Birthing Class

We went to a birthing class today. Even though I took an OB class over 10 years ago, and actually deal with some of what goes on around births at work, I would certainly not call myself an expert in maternity issues. I learned that when my friend Dalia went into labor and I did not know what to do to help her get comfortable, and didn't know how to answer some of her questions. I figured attending one of these classes, with a new pair of mommy eyes (versus practitioner eyes) would be helpful. I also wanted Edy to have a rundown of what to expect.

Whenever I get sick, Edy expects me, as the healthcare provider, to guide him through what needs to be done. I really want him to know what is going on and be able to take charge during the birthing process. So it was very important to me that not only he attend, but that he also stay focused. He often has a hard time staying in tune with any lecture type setting. But he did great today! He stuck with us through most of it. And at the end of the day, he even said that if he were to be a doctor, he would be an OB. I took that to mean that the topic is fascinating to him.

I really would like to have a vaginal delivery. I would love to avoid complications from having surgery, not only for myself, but also for the girls. They need to have all the fluid squeezed from their lungs--moving through the vaginal canal naturally does that! I also would love to have my skin-on-skin time as soon as possible after delivery. Today I learned that with a C-section, that could be delayed for an hour or more. I definitely am open to a C-section, if absolutetly necessary. But I really hope these girls cooperate and get in position to get out naturally.

As much as I want to have natural birth, I am a little apprehensive about the pain! They had us stick our hands into ice-cold water today for 45 - 60 seconds to simulate the duration of a contraction. I wanted to get my hand out of there so quick! It was truly painful! What kept my hand in was the fact that I knew that in a true contraction situation, I would not have the option to pull out. I do expect to have an epidural, but I also understand that I need to allow labor to get truly underway before I slow it down with an epidural.

So much for procedures! I can't wait to hold my little miracles, and see their sweet little faces! Whatever it takes--that's what I will do to get to that moment!