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BabyCenter Online Birth Class and Parenting Books Review & Giveaway

By 55 Comments

Even though I had my son just under three years ago I find myself needing to review. I feel like I have forgotten so much I need to know about labor practices and newborns. My son is pretty independent at this point and well if I don’t use it I lose it so all those tidbits of infant knowledge have seemed to slip through the cracks.

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That’s why I was happy to be contacted by BabyCenter (through MyBlogSpark) to test out their new BabyCenter Parenting Books (BabyCenter® Pregnancy and BabyCenter® Baby) and “Preparing for Labor and Birth” Online Class. I have used their website in tracking milestones for my first child and was excited to try these new additions.



I took a childbirth refresher course at my hospital which was helpful so I was not sure I would find much new on BabyCenter’s Online Course. I browsed through and in a matter of seconds found a wealth of new information.

I especially liked the section on pain management where it had videos from experts and moms on breathing and massage techniques and how they best dealt with contractions. I resulted in C-section last time and am trying VBAC so these tidbits are important to me.

I also really liked the “Things to do before you’re due.” It helped me create my birth plan, remember things to pack in my hospital bag and think to install the car seat now.



I would totally recommend the “Preparing for Labor and Birth” Online Class to anyone, not just those who cannot leave the house due to bed rest, etc. I felt the information covered a vast array of areas and it was really nice to have it at my fingertips any time I got a few minutes.

As for the BabyCenter Parenting Books, I really like how the Pregnancy one breaks everything out in to weeks, not just months. I went through the 39th and 40th weeks and found it very comforting to find out that only 5% of babies are born on their due date and a whopping 75% are born later (p.206)! In some strange way that is comforting to me as I quickly approach my due date on Sunday. They even list coping strategies for those who go overdue. Seriously, I love how they think!

I can’t wait to dive in to the Baby book and figure out those all important basics all over again like how to clean an umbilical cord. Woot.

Now, you all know I am all about sharing. So who wants to

win a BabyCenter Prize Pack

including BabyCenter parenting books (BabyCenter® Pregnancy and BabyCenter® Baby), a package of Seventh Generation diapers, a gift card from BabyCenter partner, Shutterfly and a BabyCenter bib.

Win it for yourself or give it as a gift.

To enter: Give me your best piece of labor/newborn advice.

For extra entries (leave a separate comment for each one):

  • Follow A Little Tipsy
  • Like us on Facebook

Giveaway closes on Nov 7th, my due date!! Just in time to kick off baby week that starts Nov 8th. Be sure to tune in for tons of baby themed tutorials and giveaways!

The prize pack, information and additional prize pack to give away were all provided by BabyCenter through MyBlogSpark.

P.S. Don’t forget to sign up for free Tipsy updates via RSS or email.

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Comments

  1. I’d LOVE to win this-I’ll be attempting my 1st VBAC around Valentine’s Day. Since DD was breech I don’t have any labor advice, but my hospital advice would be:
    Really consider how many pain pills you’re taking, they will bind you up-if you get my meaning! If you need those pain pills make sure you’re poppin’ stool softeners too!

    Reply

  4. The best advice is that not matter how much advice you get, you’re still going to have to do a whole lot of trial and error to figure it out on your own =)

    Reply

  5. I would love to win this…as I am pregnant with our first child, and could use all the help I can get! I’m not sure about labor advice, but the best advice I got at my baby shower was to take it easy, and listen to my instincts, since there are millions of parenting books/unsolicited advice out there. I think I’ll stick with that!

    Reply

  6. I guess my best advice is to listen to your body – you know it better than anyone! I had a very rough pregnancy (was sick all the time) and was told over and over again that it was “normal”. I gained very little weight and when I did gain some I received a “you need to eat better” lecture. In the end, I ended up having my daughter at 35 weeks and just 3.5 pounds via an emergency c-section due to HELLP syndrome. None of the typical “warning” signs were present earlier – but the sickness and weight jump were signs. Thankfully everyone is just perfect now! But not having gone through labor, my advice is stick up for yourself and your body!

