We had our second day of childbirth classes on Tuesday. It was so much better than the first day. We met our childbirth instructor and I really like her. She talks a lot and tends to ramble but I don't actually mind. Maybe it's because she's talking about things that I actually want to learn about as opposed to my professors that were just boring.
Our instructor is very very pro-natural birth. She believes that every woman can and should give birth without medication. This is good for me since I am planning on a natural birth and since she is very knowledgeable about the subject, I should learn a lot. She also said that she teaches other classes that are not focused on a non-medicated birth but that she always tries to convert people to do it naturally. I'm glad she's my instructor since I have planned to do it naturally on my own but I would be upset if she was my instructor in a different class and I had to listen to her talking about how beneficial it is when I've decided to get an epidural.
We basically just went through the different stages of labor. We learned what each stage means, what to expect during that stage, and how long and powerful the contractions would be during each stage. I had already known some of the information, but it's always easier to hear someone explain it to you.
We also learned how to tell the difference between real labor and false labor. I was really glad we went over this because I have a little fear that I'm going to think I'm in labor and I'll make Ben take off work and drive up to the hospital only to have them send me home. Luckily, I now have some resources to make sure I am actually in labor.
We watched a part of a video about the early stages of labor. I think the video goes through each stage of labor and the actually birth so I guess we're going to see a video of a birth in a couple weeks. This is fine with me but I'm not sure Ben is too excited about it.
Finally, we went through some breathing exercises. We just did some cleansing breathes and relaxation techniques. I'm not sure if they will actually work when I'm in labor because it seemed to be basic breathing. I'm hoping she shows us more techniques down the road.
There was also a woman in the room who is training to be a doula. I guess as her final steps toward getting certified, she has to sit in on a birthing class and attend 3 births. I had entertained the idea of having a doula in the room with us but I wasn't sure we would want to pay the money for it. I'm thinking about talking to this woman next week about maybe attending my labor/birth because I think if it's for training it doesn't cost anything. I'll have to double check that though.
Overall, I thought it was a productive class and I can't wait for next week!
No comments:
Post a Comment