What They DON'T Tell You: Part 2

Things have been going pretty smoothly throughout my entire pregnancy (thank goodness!), and I have truly been fortunate this entire time with no sickness or other issues (except swelling feet when teaching). But...there are still things out there that people are NOT telling me until I say something....which really irks me! So...for all of you who want to know the more intimate details, here I go (again!).

1. Maternity Support Belts--These are no way fashionable, but they do become necessary as you grow. Yes--I said necessary! I revolted for weeks about buying one even though my back was killing me because of the extra weight in front. Once again, why I revolted like I did with buying maternity pants, I don't know. I've used mine for almost 2 months now and I can't go a day without it unless I'm just sitting around at home! I think my favorite part of my belt is that I tried them all on in the middle of Babies R Us one afternoon. Now THAT had to be a fun sight for the other shoppers! Anyway, the bottom line is that NO ONE tells you that they wear them until you say something about needing one or being in pain. Don't be ashamed to ask or buy one--you'll love it when you do!



2. Childbirth Classes--NOT necessary. End of statement. Final answer. That is...unless of course you are a complete idiot who has never watched TLC's "A Baby Story" or anything else that's on reality TV, or just have no clue about how this happens. Well, I'm a person who likes to be prepared for any situation, and while Jeff told me we'd be okay without the class, I insisted on going. Well folks, he wins in this situation! By no means did we need to go. We did learn a few helpful things, but let me just say that they did not need to show the birthing videos. I have told Jeff since before we were pregnant that no one would be in the delivery room with us and there would be absolutely no video of the birth, so these people I watched shocked the crap out of me. Not only did we not need to see the nipple cam shots (the lady went from clothed, to sports bra, to completely naked--why...no clue!), we didn't need to see any of the rest either! Here's what irks me on this one: I talked to a few people after going to the class, and they agreed: a person as anxiety ridden as I am/OCD/etc. doesn't really need to go to the class, but just didn't want to tell me what to do before hand. I do appreciate not being told what to do, but in this case it would have been just fine! Bottom line: childbirth class isn't needed if you're a relatively educated person who can read up on what is needed!