    Reply

  7. Thanks for the info about the online class. I’m due w/ #3 in March. Both of my other births were natural. Relaxation was the biggest key for me. The baby won’t move down if you are tense. I had music, massage and hubby that helped a ton. Best wishes on your VBAC 🙂

    Reply

  9. My biggest piece of advice? When help is offered take it! And don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it. Second piece of advice…always expect the unexpected – very little from Baby #1 carried over to Baby #2 and the pregnancy for #3 has also been different and I am sure the baby will be different as well.

    Reply

  15. I’m a first time mom to be and don’t have any advice on labor nor newborns. I will say to listen to the advice from others but don’t psych yourself out either. I’ve found myself doing that a little… :$

    Also, remember EVERY pregnancy is very different from 1 person to the next and even 1 baby to the next.

    Reply

  19. My best advice would be for women to remember that every pregnancy is different and to not let others’ horror story experiences affect your outlook on your own pregnancy.

    Reply

  20. My best advice is to not stress over the little things. There will be a lot of change and adjustment but you eventually get the hang of it. Also accept help. I was horrible at this and life would have been much easier.

    Reply

  23. I don’t have too much advice yet because I am due with number 1 in Jan. I really have enjoyed the classes that I have taken and feel relaxed about the birth after having more info about it.

    Reply

  24. The best labor advice for me came from the class I took at my local hospital. She said just remember to Breath… don’t fight your bodies process if your face is tense, your toes are tense etc. your body is tense and your fighting the process. When you feel yourself tensing just remember to breath long and deep. Dont know why that hit me for some reason but, it did, and it worked.

    susansisney@hotmail.com

    Reply

  27. I just stumbled onto your site and was excited to see this post. I am 26 weeks along with my first baby and a scared and excited about the labor and first few weeks after the baby arrives. I would love, love, love to be the winner of this fabulous giveaway! My advice to you is to snuggle your baby as much as you can, I hear that stages goes by far too quickly.

    Reply

  29. My best advice is to RELAX.. Trust your instincts, don’t let anyone tell you you’re a “bad mom” or that you’re doing it wrong just because you don’t do something the way they do it. If you feel what you are doing is right, then don’t let others sway you…

    Reply

  42. I am not a mommy yet, but the Mr and I are trying for a baby! So.. I don’t have any tested advice 🙂 But I will suggest to take some personal time for yourself 🙂

    Good luck!!

    mallory1031 at gmail dot com

    Reply

  44. My advice is to listen to what your body is telling you. If it says it needs a break, listen and take a break. All will work out in the end but you need to relax and do what you feel is best.

    Reply

  48. Best piece of advice: ask for help if you need it and let people help you if they offer it. Nobody expects any mom to be supermom! 2nd piece of advice: Follow your instincts (sometimes despite what even doctors say/think)

    Reply

  49. My best labor advice for you is to develop a mantra and repeat it over and over again. Make sure it is something that gives you comfort and strength. Mine was “my body was made to do this”. It helped me during my 23 hours of labor. My best newborn advice is that you can not spoil a newborn. Love on that little one. I know I will when my second comes in February.

    Reply

  52. I had a successful VBAC. You can do it! If it doesn’t work out that is ok too. I had no idea what I was doing in the delivery room. One awesome thing the nurse did for me is put a wet washcloth on my neck when I felt naseous. Totally worked!!

    Another piece of advice: get lots of help with your oldest child if you can. We had someone keep our oldest while we were in the hospital and for a few days after we got home. It was a big help. You have to get used to a newborn again. You will miss your son but it will be the best thing for everyone!! He will have plenty of bonding time to come!! Good luck!!

    Reply

  53. I can’t give much advice on VBAC as I have never had to make that decision. In March I will have my 5th child. I have been blessed to never have needed a C-section. One thing I can tell you, though, is it all come back to you. I had my 4th child 8 1/2 years after my third, and I was worried, but it all came back pretty quickly – the birth went well and nursing and just being at home – I really felt comfortable with it all again. Of course, having the much older children also helps. Good luck! I love your blog

    Reply

  54. I am a follower! I don’t think I was before – I kind of get lost as to which ones I follow – I just keep the ones I like in my side bar and click when a new post pops up

    Reply

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