Childbirth Class

At 36 weeks pregnant, having had two amazing showers, done countless loads of laundry, and spending hours of time organizing and getting the nursery ready, I still felt like there was one more thing to accomplish before baby. And today we checked that off our list!  We attended childbirth class.  All day.

As you can imagine, Eric was none too excited about spending 8.5 hours learning more than he ever wanted to know about pregnancy, labor, delivery, and post-partum care, but he hung in there like a champ, and I have the utmost confidence that he will get me through the hardest parts of labor.

I learned two very important facts today:

1. My belief that I want no part of an epidural if I can at all help it was reaffirmed.  I know women get them every day and everyone walks away just fine.  There is something about a needle going blindly at my spine that I just cannot get past.  Also, I really, really hate not being in control of my body.

We learned breathing techniques and when to do which techniques throughout labor.  Many of the techniques I have already employed in running.  I have said that I really want to try for a natural delivery since I found out I was pregnant, and I still intend to do just that.  Today the instructor told us that most of getting through labor drug-free is mental.  Running long-distance is the same.  In order for one's body to tolerate 20+ mile runs, you have to decide to do it.  You have to make your mind take you to a place that convinces your body it can do it.  The pain remains, but it becomes tolerable and an accepted part of the whole experience.  While I have absolutely no idea what to expect from labor pain, I feel like I am as prepared as I will ever be to hang in as long as I can.

2. This leads me to lesson number two.  I have decided that I was probably dropped on my head at some point in my early development.  Most of the breathing techniques I got and feel really comfortable with.  One of them had me so confused.  I could not figure out how to do it at all!  I was only breathing out, and could not get the rhythm and was doing all kinds of gasping breaths in.  Wow, it was bizarre!

I did practice again when we got home, and figured it out.  Now I'll just have to practice until the baby actually arrives...

With all that said, I feel like the baby can be born anytime now and I will be ready.  Or, should I say, I cannot do anything else to feel more ready at this point.

Also going on in the Kranz household this weekend: Christmas decorating.  Check back soon for pictures of our beautiful fireplace and Christmas tree, decorated with my brand new ornaments!  We have a stocking hung for the baby, just in case he or she arrives prior to Christmas...