During tonight’s second childbirth class we learned relaxation/breathing techniques. It was interesting, yet a little scary. Along with Julie, another nurse from MVH, family beginnings (the natural birthing area) attended our class to help assist. She was nice, but a very serious woman. I guess when you deal with pregnant woman who have decided to forgo an epidural you better be serious, on your “A” game and have lots of ideas to help soon-to-be Mom’s get comfortable. After listening to her discuss the family birthing process, it further ensured me having an epidural was definitely the way I wanted to go!
Before learning some different techniques, Julie quizzed us over what we had learned thus far. If we answered a question correctly, we got a teething ring for Payton. Dave & I won two rings!
The breathing techniques were ok. My only concern is remembering them all and if I’ll really use them in labor. Dad’s in our class acted as our counters. They were told when Mom is through the 3rd/4th stage of labor we’ll only see/respond to those within a hula hoop distance of us. Therefore, when Dave was counting down (in my face) to help me practice the techniques it was hard to keep a straight face…I couldn’t help it, he was making me laugh.
The relaxation techniques/how-to's of labor comfort discussed in class included: positioning, music therapy, aromatherapy, focusing, breathing, massage, support, visualization/relaxation & heat/cold.
I’m all about bringing a small portable CD player to the hospital with us. Dave & I discussed bringing a few Dave Matthews CDs to help comfort and take my mind off the contractions. I also liked the idea of soaking in the jacuzzi tub, walking around, sitting/bouncing on a “birthing ball” or as some call it an exercise ball. Essentially anything that takes my mind of the pain, I’m down with!
Overall class was good, but truthfully it almost put me to sleep. At the end of class we moved to a different room so we could lay down, stretch out & relax. First, mom’s had to give the Dad’s a 2-minute massage to show them what we’d like/dislike during the labor process. Next, Dad’s tested out what they had learned from us. Dave picked a “relaxer tool” from Julie’s bag. In the bag, she had tennis balls, a pop can, handheld massager & even something that looked like a dog toy. Dave massaged my back with two tennis balls. I was shocked at how good they felt on my back. It was nice - I got about a 15-minute massage from Dave!
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2 comments:
Quit worrying about the crappin breathing they are teaching you, just remember to take deep breaths! You will be fine. And as far as the music goes, you won't care, you will be a little busy giving birth! And doing it natural...are you crazy??? Do you think that women would keep having babies if they did it natural...take the drugs that is what they are there for!
Gotta love Vickie for telling it like it is - LOL! No matter what an epidural will be in my future. And as far as DMB goes, Payton loves DMB...remember, she moved/kicked for the first at his concert?! :)
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