Childbirth Education - class 1

Last night, we attended the first of 3 childbirth education classes.  I was sort of excited about it, because when I signed us up, I remember thinking how far away June was but how close it was to Sea Monkey's estimated arrival.  So it was exciting that the classes were starting!  Mike and I had an early dinner and headed to the hospital for the class - it started at 7:00.  We left a little early and took our sweet time getting there since we really were not in any rush.  We had plenty of time to get there!

As we walked down the hall towards the classroom, I notice the door is open and I can hear voices.  I thought to myself, "Oh good, we're not the first ones here."  Then as I turn to actually enter the room, I notice

the room is FULL and the instructor is talking away.  It was 6:50.  So I look around, feeling like a MORON .... The class started at 6:00.  GREAT.  I was so embarrassed!  But I SWEAR I was told the class ran from 7 - 9.  I had 7:00 written down on 3 different calendars so there is NO WAY I made the same mistake 3 times.  We found out we really didn't miss too much - pretty much just introductions and the first part of what they think you should bring with you to the hospital.  I've done a fair amount of research on that myself so I don't feel like I missed out on too much.

There are 6 other couples in the class, and everyone we spoke to was very nice.  And I don't think I'm the oldest one there!  At least I don't look like the oldest even if I am.  The instructor is nice ..... she's a labor and delivery nurse.  You can tell she's passionate about her work and really enjoys what she does.

Class was pretty interesting!  I took a few notes, and we both definitely learned a few new things.  The instructor reviewed things that are good and bad to eat during labor, and advised us to stay away from heavy / fatty foods.  Many women vomit during the labor process .... so you don't exactly want to relive that taco, do you?

We spent a fair amount of time discussing "comfort measures" and positions that are good to use during the early stages of labor to help the process along and to minimize pain.  She suggested water - taking a bath or shower, heating pads and hot water packs, and a tube sock filled with rice that you can heat in the microwave.  I always see those things in the kiosks in the mall, and they sell them for good money.  Nice to know I can make one at home for about $2.  Some of the positions she suggested are squatting and bending over a chair or counter.  I guess this helps relax the pelvic floor muscles and helps the baby get into the best position for delivery.  There are 2 women in our class who are taking prenatal yoga - and they said in their yoga class they're taught to strengthen those muscles and keep them tight - exactly the opposite of what you want to do during labor.  I found that very interesting.

I'm a very visual person - so I really liked it when she pulled out the doll and the pelvis to show us how the baby fits through. It really didn't look that bad when she showed us how it's supposed to happen.  Mike learned that babies come out facing down.  This image shows exactly what she showed us in class - that the widest part of the babies head fits through the widest part of the pelvis when the baby is facing down.  Amazingly enough, it looks like my body was actually made to do this!  It doesn't seem so scary anymore.

I also learned that you're not supposed to go to the hospital until your contractions are 5 minutes apart and last at least 60 seconds.  Here I was figuring it was just like on TV - your water breaks and you rush to the hospital!  I asked the teacher - if you come to the hospital too early, will they send you home?  She said that it all depends on how things progress - and it's possible that they could tell you to come back later.

 The instructor spent some time telling us about water breaking and what amniotic fluid should look and smell like.  She said that some women notice a green or brown tinge to the fluid, and that means that the baby had a bowel movement before being born.  Sea Monkey's first bowel movement is called meconium, and its dark green and feels like tar.  I couldn't help but look over at Mike when she said this, and when he smirked, it took all my energy and focus to not laugh out loud in class.  Yes, we are 5 years old and still laugh about poop.  Sea Monkey, please, please, please wait until you're born to have your first poop!   

We spent the rest of class talking about positions to use when pushing the baby out and then ended class with some breathing exercises.  They were very relaxing, but I'm not sure how much they will help during the actual delivery.  Again, Mike made me laugh during this part - the instructor said to pick a focal point .... at this point we are sitting on the floor - Mike with his back to the wall and me sitting between his legs leaning back on him.  So he whispers in my ear, something about a power animal.  I ask him, "what's my power animal?"  He responds, "Fenway".  I nearly died.  You all may not appreciate that as much as I do, but again, I had to do everything in my power to not laugh out loud and disturb class.  Oh boy, labor is going to be interesting! 

Overall, the class was a good experience.  Two more to go!  Mike still does not understand why he needs to come to the breastfeeding class, but he should be there.  Information is never a bad thing.  Although, now that I think about it, if we are already laughing about poop and power animals, maybe an entire class dedicated to boobs is the last place I want him ....