*Baby Corner*

[TracyLuis 0]

Because my company only offers 12 weeks of maternity leave (unpaid, of course), and I am the primary financial provider for my family, I have no choice but to try and work right up until the last minute. I really hope that I'll be able to, because I desperately don't want to miss out on even one day of getting to be with my baby at home.

I'm realistic enough to know, however, that whenever my doctor tells me to, that's when I'll stop working. Fortunately, I have a "desk" job, so I'm not on my feet too much. This should allow me to maximize my very minimal leave benefits...

Maybe we should move to Germany!!!

[yassmine2878 1]

question: what did you guys pay for your childbirth classes? Do you recommend taking these classes? I'm pregnant with my first baby but I am a pediatric nurse, so I'm not sure if it's worth it.

My hospital charges $200 for hubby and me is that the average and do health insurances cover that? I have GHI.

In my experience, most health insurance companies do not cover the cost of classes. But it never hurts to call your benefits department and see what they say. I cant really say whether the classes are worth it or not. We couldnt afford them, and even though this is our first baby we're having a pre-planned c-section. Ive had several in-depth discussions with my doc about what to expect for my c-section and Ive also attended to my SIL after hers, so I feel pretty comfortable.

Because my company only offers 12 weeks of maternity leave (unpaid, of course), and I am the primary financial provider for my family, I have no choice but to try and work right up until the last minute.

I am/was in the same situation. Bread-winner forced on to early leave with no benefits wasnt easy, but there is help if you need it. I notice you also live in Texas and I imagine you'd be eligible for some of the same benefits Ive gotten. I had to apply for help from DHH and you'd be surprised what you can get, even temporarily. If you're interested call 2-1-1 or go to https://www.yourtexasbenefits.com/wps/portal/home . I didnt apply until after I was off work, but it turns out I was eligible for some stuff while still employed.

[chri'stina 190]

question: what did you guys pay for your childbirth classes? Do you recommend taking these classes? I'm pregnant with my first baby but I am a pediatric nurse, so I'm not sure if it's worth it.

My hospital charges $200 for hubby and me is that the average and do health insurances cover that? I have GHI.

$200 sounds like a lot. Our local hospital charges $70. But we didn't take the class there. Our insurance didn't cover it either. I found video courses and asked my midwife about it, and she said it was a perfectly fine alternative. I was able to get this DVD from the library (which means free ) and it covered everything you need to know. It is basically a class just put onto DVD so it's in segments.Laugh and Learn about Childbirth

I also got another dvd about Lamaze, but the laugh and learn had all the same info basically. I didn't care about interacting with other pregnant couples so I didn't want to have to go to the hospital for the classes for weeks and weeks at night. I have had pregnant friends/relatives so I can ask them questions too. If you think you would feel fine just watching the DVD, I'd highly suggest it. You can always watch it, and then if you don't feel like you learned enough, find a class to attend.

Edited January 20, 2008 by stina&suj

[Jo1973 0]

We took classes. Personally, I think we wasted $80.00. It was informative but nothing that you couldn't look up on the web. The breathing classes were pointless because once the big day came, I couldn't remember anything and in any case they tell you when to breathe etc during labor lol.

[BelwinMills 0]

Thanks everyone for the advice. I think I will work as long as possible. I am a teacher so I will have my summer off. I was planning on taking the last 6 weeks off because I could. Right now I have 41 sick days and can use them to get paid. My husband is a full time student with a part time job so my income is important. Every year I have 15 sick days add and 2 personal days. I am hoping I deliver this baby on time because my husbands finals are the first week of May.

Did any of you have a growth squirt with your belly around 25 weeks it seems mine has blown up a lot in a week.

[BelwinMills 0]

question: what did you guys pay for your childbirth classes? Do you recommend taking these classes? I'm pregnant with my first baby but I am a pediatric nurse, so I'm not sure if it's worth it.

My hospital charges $200 for hubby and me is that the average and do health insurances cover that? I have GHI.

