Antenatal Class

I can't help feeling helpless as this is my first pregnancy. Somehow I felt I do not read enough, know enough or ask enough to help me throughout this period. Feeling of vulnerability eats into me all the time. It does not help when people around me just try to assure me endlessly that "you will know what to do when time comes.."

I am not one to leave things to happen. To better equip myself, I decided to sign up for the antenatal class.

Some said it's a waste of time and money as there are always mothers around to teach you. However, how much can you bother others? There are endless questions running in my head... Paiseh ma...

Another reason is that I decided to go for all natural delivery without epidural. Many said that it is excruciating pain that I am going to put myself under! I admit that I am a fearer of pain~ low threshold of pain is also the reason why I have no tattoo till date! Haha.

Pain is the deterrent but it is also the same pain that I hope to feel to complete the whole miraculous delivery process. Furthermore I do want to breastfeed the minute Princess V is out, to initiate the bond and the intimacy. Hearing some stories that the medication sends you on grogginess spells or even knocks you out will impede this bonding process which must happen within the first 40 mins.

Anyway, my mind is set. The next thing to do is to help to relieve the pain, which the antenatal class will cover in lesson 2.

If you are interested, you can find out more from here. http://www.thomsonmedical.com/parentcraft_centre.htm#childbirth

The outline of the class is as below:

Lesson 1
Physical & Mental Preparation • Antenatal Exercise
• Nutrition Before & After Delivery
• Myths & Traditions
• Coping with Pregnancy Discomfort
• Back Care & Postures
• Instructional Video
• Q & A

Lesson 2
Pain Relief • Antenatal Exercise
• Physiological Approach to Breathing Relaxation
• Changes in Pregnancy Leading to Signs & Symptoms of Labour
• Other Alternative Types of Pain Relief in Labour
• Instructional Video
• Q & A

Lesson 3
Labour • Antenatal Exercise
• Physiological Approach to Breathing Relaxation
• Learning to Cope in Labour
• Mechanisms of Normal Childbirth
• Husband’s Role
• Instructional Video
• Q & A

Lesson 4
Practical Hands-on
Baby Care • Hands-on Child Care
• General Care
• Skin Care
• Diaper Care
• Bathing
• Coping with a Fretting, Crying Baby
• Coping with a Sleepy or Wakeful Baby
• Coping with Colic
• Instructional Video
• Q & A

Lesson 5
Feeding • Breastfeeding
• Bottle Feeding
• Sterilization of Feeding Equipment
• Weaning (introducing solid food)
• Learning to Enhance your Child’s Physical & Mental Development
• Q & A

Lesson 6
(Doctor’s Talk)* • Husband’s Role during Childbirth
• Problems Associated with a Newborn
• The Process of Labour
• Living with the In-laws
• How to Raise a Brighter Child
• Post-natal Depression
• Back Care & Postures
• Instructional Video


I have checked in the forums and they mentioned that the courses are taught by a very reputable lady Wong Boh Boi in AMK Hub. There are many good reviews and feedback on her teachings and attitude.

The only problem is that I have started on this class too late. The ideal period is in the 2nd trimester where the tummy is not as bulging and mummy has high energy levels to cope with the light exercises. I am into my third trimester and nearing my EDD already. The last date of the class is in March and if Princess V decides to pop out earlier, I will miss my last 2 lessons which is non-replaceable nor refundable.

WHo CareS!

I am All EXCITED and GEARED up FOr my first lesson on 19 Jan 2010, AMK Hub, Little Skool House!!! Woohoo~

PS: Daddy will also be joining worx. I am sure he is feeling just as excited (maybe compelled to) as me. HAHAHAHAHAHA