Birthing/Child Preparedness Classes, Etc Etc

Hi K.! I can understand what you are going through because I'm a worry-wort mother of one. He's a 1 1/2 now but I remember the pregnancy like it was yesterday. From what I have experianced from then until now I can honestly tell you to relax. It's good to be informed but to be over-informed can will drive anyone batty. I spent everyday of my pregnancy reading books, attending classes, reasearching the internet, asking questions, and watching every birthing show discover channel had to offer. Not to mention cleaning house and preparing for the arrival of my bundle of joy. When I went into labor most of the information that I thought I cataloged away I didn't even think of - Too much going on I suppose. And when my baby arrived I realized that I knew no more than had had known before the excessive reasearch. It all boils down to experiancing it for yourself. Parenting is more learned then thought if you ask me. If I could go back I would of relaxed and enjoyed more sleep!:) I can tell you that labor is not equivalent to a stubbed toe but everything will be fine (just get the epidural - I didn't feel a thing after that) and just focus on meeting your little baby.

All of that is overwhelming....bottom line, you are ready for this even if you don't think you are, you don't need other people, articles, etc telling you how to be a mother...it is in us naturally. I had my first daughter by myself at 17, i was a single mother and only 17 years old, I did just fine, and now I am a mother of 3 beautiful children, and let me tell you....every time I was pregnant...I was scared ALL OVER AGAIN...it won't go away, just know you have it in you, and it OK to ask questions, but you don't have to worry about reading up on everything, just take it as it comes! Congrats!

There is nothing that I can say that the other ladies haven't, but I still feel compelled to say...just relax! I did the same thing when I was preg. with my daughter. And when it comes down to it, you will remember nothing that you read! We are women, and it is just naturally in us. Somehow your body just knows what to do. Enjoy the last 2 months of your pregnancy, and try to get some rest. Becuase you will long for a moments rest after your little angel gets here. What to expect the first year, is an awesome book. That was my Bible with my daughter. Then 4 years later, my son came along, and I haven't picked up a single *parenting* book. You will become "an old pro" at parenting by just living through it. Congratulations to you and your hubby! Little girls are wonderful!

If you are overwhelmed than yes put everything away until that rainy day when mother instincts don't seem to work. How do you think the people even 20 years ago did it. No worries you wll know what to do when the time comes and if nothing seems to be working there are many helpful places to go for the information you will need. Don't worry so much you and your husband will be wonderful parents!!

I agree with a lot of the other responses. I worried a lot with my first pregnancy and it's really not worth it. Everyone's labor and delivery is so different - you really can't plan what's going to happen - so you might as well just sit back and relax. Of course, you need to know a few things like how to use a car seat etc. but the rest you will just pick up as you go along. I'm on my third pregnancy now and trying to stay away from the endless depressing stories in books and on the internet. A good show to watch a couple of times just so you see a few examples is the birth story on TLC. The birth classes are really pointless in my opinion - I never even had time for those breathing techniques in my labors!

Hi K.,
Basically YES you can just "wing it", or as the professionals call it, and my Mom calls it, "Trial and Error"...No matter how many books you read, or how many classes you take to 'prepare' yourself for your new baby, questions will always arise. So, with this said, and bless your heart..Relax, enjoy the last two months for yourself and your baby, drop all the books,classes etc....because with being a new Mom, you can never really prepare. You take it day by day. I also read that book, "What to Expect the First Year"...before my son was born, and I still had to reference to it. So, don't worry your little/big heart because just knowing how concerned you are with wanting to be prepared and wanting to be able to be supermom with knowing everything already, "you are a SuperMom" with lots of Love to give your unborn child. I'm glad you came back to MamaSource and wrote again! :-) Take care of yourself and rest. Best Wishes,G.

I agree with Geri, relax and put your feet up. As anxious as you must be for the arrival of your precious baby girl, this is a good time to pamper yourself. Let your husband pamper you and let the last 2 months be about you. Take care of yourself!
Best Wishes. D.

Hi K.. I didn't answer your first post, but I wanted to let you know that I delivered both of my 2 kids at Thunderbird, one in 2002 and one last April and I had a great experience. The labor and delivery staff were incredible each time and will help you decide what it is you want (epidural or not) or help you deal with it. My own opinion on that issue was that I announced with # 1 that I wanted to go natural but didn't need to be a hero. So, after 4 hours, I begged for the epidural. With # 2, I asked for it when I walked in the door. At any rate, I'm sure you'll have a good experience.

Regarding this current question, give it up. No matter how much you read, how much you prepare, you won't be ready for it. It's much easier for others to say this to you, but you really just need to calm down and relax because in the grand scheme of things, there is nothing you can control except how you handle the upcoming events. A good support system is important to have, but if you love this baby, you will do what is best. You'll have some mistakes, we all do, but you will figure it out. I'm not a book person. I had one pregnancy book and one baby book and I only used them for references. I have several friends who have every book on the market but the bottom line is everyone has their own opinion and you need to do what you feel comfortable with. Everything with a grain of salt. Just try to relax and enjoy the time. Good luck! -E.

I never took any childbirthing classes or anything else. the only thing I ever read was the What To Expect When You're Expecting Series when I had a question. I never read the books cover to cover, just what pertained to me at the time. They helped out a lot. and if something comes up or came up along the way that those books didnt cover, i'd ask my doctor or look online a little bit. My daughter seems to be turning out okay.

K., women have been having babies since the beginning of time you'll be fine it's amazing all of a sudden (I know I didn't think I would get them either) you get mommy instincts and you know what to do!! Relax while you can, enjoy your pregnancy you probably already know more than a lot of moms with all of your research!!
~A. =)