Last weekend Eddie and I set out on the adventure of Childbirth Education (dun dun dun). From 1030-5 on Saturday and Sunday we sat in a little room at a pediatrician's office on 26th and 8th and learned how to have a baby- haha.
The first day was a little dry, but lots of information that we needed to know. We did learn that we should go to the hospital at "311" or when the contractions are about 3 min apart, 1 min long and last for 1 hour. It's not like in the movies where your water breaks and you go- in fact, 85% of women have their water break during labor, not before. So lots of laboring is done at home, which I hadn't planned on, but it makes total sense- you are more comfortable there than in the hospital, so it tends to make labor move faster.
The second day was much more interesting and they had us do some positioning for pain relief during labor and massage techniques. Any day that I can get massaged is a good day and Eddie learned some great massage tricks to use during labor. Something to look forward to during that painful time I guess!
We also learned the best time to have an epidural (if I decide I want one) is after 5 cm dilated- that is when it's shown that it no longer slows down labor. I would love to have this baby naturally, but I'm not opposed to an epidural if the pain is just too much or labor drags out for a long time. Maybe I'll have babies like my Mom and she'll be out in an hour and a half- that's what I'm hoping, but I have to plan for the alternative...especially after seeing the birth videos, ouch!
So overall it was a good two days. Eddie was a great sport and made everyone in the class laugh of course. It was just nice to be around other pregnant couples to hear that we are not the only ones who have crazy questions and thoughts...I'm glad we went and I'm glad it's over! It was a long 2 days of sitting...with her foot in my rib, of course! :)
Next doctor's appt is on Wednesday 6/1 and we go every week after that...getting so so close!
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