Parenting Class

This past weekend, Mark and I had our parenting classes at St. Vincent's- this was a crash course for first-time parents and included everything from pregnancy, labor and delivery, nursing and infant-care basics. It was extremely informative, and very helpful. I think both Mark and I feel more at ease with taking care of our little one, and feel like we know a little bit more about what to expect.

They even had Mark wear a "sympathy belly!" It was hilarious to watch him try to bend over a lay down with a 30-pound baby belly on him. The instructor also added a band that went across his ribcage to have him feel how tight and breathless you are as a pregnant person, as well as she put a weight on his bladder. He said he had never been more miserable, and had a new-found appreciation for what I am going through. Now when I tell him I have heartburn, he actually takes me seriously and wants to help. It was a WONDERFUL experiment! The teacher also asked him what he would do if he was that pregnant and his spouse wanted to get "frisky" as she put it- he lifted up his head off the pillow at that point and said 'No Way! I want Chocolate!" The whole class was laughing hysterically. He put on quite a show.

They also had him changing diapers and quieting our "simuated' baby when he was crying- he did a great job! I can already tell I am going to have a hard time not telling him what to do. I know it is important to let him take care of the baby without me telling how to do every little thing- but it is so hard! I really had to focus on keeping my mouth shut.

The videos were very graphic and scary- it is really not a pretty picture- I just can't believe that you have your legs flailing up in the air and all of your privates out in the open. I mean I knew that is what happens, but Lord, it is NOT fun to watch, and to think oh my gosh- those doctors and those nurses are going to see me do THAT?!?