Class #1: September 23rd - First class was really informative. Of course we had to tell a little about ourselves. However, they broke us down in groups to do this. A lot of boys on the way! I think 5 couples said they were having girls and one couple in the class is having twins. There were about 26 couples. The teacher talked about labor stages and signs of labor. When to hurry up and get to the hospital and when we can relax and take our time. We also practiced some breathing techniques. My husband and I had fun and the teacher was very comical. She made sure to let us know that it is painful (As I was expecting it to be). Couple things I learned that I did not know was that you have to be at least 4cm dilated before you get an epidural. It is not something you get right when you walk through the door. Others of you may have known this but I didn’t ever really think about. I just thought they asked whenever and you got one. Another thing was you can have some labor symptoms 4 weeks prior to when you actually go into labor. This does not include water breaking or constant contractions. When water breaks and/or contractions get to about 5mins apart, you go to the hospital right away. Baby was active the whole time and I would glance down ever so often and see him make waves on my belly. So cute!! Well one class down, cant wait for next week.

Class #2: September 30th – Second class we got to watch two videos. One talked about the stages of labor and you got to watch a couple go through them. Then they showed a vaginal delivery. It wasn’t to bloody or anything like that. Then they showed a video about what goes on during a C-section. This video was part real life then went into an animated view of what happens during the c-section. So it wasn’t graphic, but it was very informative. If you are curious what all they cut and things like that just ask. But, for the sake of those who would rather not know I won’t post it here. Then the teacher showed us some of the “tools” they use, such as forceps, vacuum, catheter, the outside and inside monitors they use to monitor contractions and baby’s heart beat, and things like that. Then she talked about epidural and the other narcotic drug you can take for pain. And good news is that at my hospital they will give you an epidural anytime after your dilated 4cm up to if the baby is already crowned or not. I know that other hospitals have a cut off time were they just wont let you have one. She talked about the side effects of each. We then did more breathing exercises. We did some practice ones we learned from last class (the 4 and 2 count breathing). Then we went into the famous “HE-HE-HOO” breathing. That’s 2 classes down and I learned allot!

Class #3: October 7th – Third class. We first took a tour of the labor and delivery unit. They showed us what a typical room looked like and were everything was. Then our tour (we could not go in due to a sterile environment) went by the C-section “room”, then by the nursery (which baby’s don’t spend allot of time in due to the new hospital policy of baby’s always being with mother). Then lastly a typical, what they call mother/baby unit, hospital room were you stay and recover. Next we went back to the classroom and learned about different methods of induction and what your birth partner (husbands) can do during labor to help you relax. We went into practicing all the breathing techniques we learned but this time we had to switch positions every time and it felt a little goofy. And yes ladies, it is hard not to laugh J you can’t help it! Also, if you are given an epidural you will be unable to switch positions. You can only switch from one side to the other. And lastly we learned about how to push correctly and the correct posture for it. This is basically pulling your legs toward your chest, chin down, curve back forward, breath in, and PUSH hard. The teacher said we were ahead and next class should be our last. My husband and the other men seemed happy about that. J The best part of the class was the tour. The last part of the class was more for the men and what they can do to make our “experience” better. One more class to go!

Class #4: October 14th – Well it was our last class, last night. We did a review of everything we learned. Then the teacher talked about post partum care. This includes how you can not wipe after you use the bathroom for 2 weeks and you have to use a bottle they give you from the hospital, fill it with warm water and run it over you. Then you can’t wipe you have to pat dry but only with these special cloth like pads they give you at the hospital. Then, of course, how you have to wear those huge pads for awhile after. Then we watched a video about newborn characteristics. They talked about things like how your baby may have a cone shaped head from vaginal delivery, thin hairs all over their body, and marks on their body like “stork bites” or marks from the suction/forceps part of delivery…things like that. I guess so you don’t freak out if your baby does not look perfect when they are born. Then the teacher talked about post partum depression and signs that your husband should look for. Everyone brought in refreshments so we ate cookies and things, then we could leave. What an experience. I did learn a lot and I just hope I can remember it all when it is time to recall. It seems like yesterday I was ready to start the first class. Time flies J

Good Luck to everyone, Hope all is well, and God Bless!