January 8, 2007
Ok, way too much information
Russ and I had our first of six Prepared Parenting classes, and got to watch a lovely video of a birth. I have seen a few episodes of “A Baby Story” on TLC, but I think this was a bit more educational. Ok then.
I really like our birth instructor, Debbie Lavin. She is a doula and has had 4 babies of her own. One was cesarian, one was induced, and two were natural. The fourth came a year after her husband had a vasectomy, and she was almost 40, so I guess she has experienced a pretty broad range of scenarios. I like her approach, she seems really non-judgemental.
We did an ice breaker to meet the other couples in our class, and I thought, “This is how my mom and dad met Jo-Anna and David.” There seem to be a lot of smart and interesting people in the class, maybe we’ll find a Jo-Anna and David too.
At the beginning we went around the room and people told a little about themselves including baby names. I said we were deciding between Poseidon Adventure and Optimus Prime, and Debbie did a really good job of keeping a straight face but I let her off the hook pretty quick. ;) [edit: lest you thinkI'm evil, it got a good laugh, and someone else down the line said, "We don't have a name picked out either, but after last weekend we are crossing Tony Romo off the list."]
It sounds like there is going to be a nice mix of breathing and relaxation techniques, not just Lamaze or any one thing. She had us practice a relaxation exercise at the end of class and encouraged us to practice at home, and said they would get longer each class. I told Russ that I was glad that I had so much practice with meditation. I imagine that most women go to an internal space during labor to manage the pain, but it is probably a lot less scary if you have practiced being in that internal place before, and even know how to go there on purpose to optimize it. I’ve never been really responsive to pretending I’m on a beach (although sometimes I can visualize Elk Beach or the forest there) but I know a few other things I like to use.
(Am I going to read this again in 2 months and laugh?)
Ugh, time for bed already. Tomorrow I have my usual monthly checkup. Pee in a cup and check the blood pressure. We had Boston Market for dinner which was a yummy treat because of the salt but my feet are so swollen right now I will definitely not be eating there again soon.
p.s. still an innie!
