Good news first.
I emailed the instructor of my prenatal class and told her I wouldn't be coming back, why, and some suggestions for how this could have been handled better. I also asked for a refund. It was a hard email for me to write, since I was still pretty emotional about things last night. I know some people thought I should stick with the class. But one thing I learned from that night is that I did not want to have to deal with being the only single person in the class EVERY time. As a choice mom, my issues are substantially different than those who are in a couple, and although I have no doubt that the instructor could accomodate me and address my issues. Whenever she would, it would be clear that it would be pointed at me and only at me. Its just too much. I want to feel comfortable, happy, and excited to be there. Not singled out. This decision is best for me.
Anyway, she emailed me back with a very heartfelt apology and warm response. I tell you kids, an apology sure goes a long way. She offered me a full refund, and if I wanted to take the course privately, she would arrange that for the price I paid.
I'm not interested in a private class, since part of the point is to connect with new moms. So, I will look for another class. And if I don't find one that is ok. Really, millions of women have children every day without a prenatal class. And as Mom said - when your in labour it all amounts to a hill of beans anyway! Too funny.
The not so Good News.
I have Gestational Diabetes. Yep. I took the 3 hour test, and my first hour blood work was high as was my 2nd hour. By hour 3 my levels were back to normal. But apparently if 2 out of 3 levels are high that meets the criteria for diagnosis. Crap. So, I've been referred to and Endocrinologist. If I hadn't already lost my job I might be worried that my boss would have issues with all the work I'm missing lately for tests, appointments, and just feeling crappy in general.
I'm also sending good thoughts via the internet to my internet buddy over at the Vineyards (link is on the side). She is going in today to have her baby girls! I'm thinking of you!!!
So blogland and the universe, I am DONE with the bad Karma. I've had my 3 things of bad luck lately (job, prenatal class, diabetes) and am expecting nothing but good stuff from here on in.
Just putting that out there.
The dreaded SI syndrome
16 hours ago
6 comments:
Great news about the refund! Sorry again about the class. Hopefully that teacher will think twice the next time she has a single woman in her class and show a little more consideration.
Sorry about the GD. I have zero knowledge about that. I hope it turns out AOK!
I'm sorry about the GD. I know that sucks but hopefully it can be managed easily and all is well.
That's great about the apology and the refund. I hear you on how much an apology helps. I'm glad that she was willing to honor your request and I hope you can find something that works better for you.
Been meaning to comment. Sorry about the GD. Sucks!
I TOTALLY hear you about the class. Glad you got a refund. I decided not to take one for pretty much those reasons. I did not want to be the single girl amongst the couples. I've also heard from many people that they felt it was mostly a waste of time and money. Any labor techniques you would have learned in class, your doula can guide you through at the time. You also might ask your doula if, maybe for a small additional fee, she would have a private lesson with you. I'm considering this.
As for connecting with others, have you checked out any SMC groups in your area? I joined this organization, and started attending local meetings a few months ago.
I need to say this to help you maybe feel a bit better about the whole thing:
1. My birthing class was a big ol' waste of time, except for the entertainment my cousin/coach and I got out of making fun of the other couples afterwards. Everyone's birth experience is so varied and different, you just can't plan for it. People act like a class is the be-all, end-all, and it is NOT. So don't let this be a big deal.
2. When you are actually in labor, you won't give a flying leap who is there with you. No one and nothing will help or comfort you. It's a journey you make on your own (sorry for sounding like a hippy), and you will be your own strength. So whether you have no one or a doula or a billion people in the room, doesn't matter. It's just going to be about you and your baby, and that's really all you need. It sucks that people made you feel bad about not having a partner, even if they didn't mean to, but I didn't even think about that once when the whole thing got going, honestly.
3. It is a very emotional time just being pregnant, and you've got a lot of other stressors right now - sorry about the diabetes. Take care of yourself and you and the baby will be just fine. Try to stay focussed on all the work you did to get to this point, and how much you wanted this, and think about how happy you're going to be when that little stranger is finally put into your arms. You are so, so lucky. So many women are still trying to get to where you are, or never will at all. Be a little sad that you're on your own, and then be a lot excited that you're so close to being a MOM!! And you are totally rocking it by yourself, how awesome is THAT?!
Thanks for the shoutout. I just updated the blog with stuff from yesterday. This NICU thing is not fun.....but, the girls are beautiful!!
Stupid GD! I hope the rest of the pregnancy goes uneventful for you though!
Post a Comment