$200 sounds like a lot. Our local hospital charges $70. But we didn't take the class there. Our insurance didn't cover it either. I found video courses and asked my midwife about it, and she said it was a perfectly fine alternative. I was able to get this DVD from the library (which means free ) and it covered everything you need to know. It is basically a class just put onto DVD so it's in segments.Laugh and Learn about Childbirth

I also got another dvd about Lamaze, but the laugh and learn had all the same info basically. I didn't care about interacting with other pregnant couples so I didn't want to have to go to the hospital for the classes for weeks and weeks at night. I have had pregnant friends/relatives so I can ask them questions too. If you think you would feel fine just watching the DVD, I'd highly suggest it. You can always watch it, and then if you don't feel like you learned enough, find a class to attend.

They cost 80 dollars here at our local hospital. This is my first child and I am not planning to take the classes. I think I am smart enough to figure it out or watch some classes on You Tube. Did you ladies enjoy these classes and find them useful?

[Autumnchik 6]

I am under contract with the National Health Services Corps and am only allowed a max of 12 weeks off ... I am planning on working right up until my due date if possible .. and praying that I don't have to take earlier leave!!! Of course, my leave is unpaid as well

Listening to your stories, I am actually really glad (probably for the first time!) that I live in a small town, because the pregnancy classes I have signed up for are free. In addition to the pregnancy and childbirth course (8 sessions), we have an infant CPR and a breastfeeding class. I have only attended the first class and ended up having to leave halfway through (I was the on-call therapist at my agency that night), but hubby got to stay for all of it. Since I have done so much reading so far, the first class was a little repetitive ... but hubby got a lot out of it. I think that will be the greater benefit of the classes, because he has read a little and listened to me talk about pregnancy, but he will gain a lot more knowledge.

Plus, he got to wear the "pregnancy belly" and finally see how challenging it is for me to roll over in bed or get up!!!

[~Chad~ 0]

Lira is already showing

[TracyLuis 0]

VERY cute, Chad! I love pics of preggy bellies.

Yassmine...thanks so much for the tip! I'll be looking into it as soon as I get home.

As far as pregnany classes go, I've decided to only take the breastfeeding class. It's $30 at my hospital, and I hope it puts my mind at ease. I'll let you know...

[Marry American 0]

Lira is already showing

preggy bellies are cute i am her size and i am 6 months preggars

i have not even thought about prenantal classes...i better start thinking about those things again

Edited January 22, 2008 by i adore you

[one...two...tree 2,762]

Lira is already showing

Wow! She's really showing for only 16 weeks! Maybe it's twins?

[chnst 6]

ugh. I guess thats another downside of living in NYC. Everything is soooooo expensive!

I'm really torn about these classes. The baby will be born and fine no matter if we take them or not. On the other hand- I want to feel as prepared as I can when I go into labour.

And I don't think hubby has any idea what's going to expect him and I want him to be a little prepared too.

They also give us a complete tour of the maternity ward and delivery rooms that I'd like to see.

oh well...... at least I don't have to worry about breastfeeding classes because I got a certificate in breast feeding at the hospital I worked and I tought infant cpr classes last year.

It's still a whole different story when you have your first child though!

@Belwin: I had a belly growth spurt within the last 2 weeks. I also got a faint (and slightly off centered )

linea negra. weird how fast my whole body seems to change!

At least people stopped wondering if I'm just chubby or preggers.

@Chad&Lira:

aww what a cute belly pic!!

[yassmine2878 1]

Did any of you have a growth squirt with your belly around 25 weeks it seems mine has blown up a lot in a week.

Mine's just been one big growth spurt since the 2nd trimester. Its like I woke up one day and all of the sudden I was REALLY showing. Even hubster noticed. I had people asking if I was carrying twins, or even flat out disbelief that I was only 6 months along. People just give me pitying looks now . Hubby took me out for my birthday and bought me some Godiva chocolates. I swear the clerk was about to let me raid the display case, just out of sheer pity for my huge belly

Yassmine...thanks so much for the tip! I'll be looking into it as soon as I get home.

Glad to help It was a huge weight off my shoulders to find those resources. You might also want to look up Catholic charities in your area, if you get in a bind as far as leave vs. income va. bills. They are heaven sent.

Oh and on the breastfeeding classes, you might also want to check out your local La Leche League. I understand they provide great support.

[Ban Hammer 13,482]

[Lyuba 0]

I am very pleased to announce the arrival of Mason Alexander Davis. He was born on January 19 (his due date). Weight 7 pounds 6 ounces, height 20 3/4 inches. He is wondeful!

I will post pictures later and tell you my story. We both are doing ok!