One of the things we learned last night was that mothers and support people who attend childbirth preparation classes are less fearful when it comes time to have the baby, but I have to tell you, the times I got up to go to the bathroom last night made my mind start thinking about labor and all of the things we had learned, and it wasn't very comforting!
There were probably around 14 couples there. We all had to go around and introduce ourselves and tell when our due date is. Out of everyone, Jas and I have the very first due date. And every couple is having their first child, so it was kind of comforting to know we're all in the same boat.
We watched a video, most of it being animated, about the stages of labor and delivery, with a live birth at the end (actually, it was mostly just the head coming out). We learned about the differences between false labor and real labor, and when to actually start thinking about going to the hospital. We learned a breathing technique, practiced it, and then did a relaxation session at the end. Why they ask pregnant ladies to sit on the hard ground this far along in pregnancy is beyond me - it is NOT comfortable, even with pillows behind you!
Jason didn't do too bad. I think some of it he already knew from having been through the sheriff's academy. Next week, the instructor said that the support person (all husbands in our class) could put on the empathy belly. It's like a big apron, with boobs and a big belly, around 30 lbs, so they can "empathize" with what the mom's are going through right now. Jason doesn't want to do it, but I told him we're asking his chiropractor if it's okay! They make you sign a release form and everything, just in case you have a bad back, and I would feel really bad if it hurt what his chiropractor is trying to fix.
Overall, it was pretty educational. A lot of it I have already read in my books, but never having done this before, and knowing that it's not all black and white, it doesn't hurt to hear it a few times! Next week we'll be learning about pain management, and other options to natural childbirth - DRUGS!!
6 comments:
Oh man, I totally remember our birthing class. We didn't get to do the bellies. I wish we had, I so would have made Greg do it. What I liked the best was that our instructor had all of her "graduates" from a previous session come in with their babies and tell about their experience. That helped a lot. Just rememeber...he, he, who, he, he, who. Just Kidding. :)
Did you guys get to watch the Bill Cosby session, too? He was telling about his and his wife's experience with childbirth... it was pretty humorous!
glad you are enjoying the class...if jason puts on that pregnancy belly i wanna see lol...
I agree with Cass if Jason does the belly we need pictures. I liked childbirth classes but I always wondered about sitting on the hard floor too it isn't like you sit on the floor in labor. Lots of good info though some good and some scary but you have been through so much this should be a breeze.
IT WILL BE WORTH EVERYTHING YOU HAVE TO EXPERIENCE ,YOU WON'T EVEN
REMEMBER IT. THE FIRST TIME
LITTLE ANTHONY IS IN YOUR ARMS
WILL BE THE BEST FEELING EVER.
IT WILL BE THE ULTIMATE.
Yay! So glad mom and dad are responding now! :)
Thanks for all of the encouragement, everybody!
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