Elternschule: Babypflegekurs
Goin' back to school...
Today we went to our last class before the birth, "Parenting School: Babycare course."
It was sort of a recap of the 4-part class we already completed, but this session involved practicing dressing of baby dolls, and a lot of discussion of postnatal care for baby.
It was a good group, ten of us in all. The class was held on our hospital grounds where we are getting more comfortable. It was a free, 3-hour course in non-stop German, with a summary booklet provided at the end, and a tour of the recovery wing. I understood the majority, with some quick definitions from H. It helps to have heard it before and done some reading in English.
Interesting anecdote: I spoke with one couple who had recently moved from Munich to just outside Berlin. Although due in mid-September, they have no OB nor midwife! I was shocked. They said they have limited options in their small district, and that everyone is booked or on vacation. Yikes. I felt very fortunate and offered my doctor's name but they said she's too far away from them. The wife also was surprised to see that at 39 weeks I am mobile and mostly pain-free! (I do realize this can change on a dime.)
She was having some issues, to which again I thought-hmm, better go talk to the midwives here; she did afterwards....I also gave the couple the contact info of a professional translator I used, since they needed it for their hospital prep documents, having been married in Mexico of all places. Was really starting to feel like a local. :) Anyways, feeling grateful and hopeful for all!
Here's the pretty and serene hospital setting:
Inside it was cute to see the line up small dolls. They were so still and quiet compared to what I would expect a wiggly newborn to be. We practiced dressing and undressing them in what will be the hospital-provided tiny outfits and diapers.
Downright adorable:
Later, we walked with the nurse instructor through the new mother wing of the hospital to get the lay of the land. Here's me,
following the nurse...
to the not-so-glam back entrance:
Well, that's a wrap for now. Will keep you posted as possible! :)
Today we went to our last class before the birth, "Parenting School: Babycare course."
It was sort of a recap of the 4-part class we already completed, but this session involved practicing dressing of baby dolls, and a lot of discussion of postnatal care for baby.
It was a good group, ten of us in all. The class was held on our hospital grounds where we are getting more comfortable. It was a free, 3-hour course in non-stop German, with a summary booklet provided at the end, and a tour of the recovery wing. I understood the majority, with some quick definitions from H. It helps to have heard it before and done some reading in English.
Interesting anecdote: I spoke with one couple who had recently moved from Munich to just outside Berlin. Although due in mid-September, they have no OB nor midwife! I was shocked. They said they have limited options in their small district, and that everyone is booked or on vacation. Yikes. I felt very fortunate and offered my doctor's name but they said she's too far away from them. The wife also was surprised to see that at 39 weeks I am mobile and mostly pain-free! (I do realize this can change on a dime.)
She was having some issues, to which again I thought-hmm, better go talk to the midwives here; she did afterwards....I also gave the couple the contact info of a professional translator I used, since they needed it for their hospital prep documents, having been married in Mexico of all places. Was really starting to feel like a local. :) Anyways, feeling grateful and hopeful for all!
Here's the pretty and serene hospital setting:
Inside it was cute to see the line up small dolls. They were so still and quiet compared to what I would expect a wiggly newborn to be. We practiced dressing and undressing them in what will be the hospital-provided tiny outfits and diapers.
Later, we walked with the nurse instructor through the new mother wing of the hospital to get the lay of the land. Here's me,
to the not-so-glam back entrance:
Well, that's a wrap for now. Will keep you posted as possible! :)
What a beautiful hospital. It looks so un-urban. And wow to that picture of you looking down at your feet beyond the white globe of belly. Looks like the moon that is filling outside our window tonight.
ReplyDeleteYou do sound like a pro and a local. Amazing how quickly you're adapting and how close your due date.
Your mom is there. Yay!
Love to all.