Tuesday, July 1, 2008

Childbirth Class: Round One

So tonight we attended our first of five childbirth classes. They are being taught by a labor & delivery nurse in the education center at our hospital.

We were sitting in the class all of 25 seconds when Michael asked, "Is it okay to be the class clown?" Luckily we were seated next to what would become the other ornery couple in the class so it was good company.

The room was full of about 26 people which consisted of first-time parents/couples like us, one knocked up teenager with her mom and another married couple that also brought along the maternal grandmother-to-be.

We kicked things off in style by watching a video depicting the stages of labor. For some reason this video featured labor and delivery of women who were completely naked. Our instructor was quick to point out that our hospital's policy includes gowns, but the damage was done.

Michael's take-away from the video was the surprising cottage cheese-like substance that the baby is coated in at birth. After the video we went through several other exercises which seemed cheesy in nature (luckily not the cottage cheese type). Suffice it to say, we quickly learned which participants were the avid pregnancy researchers and question askers. (Note to self: I doubt they would appreciate our video commentary so choose seats accordingly in future sessions)

The class concluded with some breathing and relaxation techniques. The instructor turned down the lights, played a soft CD of nature sounds and talked us through random visuals to help us relax. The couple next to us was having an extremely difficult time suppressing their laughter which was a bit contagious, but we held it together. Part of the teacher's script actually included one of my favorite lines from the movie Office Space..."deeper and deeper, way down..." when the shrink is trying to hypnotize the main character. But I digress...

We survived week one without getting kicked out or scolded so I consider that a success. I was also able to size up (pardon the pun) the other pregnant women who are due within days of me and I have to say it was a psychological boost to see their swelling and weight gain compared to mine. Fingers crossed this continues at next week's session.

Michael on the way to class with a writing utensil in his pocket and at the ready for note taking.

Walking into the education center with our two pillows like good students.

2 comments:

Courtney said...

Oh wow, I can just see the two of you with your pillows trying to contain your laughter. Are the pillows so you can bury your face in them and no one will hear the snickering? We are going to miss the four of you this weekend, (can't forget Miss Roxy).

Mr&MrsGreen said...

Did Mikey take notes with illustrations?