So now I’m at the 34 week pregnant stage..the home stretch! The count down is on as my mum likes to keep reminding me.
I can’t believe that our little one will be with us in just over 6 weeks, if he’s on time. Although he may decide to be an early-bird and arrive before his due date, hence why I’m currently trying to get my hospital bag all set and ready to go just in case. My hospital bag is the last thing that I need to get organised now. We have all of the essentials that we will need for his arrival, plus lots of not-in-the-budget essentials too…ooops! I keep seeing so many cute things that I just can’t help but buy. At the moment I’m focusing on getting myself ready for the birth and sorting out my postpartum care too. My midwife appointment is later this week so I’m really looking forward to hearing his strong heartbeat.
In an effort to get me in the right frame of mind for labour and birth I attended my first antenatal class last week. To be perfectly honest, since it was so late in the day to be looking for classes I was considering not even bothering and going it alone. Also, neither my mum or my nan, who’s had eight children, never had antenatal classes at all. It all sounds very old skool, but whenever I asked other mothers who had taken classes if they actually used any of the techniques they had been taught they all said no! Antenatal classes aren’t cheap either so it was also the case of thinking perhaps the money would be better spent elsewhere. Although they all agreed that it was lovely meeting other mamas who were due around the same time to share their anxieties and experiences with, many of which remained friends after birth.
There is always that fear of going into something unprepared and despite reading lots of natural baby birthing books and blogs I still had some concerns and needed some reassurance. I found a holistic active birthing class by Lazy Daisy which concentrates on the physical and mental readiness of birth by using movement and birth hypnosis. It’s a weekly course that runs for 6 weeks in total, I went to my first class last week and really enjoyed it. The sound of active labour appealed as it means that I will have the freedom to move around the room to find more comfortable positions, which is generally how I handled period pains during the night. Obviously, I understand that labour pain is far more intense than period pain, but I thought that maybe the same principle may apply and moving around may help.
The holistic classes are based on a unique set of active movements done on a yoga mat with birth breathing techniques to create a sense of calm and confidence. Each movement allows you to visualise each contraction and develops your intuitive muscle memory, so you go into labour and actually use the techniques that you were taught. They also look at the use of birth balls and water during labour.
Unfortunately, the couples workshop is running too late for my pregnancy, so I attended the ladies only birthing class. I would have preferred to have Alfie there with me, but we talked about the techniques after the class and I have a hypnobirthing video which I got in last months Project B box that we’re planning on watching together. Having said that, it was great meeting supportive ladies that were all at similar stages as me and no one was afraid to get involved and make fools of themselves with some of the on-all-fours movements.
To get ready for birth and labour I’ve been doing my kegels and drinking raspberry leaf tea, both of which are supposed to help with labour and strengthening the uterine muscles ready for birth. There are contradictory reports about drinking raspberry tea, but I think anything is worth a go and it’s success seems to be unique to each birth. I’ve also been using this natural perineum massage oil by Weleda, not the most glamorous of things to do, but it was recommended to me. I’ve also bought some natural aromatherapy candles and massage oil to help relax me before and during labour too.
After the class I’ve felt so much more prepared and more positive about labour – the affirmations used throughout the class definitely helped there! I now feel more self-assured on how to have a comfortable natural labour. Women’s bodies are biologically designed to give birth and I now have more confidence that my body knows what to do. The holistic techniques are there as support to create a relaxed environment and to get the best out of every contraction to help me meet my baby boy.
If you are currently pregnant or had a baby did you go to antenatal classes? What type of class did/do you go to? How helpful were they during labour and birth?
Those of you not expecting, would you be looking to take antenatal classes?
I went to NCT classes but they were useless and I didn’t gel with any of the other people on it. I also had two C sections, which they barely covered, so I definitely didn’t feel as though they were worth the money.
I’m sorry you found your course useless. I decided against the NCT classes and went for something more personal with a smaller group of people.
Great post!… I won’t sugarcoat things and tell you it will all go perfectly as both my labours were very different for both my girls. I went to a birthing class before the birth of my first one and thought I was prepared, nothing can prepare you for the first time you give birth. Every experience is each to our own. I don’t want to worry or scare you in any way so let me conclude this comment by telling you my second labour was much easier, so much so that I couldn’t believe it when it was all over. Great post and good luck 🙂 xx
I’m not expecting a dream labour, although I would like one. I have an idealised labour in my head, but know that things change suddenly and I’ve allowed for that flexibility. Thanks for the good luck wishes! 🙂 x
Your bump is just adorable. Not long to go now at all! 🙂
Thanks Dana! 🙂
You look lovely Jemma, your bump is so adorable. I think it’s great that you’ve been going to antenatal classes and getting as much information as possible – as they say in the Scouts ‘be prepared’ and it sounds like you definitely are doing so!
