Dear Munchkin,
Last night your Daddy and I attended our first Birth & Baby class. In an attempt to gain some insight into labor, delivery, and all things baby, we will be meeting once a week for the next five weeks. Our class size was about thirty people. We started the class by talking to the couple next to us and introducing them to everyone. Of course, this is the first baby for all and most people are worried about the pain of labor. I was the only one whose worry is lack of sleep! We were also just about the only couple who aren't finding out the gender. After the introductions, Cheryl (our teacher) talked about the anatomy of labor. I will spare you all the details. In fact, most of the time I was making my "EWWWW" face while she was lecturing. Next, we watched a video about the stages of labor. It broke down early labor, active labor, transition, pushing, and delivery. It also showed an actual delivery and delivery of the placenta. I did close my eyes during that part. I know it's coming and I have accepted it, but I just don't really want to SEE it happening to someone else. Once the video was over, Cheryl reiterated and expanded on all of the stages, signs of labor, what you are feeling (mentally and physically), and the role that partners play during this time. It was interesting, but still a little scary. The last half an hour was spent on the floor with pillows, practicing breathing and relaxing techniques. This was the best part! She coached us through some exercises that are designed to help everyone "calm down" during the big event. I think I need to start practicing now! Overall, we really enjoyed the class and are looking forward learning more about this whole process. It did reassure me that I am not alone in my fears and offered a sense of control about the situation. Cheryl has a very humorous and calming way about presenting some potentially frightening material!
In other news, I went to the doctor this morning for my ultrasound and checkup. Don't worry, things are OK, but I need to devote a whole other letter to fill you in on all the details. Work is piling up left and right and I need to focus on that for a while today. I promise, I will update soon.
I love you,
Mom
1 comment:
Try to remain cool about this. Trust me. You'll be so over-the-moon that it will all come, naturally. . . I know that sounds cliche, but it will. And drugs or not, the urge to get the baby out of you, as well as other, um stuff, will also come naturally. You won't have time to think about it. Your body will take over and whoosh, here comes baby. You'll be stunned at how easy it all is, and believe it or not, you get through the pain and forget it. I say this for I have experienced it twice. I can tell you about some pains I had after delivery, but the birth itself is a bit of a blur, and try as I might to recall those pains, I simply cannot. That's no lie.
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