any and had a much better time of it!!!

Just jot down your birth plan ideas, was a space on back of my notes for that, but to be honest, both times i just eneded up going with the flow

 

[ablaze]

mine were pants too!! 2 and a half hours sittin on an uncomfy seat talkin bout rubbish!!!

 

[Arcanegirl]

I wouldnt bother with them for myself when the time comes. I think experience from my neice taught me enough with baby care, and my own research and course in child developtment taught me the rest!

 

[Cat]

Personally I found my classes usefull and interesting but I guess it depends where you go. Did you get a pregnancy and birth book when you first booked in with your midwife? As that will give you a full run through of how and what happens during labour, info of birthing positions, what to pack etc.

If you dont have this, def speak to your midwife asap and ask for it, and also ask about doing your birth plan, that way you can discuss pain relief options, birthing postions etc. perhaps make a list of things you want to ask her first, and dont ever be afraid to ask as many questions as you need.

 

[ablaze]

oh and pregnancy forums answered all my questions!!!! lol!!!

 

[Eelis]

Did you get a pregnancy and birth book when you first booked in with your midwife?

Hmm no, my mum brought me a fab book but a lot of it refers to things in general, i've not had any specific advice. Doesn't help that I've had a different midwife at every appointment, no one remembers me or any of the questions i've asked about and nothing gets followed up. I will ask about that book though.

I've not been on a tour yet either I will ask about that.

oh and pregnancy forums answered all my questions!!!! lol!!!

Aye I thought I would try one!

 

[ablaze]

i still have teh book if u want it hun, its called ready steady baby, i dont need it anymore lol!!

 

[Cat]

Oh Yvanne your books differnt from mine, perhaps they have finally brought out a more upto date one! Mine was an NHS one which had some out of date info in and amusing 80's pics or women in floral tents!

Def do a hospital tour, they are often very usefull, then you can also see what facilities they have, ie birthing pools, active labour rooms with bean bags etc, if they have CD players or if you need to bring your own etc etc.

 

[ablaze]

i got tht book both times, is full of loads of info

 

[Eelis]

Ready steady baby?

I have a midwife appointment 2mo so I think I will ask about it and generally do some nagging.

 

[ablaze]

cool let us know if u need it tho hun

 

[Cat]

Is it like ready steady cook, with Ainsley popping up on each page telling you to push cause you only have 5 mins left?

 

[shyfly]

Most hospitals will offer you a tour of the maternity ward with no problem. I have also found that calling or going in late in the afternoon helps because everything is slow and I found 1 nurse that was super helpful. I will give you one bit of info that no one shared with me--when they say push, push like you are taking a poop. No one told me with dd and when they said push I felt like an idiot saying I can't because I have to use the bathroom.

 

[Eelis]

when they say push, push like you are taking a poop. No one told me with dd and when they said push I felt like an idiot saying I can't because I have to use the bathroom.

lol ok ! I had another different midwife (this must be like the 7th different person I've met!) and she didn't know anything about ante-natal classes. She said she would get someone to call me to arrange a home visit instead to go through everythign with me but I haven't heard back and it's been a week now. She didn't know about Ready Steady Baby but did give me a huge NHS book with lots of info in so thats something at least!

And I have a maternity ward tour this weekend