I love participating in Hellobee board discussions and one came up recently about whether or not childbirth classes were helpful. When I think back about my first experiences as an almost new parent, I definitely remember childbirth classes being one of those things that I wanted to do, partially because I thought it might be helpful, but also because I didn’t know any better and I wanted to learn. Turns out, I found the classes mostly humorous and not necessarily very helpful, but the overall experience was fun and made me excited about becoming a parent.

B I R T H  C L A S S E S

In my OB’s office, they offer an appointment with a lactation consultant prior to birth. Basically you meet with this person for a half hour in their office and they go over how you can be successful with breastfeeding. They check your breasts and have you practice with a doll baby, helping you find positions that could work for you. Honestly, this was awkward for me and I didn’t really get anything out of it, but I felt like I should do it because I was a first time mom and I had never breastfed before, so I wanted to prepare myself in whatever ways were possible. When I compared notes with a friend of mine who was also very pregnant at the time, we giggled together because the woman we both saw told us we had perfect breastfeeding nipples. I’ve always wondered if she ever told anyone they had horrible breastfeeding nipples…

B A B Y  S H O W E R S

Usually as a first time mom you have a baby shower. I was no different and I was actually pretty excited for mine initially, but we ended up being in a really weird limbo not knowing if we would be delivering early because of the complications in my pregnancy, so the baby shower had to be scheduled the week prior to our final appointment with the MFM in case I had to deliver early. I was super stressed out and sweaty and sooo uncomfortable during my shower and in hindsight, I only did this because you’re supposed to have a shower. In reality, I got some really cute things and I had a pretty good time (minus the sweatiness and being uncomfortably pregnant), but I also felt really weird being the center of attention and I was worried that something was going to go wrong. It was such a strange situation for me.

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R E G I S T R I E S

One thing that we all do as pregnant moms is create a registry. I did so much research on everything and I picked out all the things I thought we would need. The final registry had around 60 items on it, with some large ticket items (crib, stroller, car seat, etc.) listed alongside a bunch of smaller cute items as well. I was completely convinced that I needed a changing pad and a bath tub and so many other items that we ended up getting and barely using or not using at all. I remember thinking that we would need so many clothes, but when it came down to it, we had items that were only worn once or not at all. If I had to go back and make a registry again, I would probably do it all the same way because when you haven’t been a parent before, you really do think you need everything.

.  .  .  .  .

When I look back though, even with all the things I know now, the feeling of excitement and nervousness are some of the best parts of being an expectant parent. It’s fun not knowing what is coming and doing all the things to prepare. And it’s sort of fun to look back later and think to yourself, if I only knew what was coming. I really do think that the best part of pregnancy is the anticipation and being a first time parent means tons of days waiting, but each day that you get closer, the more exciting it gets. So go crazy, new parents! Buy all the things and research everything. Go to birthing classes and have a baby shower. Experience all of these things because this only happens once. You are only a soon to be parent for the first time once.