My husband and I spent the majority of the day Sunday in a birthing class. Overall, I would say that it was a great experience. I didn’t learn anything earth shattering, but it was good to get a few questions answered, see the hospital and learn some additional details. Did it make me excited for the actual labor and delivery portion or this pregnancy? Well…no, but I know it’s all worth it in the end.
We watched some videos circa 1985 and basically went over what happens when you’re in labor. (Don’t worry…I’ll spare you the details.) We learned some positions that might make you more comfortable during labor, including slow dancing with your partner. We were all laughing, but I think hubby realized he’s in for it when I said I kind of liked the slow dancing position because it was relaxing. I told him we should practice by dancing while I scream for the next few months.
Here comes the good part. We went on a tour of the birthing center and we were all in one of the labor and delivery rooms. The nurse/instructor was telling us about epidurals when I could feel that I was about to faint. I start taking off layers and then I realized there was no stopping it by cooling my body down. I had to go sit in the corner and recover. The only time I’ve ever fainted before is at the eye doctors. For some reason when I think too much about my eyes it really grosses me out. It’s happened a few times at different eye doctors over the last few years, but never anywhere else! The nurse said she thinks my blood pressure dropped because I got stressed once we were in the delivery room thinking about how real it all was and that it is really going to happen to me, not just someone else. I think she might be onto something. 🙂
Between slow dancing and me making a scene by almost passing out I’m not sure the husband is really ready for labor and delivery either. Sigh…I really am a handful these days.
Did you take a birthing class? Did you think it was worth it? Have you ever fainted before?
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My husband and I took a birthing class with my first son. I told my husband that this was more for his benefit, considering I have a ton of anatomy & physiology coursework, I knew what my body would do. I remember the instructor recommending massage and I told Keith that if he touched me, I would probably punch him! I knew I would need to focus.
I spent most of my first labor on a stability ball, moving around to keep comfortable. I found this worked really well for me and helped me to manage the discomfort.
I have never passed out and I know when I get into a stressful situation, just focusing inward and breathing helps me out. Same strategies I used in labor.
I think that since you are used to managing discomfort, via tough workouts, you’ll be surprised how well you manage labor. You’ll do great!!!
So funny! My guess is a lot of people don’t want to be touched during labor. I’m not sure what I’ll be like, but I’ll be sure to share my thoughts (minus some of the details… :)).
Thanks again for the encouragement, Kris, and I think you’re right…I try to be a tough gal with my workouts and hopefully can use the same skills for labor! Have a great weekend!
We took the birthing class a few weeks ago and I felt exactly the same. I’m glad that we did it and I love the fact that the nurse said that our husbands should massage our shoulders and feet. Fabulous! Plus, she tossed us Smarties when we got correct answers. Of course, this was a wonderful incentive for me to pay attention and be a good student. (btw, you made me laugh with the slow dancing/screaming bit.) I also have to say, there were some dopey men in the class that appeared dopier by saying dopey things. I was very proud that my husband didn’t embarrass me.
I have never passed out and I hope you’re OK! Scary!
HAHA…we didn’t have any dopey men in class. They were mostly quiet. Hubby and I have already started practicing the slow dancing. I think he thinks I’m kidding… 😉
I’m okay…it’s actually not as scary for me now that I can tell when it’s coming. It’s probably more embarrassing than anything else. Good thing I am not shy!
Yeah, we took one, too, and likewise, it wasn’t earth shattering news but good to have some questions answered, get some tips on different positions to relieve some of the pain durning labor and see the rooms where we’d be delivering.
The only time I ever passed out was in college when I got a steroid shot in my shoulder…I left the training room, walked down the hall to the locker room and passed out on the floor.
Yup – I did wonder afterwards if people really use the positions or if they just lay in bed and scream. I’m thinking I’ll probably be more along the lines of laying, but slow dancing is a lot more fun to picture. 🙂
Passing out is super scary, but I seem to be able to tell ahead of time when it’s going to happen to me now so that I can stop it!