Birthing class...

Last Saturday my husband and I attended our birthing class. We did not know what to expect but we were pleasantly surprised and had a wonderful time.

We discussed all the details of labor and what to expect. We also watched a few videos as well. The instructor was the best. We took her child care class a few months ago and really enjoyed her style of teaching. She did not hold anything back. She was very frank as to how labor would be and what we could look forward to. We talked about complications that could arise, when to come to the hospital and when to stay at home and labor there. I learned so much and feel better about the process. They also gave us a wonderful book with tons of info in there. We have been reading it and every day feel more prepared.

Out of everyone there, I was the only one having a natural birth. That surprised me, for some reason I though there would be more. I guess I am the only crazy one! LOL! They told us that 9 out of 10 women that come to the hospital have epidurals and meds during birth. Now I have to make this VERY clear, to me there is nothing wrong with having one, but I want to do this naturally. I feel very strong about it. But that is me and does not mean that epidurals are the best way to go for other women. I understand that everyone's labor is different and you never can know what will happen. I have talked to my doctor and he feels strongly that I will have a good labor but we never know how it will be. If needed we discussed having one after 8 hours or so as to not put stress on the baby. BUT, my desire is to experience her birth naturally. I know it will be a pain beyond anything that my mind can comprehend but I feel that I am mentally prepared as best as I can be.

Anyways, during one of the videos we watched, they were teaching us breathing techniques and positions to help with contractions and pushing. My husband and I were the only ones who got on the floor and did all the exercises and practiced the breathing while everyone else watched us. The instructor told everyone they could try them out but I guess they were too embarrassed or thought they did not need to learn the techniques. I know for me, I wanted to practice each and every position as I am going to need to know what to do in order to ease the pain as best as I can. It was fun. My husband was wonderful. He was breathing with me and doing all the postions. There was a couple there who was having a c-section so I understand why they did not do the breathing etc... but for the rest of the people I do not know why they did not try them out, but everyone is different and that is ok.

We learned so much in the class and I have to say the best part was in the beginning of the class, my husband leaned over to me and said, " I am so happy to be here. I would not have missed this for the world!" That made my day! He was kissing my hand throughout the class, bringing me water... SO sweet! He is so precious and I love how he is embracing every second of this pregnancy.

Here are some photos of us at the hospital where we will be having Michaela -