Childbirth Class #1

The first of three classes went great. I really like the Doula teaching the class. The first thing we did was go over a list of questions, worries and things we want to learn out of the class; that way she knows more of what to cover specifically. She did an overview of what the different phases are of labor, the difference in effacement, dilation and station and a simulation birth with a baby doll and a pelvic bone. The Captain got a little nervous when she asked if was going to cut the cord and that the one thing he must remember is if they tell me to push the placenta out he is to tell me "Erin, do NOT push". He started biting his nails at this point. Poor guy. 

We did some practice breathing techniques for a "minute long contraction". The first time she had me do it practicing with a focal point and then the both of practice. Next she gave us both a bag of ice and when the "contraction" started drop the bag into your left hand, do the breathing exercise with the focal point. the bag got colder but was manageable. Then we had to do the same thing without a focal point in the other hand. The ice became painful; I almost had to drop the bag before the minute was up. It was a nice way to see that the techniques really do work and can help take your mind off of the discomfort.

At the end of the class she did a 20 minute relaxation session. It was just like the hypnosis CD's I have been listening too. The Captain hadn't listened to any of them yet so I wasn't sure how he would do. Let's just say he is easily hypnotized. He was snoring 5 minutes in!

We got a ton of reading material to go over this week. Our homework is to practicing our breathing techniques every night, do my kegels everyday, chart my nutrition (she gave me a handy checklist) and start the Hypnobabies week 1 reading material and CD's.

Next week we practice birthing and labor positions. . .