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Been a little while since I posted...
Mar. 23rd, 2012 02:45 pmLast of the antenatal classes was Tues evening.
All in all, not a bad sequence, especially since they were free classes provided via Hutt Hospital. Generally helpful, enthusiastic and informative and could cope with a range of backgrounds/ages. In general, I think I would recommend it.
But with a couple caviats.
It was interesting to see which things were covered and which weren't. For instance, there was a specific breastfeeding class, with a potential follow-up day session. But any questions about bottle feeding or expressing milk (eg bottle sterilisation) had to be asked with the teacher one-on-one after.
And looking through one of the antenatal class handouts re support organisations this afternoon: it has a few too many homeopathic links. It does have some sensible organisations eg Plunket, womans refuge, Healthline, National Poisons centre, including an evidence based immunisation website Immunisation advisory centre, run by Auckland Uni. But the "Immunisation Awareness Society" one (no, I'm not linking - google for the scary if you must) is to an absolute set of immunisation crackpots (clue: if your post links to one with links to Obama conspiracy claims, it may not be the most reliable, and last thing I heard the 'Dr" associated with the MMR/Autism fiasco was definitely not in line to be exhonerated...).
It was rather curious that various alternative medicines/techniques were mentioned at various points in the class (either wrt labour or in caring for your child, and anecdote backed up reasons, NOT peer reviewed research/a clear evidence basis), but there was NOTHING on vaccination. Silence/tumbleweed. Wonder if they have just had 'issues' with discussions on the subject in the past? Have to admit that I did point this out on the feedback form (there aren't too many things that get me aggitated enough to complain, but this is one of the areas)
Personally I like this discussion: Why we immunise (generally US viewpoint, but still good)
All in all, not a bad sequence, especially since they were free classes provided via Hutt Hospital. Generally helpful, enthusiastic and informative and could cope with a range of backgrounds/ages. In general, I think I would recommend it.
But with a couple caviats.
It was interesting to see which things were covered and which weren't. For instance, there was a specific breastfeeding class, with a potential follow-up day session. But any questions about bottle feeding or expressing milk (eg bottle sterilisation) had to be asked with the teacher one-on-one after.
And looking through one of the antenatal class handouts re support organisations this afternoon: it has a few too many homeopathic links. It does have some sensible organisations eg Plunket, womans refuge, Healthline, National Poisons centre, including an evidence based immunisation website Immunisation advisory centre, run by Auckland Uni. But the "Immunisation Awareness Society" one (no, I'm not linking - google for the scary if you must) is to an absolute set of immunisation crackpots (clue: if your post links to one with links to Obama conspiracy claims, it may not be the most reliable, and last thing I heard the 'Dr" associated with the MMR/Autism fiasco was definitely not in line to be exhonerated...).
It was rather curious that various alternative medicines/techniques were mentioned at various points in the class (either wrt labour or in caring for your child, and anecdote backed up reasons, NOT peer reviewed research/a clear evidence basis), but there was NOTHING on vaccination. Silence/tumbleweed. Wonder if they have just had 'issues' with discussions on the subject in the past? Have to admit that I did point this out on the feedback form (there aren't too many things that get me aggitated enough to complain, but this is one of the areas)
Personally I like this discussion: Why we immunise (generally US viewpoint, but still good)
I suppose that depends on whether you feel “Didn’t have to buy a teeny-tiny headstone” is an advantage.
