Prep Classes, Dr's Appts, Gadgets -- Mom to be's update

As peter mentioned, so much going on. Here's the update:

- Hospital Bag: still not packed although I did pull out a back pack and put a toothbrush & paste in it. If that isnt progress, I dont know what is!

- More Classes: Went to a 2.5 day course (£200 fee) this past week with Peter. The first day seemed quite common sense (I thought my free NHS/Hospital 1 day course that peter was not able to attend was better), but day 2 & the breastfeeding class were quite great. The best things for me was to hear about the pain mgt positions and managing expectations before, during, and after pregancy. It has been really great to have peter come with, to know how/when to support me. It has also been interesting to hear about the differences & similarities about preparation, delivery, and post-delivery b/w the UK and the US.

-Preparing: The one thing the Prepare for the Baby class did for us was tell us how we need to get prepared for the baby. Obviously it was communicated much clearer to Peter, as I got a "Things to Buy" email from BabiesRUs at work the next day from Peter. He has also been great about taking the lead on making/freezing some meals for us.

- Support Group: I'm so blessed to have several new moms & expecting moms to talk to through the church (16 babies arriving in 8 months time!) We try to meet monthly, and it was nice to talk to the new moms about things I need to buy & do.

-Shopping Day: So this Sat we will be our first real shopping day to buy things (and hopefully our last!)

- Dr's Appt: Had my last ultrasound/scan done on Wed, 14 Apr. Praise God she turned head down and looks healthy. They said because I have gestational diabetes, that the Birthing Center will not be an option for me as there are no doctors there or medical equipment. They dont have any concerns, but just want to take the necessary precautions. A bit of a bummer, but nice to start rulling out unnecessary options. So the Labor Ward it is!

-Burning Questions: Everyone here seems to be consumed with Delivery & Breastfeeding. I'm asked about it constantly -- "Do you think you'll breastfeed and for how long?" and "How do you feel you want to give birth?" I feel like it is such a loaded question and everyone (whether they have had kids or not) seem to have such a strong response. I've never done either, so how should I know? I'm open to all the above and am planning on just taking it how it goes. Just as no two pregnancies are the same, neither are the babies. So seems a bit silly to go into it having an opinion when you have no experience and have no idea how things will turn out in the end. Maybe I'm just delaying the inevitable? dunno.

Bin