Things I learned at Child Birth Education Class

Okay...I promise I will post some recent pictures this week. Basketball ended on Friday, so I now actually have some time in the evenings to do things other than eat and sleep! My belly looks really different than the 26 weeks picture and baby boy is active. It is so much fun to feel him move and kick and roll...whatever it is that he does in there. He has this little personality and I just can't wait to meet him!

So, Randy and I went to an all day child birth education class on Saturday. We opted for the 1 day session because of our schedules. It was really good. We learned about the stages of labor, the different drugs that will be offered to me..and to Randy :), how to handle a newborn (the video "Happiest kid on the block"), coping techniques for labor and labor positions, breastfeeding, and a whole lot more.

Here are some things that stick out from the day:
1) Initial labor can be really long...Randy couldn't believe that it could be like 30 hours before you actually go to the hospitial. Good thing we have a birthing ball at home and we also learned different pressure points that Randy can trigger on me to help me "cope". We went through some fun exercises where I learned that I definitely DO NOT want Randy to ask me questions as I go through a contraction, but touch without words is nice :). And as he put it, he thinks I may need somebody else in there with me besides him b/c he doesn't know if he can do massage, etc for 36 hours all by himself...I'm hoping my doula sisters, Molly and Maggie, will be available! We also learned how to accurately time contractions and figure out how far apart they were...this is a good thing

2) I want to go natural. I guess it is the athlete in me and women have been doing it for years! When I set my mind to an athletic goal, like running a 1/2 marathon last year, I finish it no matter what. I am hoping this takes over during labor. I must learn to focus and breath...Lamaze class here I come

3) Breastfeeding is wonderful. And unless you have a tumor on your pituitary gland, you will produce breast milk. I kept hearing about how all these women want to breastfeed, but just don't producde milk. I learned that this just doesn't happen. Breastfeeding takes work and dedication and is not easy. Many women just give up too easily...I am determined, but realize it will probably be harder than I think. And, if you adopt a baby, you can breastfeed! (If you want more info on this, just email me).

4) We talked about our biggest fears concerning child birth...and it was good to discuss those. I continually pray for the health of our baby and know that the Lord is the life sustainer. I have a hard time when I cannot control things (but when are we ever in control??), so this is definitely a trust issue with me.

Pictures to come soon!