Prior to becoming pregnant, and when I was still working at the public library, I had always planned on taking a prenatal course. Twice a year the multiple branches would partner with the Prairie Birth Collective group and offer these classes for a period of six weeks. For four years I would watch expecting couples quietly come in, find the meeting room, disappear for a few hours, and eventually emerge looking happy and hopeful. Although we had not yet planned on having children, I thought that it looked like such a nice ritual, all the while being incredibly educational for first-time parents. It was then that I had decided that one day, we would attend these classes as well.
I ended up getting pregnant less than one month after leaving my position at the library. Five months later, I was back on a weekly basis taking the Birth Prepardness Class with my husband. By then, everyone was well aware that we were expecting, not only because I would visit the branches a few times a week, but also because gossip there spreads like wildfire. Yet, I didn’t mind in the slightest. I adored each staff member that I had ever worked with.
We began the classes when I was 23 weeks pregnant, and they went into week 28. What I didn’t foresee was gaining the vast amount of knowledge that I did. My sister jokes that I didn’t know that I had a placenta prior to taking the course. That’s not entirely true. I knew that pregnant women have one (since she encapsulates and consumes hers), I just didn’t know what it did or what it looked like. I ended up Googling it one day, which is something that I still regret doing. Luckily, we only had to look at a stuffed fabric placenta in the class!
Placentas aside, I now feel so much more comfortable in being pregnant, knowing what to expect prior to and during birth, and having a rough guide on breastfeeding afterwards. I am also having one of the teachers, who is a doula and birth photographer, photograph the birth (given that most of my family has recently moved away). My sister is going to be in the delivery room as well. These are all big changes. Prior to taking the class, I wanted multiple drugs, a C-section, and only my husband to be present. Now that I am informed, I want a natural birth with no drugs or intervention, and my husband, sister, and doula to assist me. I am also planning on encapsulating my placenta as well! I just won’t look at it until it comes back in pill form. ;-)))
I strongly believe that everyone should take a prenatal class. Especially so if it is through the library. However, I am biased on that last point.
<3
Emory
Hello, Scarlett Blog 
Malkire
/ 01/06/2016I totally agree with you especially for a first time mom. So much is changing to your body and to help quell a little of the anxiety about having to actually get the baby outside, the prenatal class at least provides a window! Also, I made a wonderful friend in the class who had a baby boy 3 weeks before my baby boy and the connection to her has been wonderful. We are in the mommy trench together! And the 5-1-1 is the best advice ever!! What was your favorite part?
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Hello, Scarlett Blog
/ 01/06/2016Oh that’s wonderful! Every girl in my class had a due date in a different month, so that was very interesting to see. One girl and I did share the same doctor’s office though, and one of my old co-workers at the library has a daughter-in-law that is due a day before my baby!
As for my favourite part, probably all of it. For instance, I wasn’t aware of the importance of birth plans prior to taking the course, nor the various birthing positions (in addition to the rest of the information that we learned). I truly enjoyed showing up every week and learning it all with my husband. I’ll need to re-read our handbook before going into the hospital, though! There was just so much to take in!
You were told 5-1-1? They said to go in at 4-1-1. However, I’ll probably be so nervous that I’ll be driving to the hospital at my first contraction!
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Malkire
/ 01/06/2016Hahahaha! Also in the moment is so different too. I remember thinking of I have my birth plan and my doula and I got this. It definitely is different once that contraction starts but exciting and the best part of all is you finally get to meet your baby!
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Cheryl "Cheffie Cooks" Wiser
/ 01/06/2016Most all new parents to be-take the classes Emory its not a new revelation dear! It does inform, educate and assist (some of it you would rather not know) LOl.
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Hello, Scarlett Blog
/ 01/06/2016Oh I know that it’s not a new thing. I don’t think that I implied that at all. I simply enjoyed the course and wanted to express that on my blog, since I was told by many that taking it would be a waste of my time. (A lot of my friends who have had children never took a prenatal class.)
Additionally, it was offered for free at the library. If one was to take it through our health region, they would have to pay money. Libraries are so undervalued in today’s society, that many people don’t know about the programs that they offer at free of charge. So, how could I not write about it? It was win-win. :-)))
Thanks for the comment!
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Cheryl "Cheffie Cooks" Wiser
/ 01/06/2016Ignorance is bliss Emory for those who may have told you it would be a waste of your time?! Education is key to almost everything?! Yes, we also utilize our Libraries and they are wonderful with all types of classes, programs and the like. So, here in US as in Canada they are a great source of information over and above a google search. I love to hold a book in my hands to read at night. Yes, I have kindle and all the tech. available like most do. There is a calm and quiet environment that a Library has always offered. My children love the Library! Stay safe and cozy dear friend. Cheryl x
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