I would want antenatal classes, especially with the first birth, I think it would help me feel a lot more confident going into labour.
Ahh thank you Claire! I do feel more prepared now – thank goodness! Antenatal classes really are a good idea, so glad that I decided to go in the end.
I guess the antenatal classes are probably more of a reassurance to first time mum’s – giving them confidence going into the birth, even if it doesn’t go anything like how they were ‘taught’ about. I think I’d probably go only because I literally haven’t a clue about anything and we have such a small family that advice is limited!
Sounds really fascinating all the different classes you can do though – I think you’ll be absolutely fine 🙂
Oh definitely. Your body certainly knows what to do during labour but it’s the reassurance that first time mum’s need. I think initially we all fear labour, but it’s a natural process and zillions of women have been through it. 🙂
This is so interesting to me – I love hearing other women’s stories about their birthing experience, ESPECIALLY when they take such a holistic, hands on approach. I’m not pregnant (yet) but I am definitely hoping to go your route – with the midwife, yoga, natural education. So many women don’t educate themselves for their own BODY and experience, so this is really refreshing. Wishing you the best my dear! xoxo
Thank you Joelle. 🙂 I think it’s really important to educate yourself when you are going into the unknown. Glad that you are finding these posts interesting! 🙂
I have never been pregnant so I am learning so much from you! Antenatal classes sounds like something I would be interested in! I am so excited for your little guy to come! Do you have a name picked out yet?
We do have a name already, but keeping it a secret from everybody. Not even my mum knows! 🙂
I haven’t had the joy of being pregnant yet, but you are so beautiful and definitely have that glow of a soon-to-be mom! Congratulations!
Thank you so much Cailin, 🙂
You are so cute with your pregnant belly! Adorable! And I understand how you feel. I was the same way and worried too until I had all the information possible from my birthing class. It helped me feel prepared. However, my daughter’s birth was super fast and nothing could’ve prepared me for how everything went down!
Thanks Alfa! 🙂 They definitely make you more confident and reassured. 🙂
Oh goodness! You’re ready to pop but you have such a lovely glow, dear! Holistic medicine can be such a wonder at times. I’m sorry that the workshop schedule doesn’t go so well with your pregnancy schedule, but you definitely seem to be applying what you’ve learned, which is good.
Thank you! It is a shame but cannot be helped. I’m definitely learning a lot and loving the classes so far. 🙂
Not long to go now! How exciting! You seem very prepared to me 🙂 The thought of labour being worse than period pains is enough to put me off for life, I get the most ungodly painful cramps I can’t possibly think of dealing with anything worse than them 😛
Haha! It’s not going to be pretty, but many women say that they actually enjoyed there labour. I’m actually looking forward to it, 🙂
Wow – that has gone so quick. I remember you announcing your pregnancy and it didn’t seem that long ago.
It has just flown by…can’t believe that he will be here soon.
I took Bradley method classes. I really wanted a drug free labor and I think they really were helpful. I personally think that a lot of it has to do with mindset when it comes to labor. So many people, who had children said I’d never be able to survive not having an epidural but my mom who had me without one said it would be fine. I went in knowing I could do it and that unless there was an emergency everything would be fine and it was. I hope the same for you. You can’t plan for everything my sister wanted a similar labor to mine but my niece wouldn’t fit so she had to have a C-section. Either way you get to be a mom so good luck on your delivery.
Get that bag packed. I went into labor at 36 weeks 5 days and didn’t have that ready, thought I had plenty of time,nope.
You’re so right that every labour is different. I’ve definitely allowed for flexibility in my birth plan. I’ve actually started packing my bag now. It’s all becoming so real.
Awwww… what a beautiful photo of the pregnant mama to be 🙂
Awww lovely of you to say, thank you!
I went to a childbirth class with my husband for our 1st baby (his 2nd) and by myself I would’ve been in panic mode when in labor, but my husband was amazing. He knew just what to do and how to help calm me down. He’s my rock and was an amazing coach with our 4 babies. All babes were born (mostly) natural-2 with an epidural and 2 were scheduled inductions (7-8 days over due). Best of luck!
