This past Saturday, we attended an all day childbirth class. We were on the fence about taking the class because we were questioning if it was neccessary and the class is a little bit expensive (again, why can’t we live in Canada where all of these wonderful resources are free?!). Increasingly, I became nervous and anxiety filled just thinking about labor and delivery so we decided to sign up.
I’m so glad we did! The class was so wonderful. The instructor was funny and had a wealth of knowledge. She made the day fun and laid back which is just what we needed. We went on a tour of the labor/deliver/maternity department at the hospital and when we approached the nursery, the blinds were closed. So our instructor went inside and opened them and we could see about 4 little carts with newborns on them. Awww! Then, she went to the middle cart and LIFTED THE BABY BY ITS FEET! There was a collective gasp and then we all started to laugh as we realized that baby was actually a doll! It was funny.
We learned about breathing excersizes, different birth positions that use both gravity and maximizes the space in which your baby’s head fits, the guys gave us massages and we learned all of our medication options. Also, the nurses are your biggest advocate and if you are open with them, they will let the doctor know what type of experience you want. This is huge for me as I know I’m not one to stand up for myself. I hope this changes as the baby comes.
I feel so much better about giving birth. No longer do I think of how “scary” it will be. It’s such a beautiful process and I’m so lucky I get to experience it.
Just two more months!
Do you watch One Born Every Minute on Lifetime? I’m not pregnant, so maybe it would scare me to death if I were about to be in their situation, but I just love that show. I find myself trying to push for them sometimes – it’s so intense!
I haven’t watched that show yet – but when I saw the commercials it looked very entertaining! I’ll have to catch it at some point.
i am glad you had such a positive experience!
And once it is over (well, after the first couple of weeks – not gonna lie, there…hahaha) it will seem like a flash in the pan. Seriously.
I’m a new follower of your blog. Left you an award on my blog page!
I recently asked a friend of mine about childbirth and she said it was the easiest thing she’s ever done! I was a bit skeptical of this answer but I think most women forget about what really happens as you focus on the little one :)
Heading over to read your blog…
Pingback: 2011: Year in Review |