Class #1

We had our first baby preparation class last Saturday. Due to my husband's work schedule we had to take the class in the long 6 hours one time span as opposed to three or four 1 and 1/2 hour classes. It was a lot of sitting, but I would say it was better than I expected. It was a child birth prep class. So a lot of what to expect in labor and how to deal with the unexpected. Plus THE.VIDEO. Hands down the funniest part of the class. Not because of what was happening on the video (that was not funny at all and a little bit scary seeing what is going to be pushed through my lady bits) but because of every man in the rooms reaction to the video. Lots of covering of eyes and turning away and a few gagging sounds (not even kidding). My husband's face was PRICELESS. I think I would pay a good chunk of change to have that moment captured! The shock and surprise that crossed his face. I think he now realizes this is serious business bringing a baby into the world! Our instructor was great and I think the class could have been an awful drag if someone else was teaching it. She is a labor and delivery nurse (duh) and she was informative, funny, straight to the point, open, honest, and just a really great teacher.
I am lucky to be delivering at a hospital that is right on track with how I want my birthing experience to go. I have heard all kinds of horror stories about how hospitals will give your baby a bottle if they feel you are breastfeeding up to their expectations or take your baby away from you or not respect your wishes when i comes to your baby. Luckily this hospital is not like that. As long as you have a uncomplicated birth they immediately put your baby on your chest and let you bond (a big thing for me), they fully support breastfeeding (another biggie) with a great lactation center to help you and 2 on call all the time consultants. They do not give your baby a bottle or a pacifier unless you specifically ask and they fully support keeping your baby with you at all times if that is what you want. I am really happy about that.
They also don't push drugs if you don't want them. Even though they don't have a birthing tub they do have balls, a shower, and they are all for walking and trying to get comfortable any way possible. All of the beds have a birthing bar and they have rocking chairs and other things to facilitate moving around to keep your labor moving. I still have not decided if I will get meds although I think I am leaning towards trying to go as long as possible and then getting an epidural. I am just going to be fully informed and make decisions as I go along.
We still have 3 more classes to attend. A Baby CPR class, a breastfeeding class, and a baby basics class. It is really starting to sink in that we are actually going to have a baby. soon.