Your husband sounds like the perfect birth partner! Thanks Angela!
i had actually never heard of antenatal classes before. But i love that you’re going to do a natural birth! that made me happy. (even though i don’t actually know you, ha!)
Haha! Thanks, I’m going to try my best and see how it goes, 🙂
i have no experience, yet! i do wish you lots of good luck! xo
Thanks Ananda!
You are super prepared! This is so exciting. I can’t wait to be reading your birth story after your baby comes.
We’re getting there slowly but surely! 🙂
This is such an exciting time! Huge good luck in the coming weeks! I’m not sure if I would go to classes or not as I get terrified about the thought of actually giving birth!
So strange though, last night I had a dream that I gave birth (I’m not even pregnant or thinking about children for the next few years at least) anyway, It was completely fine and pain free. I think someone or something was trying to reassure me that when my time comes I’ll be fine 🙂
Katie <3
I am not pregnant but within the next year or so we are planning on trying to start having a family. I always love reading about others experiences. I plan on having a home birth so I’ve looked into the hypnobirthing and it seems wonderful. I will definitely seek that out when the time is right. Congratulations and I look forward to reading about your birthing experience 🙂
You’re beautiful!! How exciting baby is coming so soon! When your baby grows up, they are going to love going through all these posts. 🙂
You look amazing 🙂 We didn’t take any classes for either child, I preferred to go in clueless without any expectations – which may seem weird, but it worked well for us haha.
Awww, I’m so excited to hear about your upcoming milestone, and the preparation that you’re doing for it! I think having any classes and educational awareness is great to have going into your delivery…. You look absolutely gorgeous and radiant – best wishes, and hope you have an easy delivery!!
xo,
lauriel
EyeForElegance.com
I did not take any classes with either of my girls. With the first one, my husband and I decided that regardless, we would probably not actually be prepared for whatever happened. I ended up having a C and then the second time around had a C scheduled the entire time. I certainly know what to expect if there is a next time!
I hope you have a beautiful experience. I tell my pregnant friends, no matter what, it will still go down as the best day of your life. 🙂
Congratulations!!!! I didn’t go to any classes, but I did have a doula who pretty much went through all that I would have learned in the classes. I wanted a natural pregnancy and definitely would have not had had natural without the doulas. I had two children and used doulas for both. Wishing you an easy delivery and a healthy baby boy.
Thrifting Diva
http://www.thriftingdiva.com
We did every single class our hospital offered with our first child. We repeated one or two with our second baby – for a refresher. The breastfeeding class was a great one! It was awesome to have that support system in place before hand.
You look beautiful! We took some classes, and they were just fun to do together, and they helped me feel more prepared and at ease about the approaching delivery day 🙂
You look adorable!!!
Seeing that pic of you now I actually believe you preggo bedse when we met you weren’t showing as much, now I am just a paranoid person and think I will probably forget all those yoga technique when the time comes.
We took Bradley classes. I tried my best and went 19 hours before finally calling for the epidural. Just remember- they are medical professionals that want the best for you and your baby. Congrats and good luck.
You look so beautiful, Jemma!!! Awwwww. I’m so excited that you’re feeling good about it!
Oh that sounds like a wonderful class! I have not been pregnant yet, but the thought of going to a class like this is comforting.
I didn’t do the NHS birthing classes because I really didn’t see the point but did do NCT and I never used a thing from the class but I have meant five amazing women who I’m really close to. Plus it’s great having people going through the same things with new born’s one text away 🙂
Your belly pics are so cute! Congrats! Enjoy the last couple weeks of quiet 🙂
You’re so cute! You’re almost making me miss the bump 😉 I’ve had 3 kids and I didn’t attend a single class… and all of my children were born perfectly normal with no labor complications. I think the most important thing is for you and your birthing partner to just focus on staying calm and enjoying all the moments. It’s hard work, it’s painful, you’re going to be exhausted. But it’s going to be awesome!
Your classes sound helpful. A friend of mine did hypnobirthing and it worked great for her. I hired a doula and didn’t do any classes aside from yoga and getting massages for both of my pregnancies. Our doula was perfect and I did a lot of research and read Ina May’s book anyway.
One of my friends swore by raspberry tea!! This is so interesting thanks for sharing this!!