Class #1

Last night was our first class in a series of Childbirth Preparation Classes. The first class was basically an introduction to concepts, terms and signs of labor. I didn’t really learn anything new, but it was nice to have all the information I already know reinforced.

It was crazy to be in a room full of so many other pregnant women. We all wore nametags with our due date underneath our name. Of course, the crazy in me came out and I immediately started comparing my belly to the bellies of the other women. Is mine too big? Is mine too small? Who’s is cuter? I even asked Chad, “who has the cutest belly in here.”

Chad was a little distracted during our first class. He was missing the NCAA final game featuring his beloved North Carolina Tarheels. He was checking his blackberry every five minutes trying to get the score to the game. Happily for Chad North Carolina won.

Our teacher is a retired registered nurse. She was a nurse for over 30 years with a specialty in labor and delivery. Her approach is very old school; which I don’t mind at all. She was around before 4-D ultrasounds and epidurals. She didn’t discourage the use of epidurals, but rather emphasized that mindset is just as important as medicine when it comes to having an enjoyable birthing experience. She also said that the number one rule of labor is, “No screaming. It only makes the mother tense and the baby scared.”

We practiced breathing and relaxation techniques at the end of the class. We all sat on the floor, with the lights dimmed and soft music playing. I sat in between Chad’s legs with a pillow providing cushion and he was rubbing my belly. It was rather romantic.

We practiced different types of breathing that can be done during labor. We also practiced breathing as though we were going through contractions. Who would have thought that breathing, the most natural thing in the world, would have to be practiced and learned?

I can’t decide if Chad, as my labor coach, is going to drive me insane or have me laughing my butt off during the labor. Chad, never one to take anything overly serious, kept cracking jokes during the breathing practices. Bless his heart, he would do anything to make the situation less tense. I know he will do great and be super supportive.

Next week we watch a video of an actual labor…stay tuned.