Seminar

As a new client of Shiphrah each woman is given dates of her seminar class. Equivalent to childbirth education classes they span 9 weeks of prenatal, 2 nutrition classes, 2 childbirth classes, childcare class, breastfeeding class and family planning. They culminate into a graduation with a grand celebration full of gifts and food much like our baby shower. I regret I will not be here for a graduation as they sound lovely. Being the beginning of the year, classes just started.

Attending all the classes provides them with the party and certification. However, it isn’t always feasible for them to come every week so they are required to at least attend 3.

Classes are held Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday and sometimes twice a day so they have options on when to come. Once class is over things get busy! We see each one of them for prenatal. Quickly passing through each station they get their blood pressure checked, weight, belly measured, listen to baby’s heart tones, baby’s position is checked then they consult with the midwife to discuss nutrition, labs, and anything that needs addressing. The women are given vitamins and have their iron checked regularly as that is a risk here. However, gestational diabetes and group B strep aren’t even considered; or at least they are very very low in the radar.

As I type this update, this afternoon is much slower than yesterday. I was also attending my 3rd assisted birth. I am sitting in the rocking chair with fans blowing and the sound of children playing everywhere.

My own son just turned 13 today. I am more emotional about missing his special day than I thought I would be. I do wish they were here playing with all the other kids and experiencing non-American life. I have moved into a new era of life as I have no more littles and only teens. 💕