I hope this message finds you well. A little over a year ago, I participated in one of the New Parent classes offered by your hospital, which promises to equip parents with essential tools and skills for the birthing journey and beyond. However, after investing 18 hours in your sessions, I found myself feeling rather unprepared for the realities of parenthood. With that in mind, I’d like to share some suggestions for topics that would truly benefit future students.
Suggestions for Improvement
- Realities of Screaming and Epidurals: Consider replacing the breathing and pushing section with a candid discussion on the realities of screaming and epidurals. The takeaway should be clear: Without an epidural, a lot of screaming is likely in your future. The class’s portrayal of pushing was nowhere near the actual experience. It felt more like a spa day than the intense reality of childbirth!
- Diapering and Dressing Practice: Regarding the diapering and dressing segment, it would be much more beneficial to move beyond the dolls and enlist some local farmers to borrow baby animals for practice. It’s one thing to diaper a non-squirmy doll, but mastering the art of dressing a baby piglet will prepare your students for the real thing much better.
- Multitasking Skills: A dedicated segment on multitasking—like eating, vacuuming, or even dressing—while using just one hand would be invaluable. Parents quickly discover that one-handed dexterity is essential in those early months (or years!). Practical exercises could greatly enhance this skill.
- Understanding Baby Poop: Further, a module on baby poop would be incredibly useful. Discuss what constitutes too little, too much, or just the right amount. Sharing tips on cleaning up messes from various surfaces like walls, carpets, and even car seats would also be a welcome addition.
- Omitting Outdated Tools: I strongly recommend omitting the section on the various tools used during childbirth. The devices you presented, which looked like artifacts from a bygone era, only added to my anxiety about the birthing process. It’s better not to dwell on these “torture devices”—many mothers would likely prefer to block those memories out entirely.
- Post-Birth Experience: Lastly, a dedicated discussion on mesh underwear and the post-birth experience would be greatly appreciated. Questions like “How long will I be in these?” and “How many gallons of numbing spray can I take home?” are common among new parents and deserve attention.
I want to clarify that I didn’t leave your class empty-handed. I walked away with a six-page birthing plan that, amusingly enough, my baby seemed completely unaware of. I hope you find these suggestions helpful. They come with no charge, but if you feel inclined to adjust my delivery bill, I wouldn’t mind a small discount!
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Best wishes,
[Your Name]
Summary
This message provides constructive feedback to a New Parent Class instructor, suggesting practical topics to enhance the curriculum based on the author’s personal experiences. Recommendations include focusing on realistic birthing experiences, multitasking skills, and addressing post-birth realities, while also encouraging the use of real-life practice scenarios.