It’s really hitting me that I’m going to be a MOM in five weeks! It’s been one heck of an adventure being pregnant in Germany, and I think the most challenging part is coming up.
Birth.
Last weekend, Fabian and I went to an English-language birth class. I learned a lot, and I feel a lot less uncertain about what to expect. The only things I know 100% now are that 1) labor is going to be a complete bitch, and 2) it will be over before I know it and I’ll have a new friend. I am also pleased because I met some other English-speaking expectant mothers. We traded contact information, and I’m hoping it’s the start of a baby-network in Heidelberg/Mannheim.
We went to see the hospital (Krankenhaus) yesterday, and I sat through the 45-minute presentation (in German) understanding maybe a third of what was said. Then, we toured the labor ward. It’s a very nice hospital, and looks very home-y and un-hospital-y. There are bath tubs (one for pain relief and aiding contractions, and one for a water birth), big yoga ball things, lots of space to walk around, and a “family room” with a big bed where we can stay during and after the birth. Overall, it is very alternative compared to how I picture most US hospital labor rooms. The hospital has a nice feel to it, and I think it will be a good experience. It’s also cool that midwives instead of doctors are the ones who are in charge of the birth (unless there are complications).
At this particular hospital, they recommend staying there for three nights after the birth in the family room (for a mere 48€/night!). The logic is that in the first three days after birth, your midwife and the pediatrician monitor the baby, and perform the first health checks. If I don’t stay at the hospital, I have to look for a midwife who will come to my house to do the checks. It’s a good idea, and it makes sense that to stay and have the extra support and time to recover, but part of me just doesn’t want to stay. I am just frustrated that everything still feels so far beyond my control. Fabian told me I can’t decide now, and that I have to see how things feel in the moment. He’s right, but it doesn’t make me any less frustrated.
Well, I am off for a morning of crafts and sewing. This week I started making a jacket (Jacke) for the baby. It’s red and yellow, with buttons shaped like chickens! :) Today, my mother-in-law (Schwiegermutter), sister-in-law (Schwägerin), and I are going to Schwiegermutters friend's house to continue making baby-things. Today, I hope to finish the jacket and make a baby Schlafsak, which is a blanket that the baby can wear for sleeping. It’s sort of like a baby sleeping bag.
Bis später!
Birth.
Last weekend, Fabian and I went to an English-language birth class. I learned a lot, and I feel a lot less uncertain about what to expect. The only things I know 100% now are that 1) labor is going to be a complete bitch, and 2) it will be over before I know it and I’ll have a new friend. I am also pleased because I met some other English-speaking expectant mothers. We traded contact information, and I’m hoping it’s the start of a baby-network in Heidelberg/Mannheim.
We went to see the hospital (Krankenhaus) yesterday, and I sat through the 45-minute presentation (in German) understanding maybe a third of what was said. Then, we toured the labor ward. It’s a very nice hospital, and looks very home-y and un-hospital-y. There are bath tubs (one for pain relief and aiding contractions, and one for a water birth), big yoga ball things, lots of space to walk around, and a “family room” with a big bed where we can stay during and after the birth. Overall, it is very alternative compared to how I picture most US hospital labor rooms. The hospital has a nice feel to it, and I think it will be a good experience. It’s also cool that midwives instead of doctors are the ones who are in charge of the birth (unless there are complications).
At this particular hospital, they recommend staying there for three nights after the birth in the family room (for a mere 48€/night!). The logic is that in the first three days after birth, your midwife and the pediatrician monitor the baby, and perform the first health checks. If I don’t stay at the hospital, I have to look for a midwife who will come to my house to do the checks. It’s a good idea, and it makes sense that to stay and have the extra support and time to recover, but part of me just doesn’t want to stay. I am just frustrated that everything still feels so far beyond my control. Fabian told me I can’t decide now, and that I have to see how things feel in the moment. He’s right, but it doesn’t make me any less frustrated.
Well, I am off for a morning of crafts and sewing. This week I started making a jacket (Jacke) for the baby. It’s red and yellow, with buttons shaped like chickens! :) Today, my mother-in-law (Schwiegermutter), sister-in-law (Schwägerin), and I are going to Schwiegermutters friend's house to continue making baby-things. Today, I hope to finish the jacket and make a baby Schlafsak, which is a blanket that the baby can wear for sleeping. It’s sort of like a baby sleeping bag.
Bis später!
Guess who's your first follower :) :) :)
ReplyDeleteLove you!
Erica, After seeing literally HUNDREDS of births as a labor and delivery nurse, my advice to you is that 1. you don't have to be brave 2. epidurals are your friend 3. you won't be able to imagine your life without your new little friend. :-} Laura
ReplyDeleteI'm so happy that you've started a sort of family blog, altough I loved reading the travelling one as well! :))
ReplyDeleteYou have from now on a follower from Hungary!
Serdeczne pozdrowienia: Vera