Questions, Questions!

[Manxie]

Here goes, new at this lark! Now for the sob story... I'm due at the end of July all my family friends are in the UK :( In order to motivate myself to get out and meet new people with small babies I want to have a few ideas of groups/activities etc in my area before the big day, does anyone have any ideas? I have awful visions of walking into some mother and baby group and it being very snobby! Also I saw somthing online about gymbaroo for babies is this any good? If only I could win the lottery and fly everyone out here.

Another question....sorry! Are the prenatal breastfeeding classes any good? I cant see my other half wanting to go along to this - although it is about boobs so maybe he might suprise me!

Thanks guys, have enjoyed reading all the other messages.

[nkenward]

Hey there Manxie,

How are you going? I am due in October so lots to look forward too.

You will find a lot of info on groups for mothers and babies through your local council, and through the community nurse which should visit you at home after your baby is born. I wouldn't worry about some people being snobbish - most of us are quite genuine - but I think you will get snobby people no matter where you go.

Gymbaroo I have heard is really good and is great for babies and kiddies, a friend of mine was working at one awhile back and she says it was great.

In my opinion I would give them all a go till you find something that fits in with you and your bubby.

As for the prenatal breastfeeding classes, this is my first pregnancy and I am willing to do all classes - I believe the more information that is gained - the better off I will be.

Good luck with it all.
Natalie :)

[Manxie]

Thanks Natalie, good advice re where to find info about groups, I'd looked on the internet and couldnt find much.

Think your right will just give everything a go and see what suits us.


Good luck, scary but exciting isnt it?! :p

[RuthK]

Manxie

Where are you located?

[Manxie]

RuthK

Oops, told you I was new this! - Adelaide, near the city. Any suggestions? :)

[wattle]

Hi Manxie

The breastfeeding classes I went to were part of a series done by the hospital where I delivered. I thought they went on about it too much, and that I wouldn't have any trouble at all. I was very wrong.

The problem is that some people have no hassles with feeding, and some people have lots of hassles (I had lots), but you won't know until bub arrives. Then, if you do have a problem, it could be one of many things (oversupply, undersupply, poor attachment, gagging etc etc)

I wouldn't stress too much about it now - just get some basic info, and then if you're finding it's not working easily for you ask the nurses after you deliver, or get a lactation consultant when you get home. I eventually organised a lactation consultant and it was the best thing I ever did. Now feeding is a pleasure. I found that having someone come to my home and see my feeding environment (chair, position etc) was invaluable.

good luck

[WeThree]

hi, get your hands on a copy of a publication called 'adelaides child' if it is anything like 'sydneys child' it will be chock full of places to go and people to see with your little one. i have found sydneys child so useful for both my little children and my bigger ones, especially at school holiday time(although that wouldnt apply to you just yet!) it also has great directories covering shopping for bub and child friendly accommodation etc. you should also be able to find it on line try: www.adelaideschild.com.au. The site should also tell you where to get a copy.
my 2 yr old goes to something similiar to gymbaroo called kindygym and he loves it , the baby loves it too, she smiles and laughs at all the bigger kids, and definetly get into a playgroup or mothers group, if you find one you like, you will get just as much out of it as bub and your baby will grow up with the other kids and hopefully have some really close friends when he/she is older. well enough from me, hope i was some help :)

[H&B'sMum]

I did a breastfeeding class through the hospital I delievered at when I was about 36 weeks. I found it to be fantastic. We covered lots of different topics, attachment, positions, how the breast works, how to freeze breast milk, and lots of other topics. We were given lots of time to ask questions and were given dolls (life like) to practise on, once I got over the embarrassment of it I enjoyed the practising. When I had a little trouble after my son was born I refered back to the info I got on the day and was able to sort it out. I would recommend them. Given your hospital or child health clinic a ring and find out about them.
Good luck with the rest of your pregnancy.

[Manxie]

Thanks for all the good advice, makes me feel better just having a bit of a plan of action, I am very aware of avoiding becoming isolated when the baby arrives.


Keep them comming.

;)