Sunday, December 21, 2008

Infant Care Class

Our class was pretty small. There were two other couples and a woman studying to become a doula. It was really intimidating to be at a baby care class and not be pregnant. We had to go around the room and talk about ourselves, when we are due, and where we are delivering. Our turn came and of course we blew everyone away with “our surrogate is due mid-late March, we’ll be delivering in India”. Sometimes I wish that having a baby via a surrogate in India was a little more mainstream. The questions, awkwardness, and feeling of inadequacy really build up over time. We patiently answered all of the questions that people had for us.

The rest of the class was great! We learned about all of these newborn conditions that are completely normal but could be alarming to the untrained eye. Apparently a newborn baby girl could possibly menstruate because of all of the estrogen passed on throughout the pregnancy! There are also numerous skin and eye conditions that would have had me running to the hospital had we not taken this class. We learned the basics--bathing, swaddling, umbilical cord care, circumcision care, and changing a diaper.

I just wanted to publicly thank B for going to this class with me today despite the fact that the Patriots were on TV:)

Random/unrelated/non-baby tid bit...
If you still haven't found the perfect holiday gift for your man and you find the smell of meat irresistible then please allow me to introduce you to....

5 comments:

Phoenix said...

Oh wow - I've just learned more about infants in one blog post than I have all year. Yikes!

I guess we're all going to be facing the queries about surrogacy in India at our baby-classes. Not looking for to that.

Anonymous said...

I remember feeling exactly the same way - it's a little awkward being the only non-pregnant woman in a baby care class and having to explain the whole situation gets tiring after awhile. And I didn't even have the India factor to deal with!

I'm glad you learned a lot at your class - you're getting so close to being able to use your skills!! :)

Thanks for the info on the hamburger cologne, I just might have to get that for all the men in my life! :)

N said...

I felt exactly the same way in the baby care class...having to explain it to a room full of strangers was a lot to handle when I didn't realize introductions were going to be necessary. I have had no trouble sharing one on one with people, but having to address the full room led to one of only a couple of meltdowns during the pregnancy (once we left, I was sobbing that I was ready for it all to be over and feel normal again). Hang in there. It does get SO much better. I feel normal and it's only been 2 weeks!

Intended Parents said...

Amani, Sarah, and N,

Thank you so much for the kind words and support! It was overwhelming to explain our situation to everyone(especially when they are rubbing their pregnant bellies) and felt like we were some circus freaks on display. It's comforting to know that we weren't the only ones who felt this way. Thanks again!

Tracy

Rhonda and Gerry W said...

We are officially jealous after reading your post! What an amazing journey you are both having. How exciting and fun!!!