The nurse that was our instructor was way awesome! And we had a pretty fun and laid-back group.
A lot of this was refreshing for me too, but I did learn a lot more from this class. I think this class was especially beneficial for Cory, he learned about a lot of things that he needed to know.
We watched a lot of natural versus epidural laboring things. To be honest, though I've been on the fence about it, I'm sure I will get the epidural just because of my pelvis stuff. I've been warned a million times that if I don't get the epidural and then I can't pass the baby through my pelvis they'd have to knock me completely out to do a c-section. And no one can go back with you then. So, Cory and I would both miss the birth of our child if that were to happen. Stupid, displaced pelvis.
Plus, epidurals have much less impact on the baby than IV and oral pain medicines do anyway. Hopefully, I'll be able to avoid those.
When we were watching about dilation and the stages of labor and pain management and all kinds of fun stuff like that, Cory turned to me and said, "This is gonna be terrible."
He'll totally be the dad that throws up and/or passes out. Poor guy.
I just hope he remembers to take the right pictures. I haven't fully decided, but I'm pretty sure I'm just having him back in the room during the actual birth. I'd played around with the idea of letting in a few others, but this has been such a special time for me and my husband. The whole journey of planning and preparing and then successfully getting pregnant, and these weeks of carrying this precious baby inside me. I think I'm going to reserve the first time we meet our baby for just the two of us.
Some fun facts I discovered through these classes and my several visits up to Labor and Delivery are that the nurses and lactation consultant aren't what I've heard. I've always heard somewhat hesitant/negative things about the nurses and LC at St. Francis. But, all that I've encountered have been amazing. Handing out pager numbers and cell phone numbers insisting you call/text if you have any questions. Reiterating a million times that they're there for you and you don't have to go through it alone. Encouraging you to make your expectations for your labor/delivery clear to ensure your wishes are granted (if they can be). I mean, maybe I'll feel different when it's the real deal, but I'm feeling much more encouraged by them than I thought I would. Standby for full evaluation after delivery ;)
I've already mentioned to all of them and my doctor that skin-to-skin contact immediately after birth is a must and breastfeeding within the first 30 minutes - which are things they seem to encourage and I don't feel will be a problem at all. On top of absolutely no pacifiers or bottles while in the hospital. Sucking artificial nipples can seriously make latching and breastfeeding a greater challenge if introduced in the first 72 hours (fun fact). Yes, I'm aware this has happened before and those mothers/babies breastfed just fine. But, I don't want to do anything that could make it a greater challenge on me as a first-time mom.
We got a more in-depth tour of the labor and delivery floor. They have such nice rooms up there and have such great accommodations for dads and other visitors. They have a whole living-like space for your guests, with a living room (nice couches and TV), a kitchen, a lot of little relaxing spots, and bathrooms (with showers). Pretty nice as far as labor/delivery places I've been to.
Also, maybe I am the exception to the pregnancy gripe thing. I guess it is true, they say when you get into the last month (or so) you're just ready to have a baby. It's also true that I've never heard another women as pregnant as me say they want to keep the baby in there longer. But, I do! Maybe it does have something to do with the labor scare at 24 weeks or all the bumps I've had in the road or just being a high risk pregnancy, but I'm in no hurry to have him. It's a 40 week plan, and it's beautifully created to be one!
I'm back on this soapbox because I was the most pregnant person at class last night, the next girl being a week or so behind me and she just whined several times about wishing she could just have her kid right now and how ready she was and blah, blah, blah. I'm just thankful to have made it this far in my pregnancy. Sure, I'm becoming more uncomfortable with each passing day, but that's what I signed up for.
Our instructor finally - and gently - did comment about being able to sympathize, but also knowing that the baby needs to stay in there for as close to 40 weeks as you can possibly get for brain and lung development. She had several stories about 30 week babies having rough roads and challenges, but turning out fine and pointed out that they are truly blessings. Then she had several stories about 34, 35, and 36 week babies that ended up needing long-term therapy plans and years ahead of them that would include frequent doctor visits, etc.
I don't know why people - and doctors - are so induce-happy these days.
Okay, rant over.
My goodness, I still can't believe how close I am to having a baby! It could really be any day now for me. Hopefully any day still means some day in March though :)
Nolan,
I so cannot wait for your arrival, but I'm certainly willing to postpone birthing you (because if I'm being honest, it doesn't seem like a good time). You just stay put for several more week, k?
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