Childbirth class session 3
So Chris sold our coveted Predators hockey playoff tickets for Game 3 against the Red Wings so we could attend class last night. I have to say, this was a big sacrifice for him. I was sad about missing the game, but Chris loves, loves, loves hockey and loves going to playoff games even more. We will get to go to Game 4 Wednesday night, though, so hopefully we can pull off another win! Go Preds!
Anyway, this class was dedicated to childbirth interventions like epidurals and other medications. It was really scary for me to see how they put an epidural in because I am afraid of needles, and this was a needle and a cath that goes into your back! Eek! It will definitely give me lots to think about regarding our birth plan as I don’t think I can go all natural, but I want to be as educated as I can if I decide I want an epidural.
We learned what to expect during the different phases of labor, and the cartoon on our handout went from an excited face to an angry, I’m going to beat the you-know-what out of you face between the beginning of labor to the pushing stage. I’d say the illustrations were about dead on.
We got on the floor and practiced breathing methods, which was a little embarrassing for me, because remember I am taking this class waaaaay early, and here I am sitting among all these about-to-pop pregnant ladies trying to breathe while looking down at my tiny bump. A bump that really just looks like I ate too much pasta.
We also toured the Ob floor at the hospital. It was nicer than I expected. Vanderbilt is an older hospital and a lot of the rooms are kind of dingy, so I was glad to see these rooms were larger and nicer than I anticipated. The recovery room was smaller, but still OK. We also got to see the nursery and there was only one baby in there. I think most stay with the parents in the room.
I forgot to tell you what a colleague who just found out I was pregnant said. She said, “Oh, I thought maybe you got a boob job!” Can I say that was the BEST pregnancy comment yet? The only fun symptom is getting bigger up top and someone noticed! Whoo Wee! Now, if these new boobs would just stay like this after the baby … that would be great!
April 15th, 2008 at 8:42 pm
Hey Jess, Congratulations on your pregnancy! I am so excited for you and Chris! I just wanted to tell you that it goes by so fast and to enjoy each and every minute of it. My “babies” will be 13 and 12 this year, yet it seems like they should still be crawling around my feet! The fact that they are going to be teenagers scares the crap out of me, but after reading your blog, I remember I was just as scared when I was pregnant. I love being a mom, and I know you will too! I had an epidural both times. The first time I was not sure and waited till I had done been in labor over 12 hrs, and then finally give in. That labor lasted 18 hrs. The next time, there was NO wait. I said yes the minute I entered the Labor room! This time labor was only 6.5 hrs! I was scared of the epidural at first to, but it was well worth it and I knew right away I wanted it with Amber. I really had planned on going natural with Tyler thats why I kept waiting, but I just got so tired and the nurse kept coming in and telling me 90% of women took the epidural. I am not sure that percent is right , but thats what the nurse told me! I finally give in and said FINE give me the drugs!!!!! Anyway, good luck and enjoy this wonderful time in your life! There is nothing more wonderful or special you can share with your husband. Congratulations to you both! Also, I found the book “What to expect when your expecting” to be very helpful! Love, becky
April 17th, 2008 at 5:07 pm
I had a scheduled C-section so I knew I was not going to have to deliver naturally. However, I did still have to have a “spinal” which is pretty much like getting an epidural before the surgery. I was most afraid of that, and getting an IV in my arm. But I was pleasantly surprised. Neither one hurt a bit!