Well, the word expert is probably a bit strong, but at least I'm not clueless anymore! We just completed a two day class that we contemplated whether or not we should take. I mean, I've been around plenty of babies and have a moderate level of confidence about being prepared for my own. But then again, I don't think you're ever really prepared for that first baby. There's a pretty whopping big difference between holding, feeding, and playing with someone else's baby and doing EVERYTHING for your own (including the not so fun stuff).
Quote of the night from Blake (only half-way a joke): "Babies are gross!"
We were concerned that this ABC - After Baby Comes class would be full of the most obvious information and a waste of our time, but I found that it was very helpful! I can now swaddle, sponge bathe, take temperatures, etc., knowing that I'm doing it the right way and not guessing.
One really helpful section was on bottle care and cleaning, knowing when you have to boil and when the dishwasher's sani-cycle or just handwashing will suffice. I know that I need to wash pacifiers every day or so (does anyone really do that?), and the fact that microwaves are a big no-no for everything baby.
Did you know that you can reduce colic and ear infections if you hold the baby in a slightly elevated position rather than totally horizontally? In the middle of a crying spell, if you'll place your hand somewhat firmly on top of their head and apply just a little pressure while holding their head near your heart, they'll feel like they're in the womb and calm down. And that leaving your hands under baby when putting them in the crib for an extra second will drastically reduce the times they wake up immediately and start crying, since you reduce their startle reflex?
I'm sure all of the experienced moms and dads out there know this stuff like the back of their hand, but hopefully one of the moms- or dads-to-be got something helpful out of my baby care book report!
