Birthing Class Week 1

We signed up for a 6 week birthing class at the National Training Center in Clermont. Maybe I was a little too excited or was expecting too much, but walking out the door, I was a little disappointed with week 1. After having a day to think about it though, I guess it's best to start out slow and explain the situation first. I'm feeling better about the class now. Looking forward to week 2, we need to bring pillows and a blanket. Nice!

We started off the class by doing introductions. We had to say our names, due date, hospital, doctor's name and then we were asked what are we most looking forward to/what do we expect during labor. I was the last to go. I did a good job, kept it serious, kept it clean, gave a truthful, heartfelt answer and I even got a laugh. I really could have talked for hours about what I'm looking forward to during labor and delivery, but I was excited to learn.

We did a group exercise where we answered 20 questions about pregnancy. It was fun. Then we watched a video about some pregnant ladies. It was OK, they talked about their feelings, but no real education. What's going on here? Let's get to some content.

The last thing we did was talk about contractions and breathing. It's my job to assist and encourage Allison. We learned one breathing technique. We are going to practice in through the nose out through the mouth, nice and slow breathing.

That's all I really have to say, but if you are wondering what I'm most looking forward to/expecting during labor/delivery, then keep reading.

I picture Allison going into labor while she's at work. Usually I picture it happening before lunch. I am already telling myself to stay calm and just drive to the hospital or to Dynetech to pick her up. I'm no good to anyone if I'm a panicked mess. I'll just be a danger to myself and others on the road if that's the case. So, safety first, remain calm.

Once we get into the labor/delivery room, I already see Allison getting pissed at me for asking too many questions. Let me act out how the first minute in the room will go.

Me: How you feeling? Do you need anything? You moved, do you need the nurse or the doctor? Want me to push the call button? Do you think Baby C moved further into position? Can you feel where he is? What song do you want on? You want to watch TV? a DVD? Want some ice chips? Does it hurt anywhere? Are you ready for this, you're gonna be a mommy soon. You OK? How you feeling now? Do you need another pillow or something? a blanket? Does anything hurt?"

Allison: ARRRRRRGGHHH STOP!!!!! GET OUT OF HERE!

You think I'm joking, but Allison will tell you, that it's probably a pretty accurate representation of how it will go down. My part of it anyway. As it is now I ask her about 20 times a night how she's feeling, if everything's OK and if she wants water or anything.

It's my job to take care of my lady and the baby she is carrying. I love her more than anything and I already feel love for Baby C. I can see and feel the little dude through her belly. My attachment level is growing. Did I not mention that yet? When I see him bulging out on the left, right or center of her belly, I can feel him. I feel across her tummy. Soft, soft, soft, hard, hard, soft. What was that hard stuff...oh, that's Baby C. It's so cool. I think I'm feeling his back or butt, not really sure. It's about 3 inches across. If I put my ear to her tummy I can hear him moving. It's really awesome stuff.

Anyway, it's my job to protect them. Protect them and help them. How can I help if I don't know there's a problem? How do I know if there's a problem if I don't ask? I know she'll tell me if she isn't OK, but that's not good enough. If I just sit there and wait for her to tell me something is wrong, then I'm not doing my job. And by the time she tells me something is wrong, whatever is happening will probably have been happening for far too long for my comfort.

Back to the topic. I have seen tons of babies being born on TV and movies and I hope it's not like that. I don't want Allison screaming "I hate you, you did this to me!!!" or any of those other things you see on TV. I picture a team effort, I will count the length of contractions and help her breathe, maybe wipe away sweat or get a wet rag for her neck or anything else she needs or wants. This is her title fight, she's Rocky and I'm Mickey. (Rocky 2)

I won't even pretend to know how I'll feel after he's born, so I wont even try. All I know is that I want to remain calm so I can be a help to Allison and I want to be as relaxed as possible so I can remember every single moment of the delivery. Along with date, time, weight, length, I want to remember the whole story of the labor. Where it started, where we were? What we were doing. I want to remember what we were wearing, the song playing when Baby C came out (if we listen to music during delivery) I'll try to write it all down afterwards to keep the memory forever, but I hope that's stuff that I'll never forget.

Anyway like I said above, I could talk about this for hours. It's been a long day and I'm going to bed.