On Saturday, the 7th, we attended our childbirth class at King's Daughters. It was...interesting...to say the least, and I actually left the class more freaked out than when I got there. I've been doing my homework, don't get me wrong - I've read several books and searched the web for info on labor and delivery fairly often. Up until a month ago, even the word "labor" had me broken out in a cold sweat, and I pretty much told everyone who tried to discuss it with me to back off. But since then, I realized that I should probably educate myself. However, there is something completely different about watching an actual delivery, versus reading about it. Even though I will likely not be going through labor, I managed to completely freak myself out.
The class started with the discussion of various hospital procedures, what to bring (corn dogs, according to Terry), what to expect when we get there, etc. We discussed the different stages of labor, and watched videos on labor and delivery (yikes!) and the miracle of the epidural. In the afternoon, we practiced various relaxation and breathing techniques and then came to the "dreaded" c-section. Most people give me the "Aww, you poor thing" look when I tell them I'm scheduled for a c-section, but I actually feel pretty good about it. One of my biggest fears is that I will labor for hours and hours, only to end up with an emergency c-section, and if we have it planned, at least I won't have to suffer through the other stuff. Some feel that they are less of a woman if they don't suffer for hours and hours, but I'm not in that category! The hardest thing for me is that it could be up to 2 hours after he's born before I get to hold him. That seems like such a long time, when everything I've read has emphasized the importance of immediate skin to skin contact. I know we'll still have plenty of bonding time, but the first moments seem so important!
We also bought our stroller/car seat this weekend, so we officially have everything that we have to have before he gets here. There are still a few things we'd like to have, but all of our needs have been taken care of! Somehow, it makes me feel like more of a mommy to have a car seat and stroller! =)
As my previous post said, we're scheduled for a c-section on April 8th! That's only 4 weeks and 2 days!!!
3 comments:
First of all, you are no less a woman going straight to c-section and avoiding labor. C-sections aren't a walk in the park either. I had labor till I was 8 cm. and Dallas turned so I had an emergency c. And really, I stressed more about the whole birth more before than during. Once you're on the road, you just take it as it comes and I was actually excited because I knew I'd see my baby soon. And I got to hold Dallas about 15 min after they delivered him...enough time to sew me up and get me to recovery. Don't stress...it will all be less complicated than you think. :)
Think of this too...if you don't get to hold him right away, this is a great time for Terry to love on him. He'll need his Daddy's love just as much as his Mommy's. You are a parenting team and it's not just up to you. It was great for Chris to hold Dallas after he was first born. I could tell it was a very special father-son time.
You are too funny. You are already a great mommy, Erin! Yes, those lesson plans took me forever. I had them ready from 36 weeks on, just in case, and it seemed like I would never be finished with the rest of the years' plans. Too bad you aren't in third grade, or I could just give you mine!
Can't wait to meet baby boy!
You are in such a great time of your pregnancy. The anticipation and anxiety that only this can bring! I am sure you are doing this, but be sure to spend as much fun special time with Terry as you can- eat out and go see every movie possible! Keep the updates coming!
Emily
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