Childbirth Class

Sunday we went to our first of two Prepared Childbirth Classes. Justin wasn't thrilled going into it, but in the end he said he learned a lot and is looking forward to the second half of class next Sunday. 

Justin and I met a couple that we sat next to. Their names were Dorian and Ady. Dorian is a video game designer, so him and Justin had something in common. Ady is a 4th grade teacher, so we both had something in common working in education. They are having a little boy and are due October 15th. Our class was full, I think there were 18 couples attending.

This week we discussed quite a bit:

Discomforts of pregnancy

Terms we may hear during labor and delivery

Water breaking and what to do

What true contractions feel like

How to time contractions

The cycle of pain and how to deal with it

When to be concerned and call our doctor

When to head to the hospital with contractions

How to know labor will be coming within the next 48 hours

The different stages of labor and what they entail

How to talk through the benefits/risks when an intervention needs to take place during labor/delivery

and

Natural ways to induce labor

At the end of the class we did a relaxation activity. This class wasn't the "Lamaze" class. There is a different class that discusses breathing and relaxation. We were considering taking it before we went through this relaxation activity, but afterward we decided we'll just find something that works for us on our own. 

We had to bring 2 pillows and a blanket to class (and that's a whole other story in itself!!). For the relaxation activity we had to find a spot against the wall to sit. Justin and I were way back by the door behind a table. We both sat on the blanket on the floor. Justin used a pillow to lean against the wall. I used a pillow to lean against Justin. Our instructor went through muscle groups from head to toe having us tighten and relax each group of muscles. The purpose was to learn to release tension so it will be easier to do while having pain during labor. At periodic intervals between going through different muscle groups she would have us do some deep breathing. When Justin would breathe out, it would blow my hair and tickle my face or neck. I think we both tried to keep from laughing more than we did any relaxing. Haha!! Leave it to us to not be able to take an activity like that seriously!! :)

Overall, we enjoyed the class and are looking forward to next week's activities. We are going on a tour of labor and delivery and learn many other parts of the delivery process!!