Chad and I did a birth preparation course this weekend. We had different expectations for it than what we got. I thought the course would involve a lot of deep breathing. I was really not looking forward to spending all day Saturday and Sunday in the course. This was the only English class we were able to arrange since everyone takes the summer holidays off. Luckily we made it to the course even though we only have a week and a half until our due date. I am officially the furthest along to take one of these courses from our instructor. We ended up being the star students since we have had to do a lot of reading and researching on our own just in case Eden came early.
Even though we were familiar with most of the information there were some really great benefits that came from attending the course. I am still amazed at how incredibly blessed I am to be so comfortable this close to our baby’s arrival. I really couldn’t relate too well with the other women’s discomfort.
Chad and I had the impression that getting what we need as far as pain relief and such during delivery would be a real battle. But it seems that as long as we keep clear communication open with the midwife it will be a much more pleasant and accommodating experience than we were anticipating. The delivery is personal compared to what I imagined. I think the midwifery experience will spoil us here, and make stateside births in the future harder. For example, they don’t expect the mother to spend all day in a cot just because that would make it more convenient for the doctor.
One of the best things I got out of the experience is that I am way less afraid of the whole labor and delivery process. Maybe I am crazy– but I can do it. It is nice to feel more confident that no matter what happens or doesn’t happen Chad and I will be able to work through the whole experience together and we are getting something pretty amazing and special out of it. I am very excited and now can’t wait to just get to it and have our little baby girl.
6 Comments »
I really like the name Eden – cute!
I disagree with Rachel about the breathing techniques. At least for me, when I was delivering Skye without medication … those silly breathing techniques worked wonders and helped me concentrate and focus when I thought I was going to die from the pain. Hopefully you can get the epidural early on though and not endure intense pain (I think that’s what you’re hoping for, right?)
Good luck!
Whoops, that was from Christen… not anonymous!
You can do it. It is the fear of the unknown that is so scary but now that you two have mastered the class you will be good.
I totally agree with Christen. I thought deep breathing was dumb until I was put on pitocin and was having such unnatural contractions. Finding a point to stare at the wall (being in AZ mine was an ugly Southwestern print) and using those breathing techniques before I got my epidural were really helpful!
Breathing really doesn’t help with the pain. All it does is distract you for like a tenth of a second, because contractions are evil. At least, induced ones are. I’ve never had natural contractions to compare them to.
I like the name Eden, too, but Jason wasn’t sold on it, so Kiera didn’t get that name. 🙂
Oh my goodness, I can’t believe how soon you are going to have this little lady! Good luck!
September 1, 2008 @ 6:11 am
Good to hear that you’re not uncomfortable! The last weeks are seriously the worst.
I think deep breathing is overrated. Your body naturally will do what it needs to handle the pain. But good luck! Glad you’re getting closer!