An Ounce of Prevention

So, MP has a lot of studying to do over the next couple of weeks. Classes end this week, and finals begin next week. I knew this when I signed us up for this class. When I told him we'd be sacrificing an entire Saturday - he was less than thrilled, wondering what on earth he could learn about childbirth, "you're the one doing the hard part" he pointed out. Regardless, I put my pregnant foot down and said we had to go.

We arrived at the hosptial right at 8am, and with our two bed pillows in tow headed into a maze of hallways and elevators. The directions just to get to the classroom were almost more than we could handle. We arrived and along with three other couples embarked on our day long journey. The class covered labor, birth, possible interventions, newborn care and more. After our first break, I was delighted to hear MP admit so far, it was indeed helpful. Seeing laboring women in the video helped both of us in terms of visualizing what to expect. I've seen an episode or two of "A Baby Story" in my day, not to mention being lucky enough to attend several births...so this wasn't all brand new to me. But let me tell you - when you're less than three months away from experiencing it yourself, you see it all with a new pair of eyes!

I had also been concerned that a large portion of the class would feel like it wasn't applicable for us, since we're planning on a home birth, but once class was underway, I was glad to be more knowledgeable about what can happen, and feel more prepared should we end up needing to go to the hospital. Also, when we went on the tour of the labor/delivery and postpartum rooms, we both decided that our own bedroom was where we'd feel a lot more comfortable in the labor and delivery process.

All in all, I have to say that I found the day worthwhile and informative. I didn't leave feeling any more or less frightened about labor. How I am going to care for an infant...all the time...and still take care of myself? Now that I am more than a little nervous about. Lucky for me, I am lining up as many helpers as are willing to come out and visit us. I am still reading as many books as I can get my hands on. I'll be attending yet another six week birthing class series taught by my midwife's practice. And, here's to hoping these ounces of prevention will be worth a pound of cure when I am on my nine millionth contraction, or when BBP is inconsolable, or when I don't know how I can manage another three hour feeding/sleeping cycle.