Michael and I signed up for childbirth class. Last night was our first session. There are 8 couples in the group with due dates ranging from the middle of September to the end of October. One couple even has the same due date as us! 6 of the couples are having boys, and us and 1 other couple are having girls. Half of the couples weren't telling what name they were using. The instructor kind of rolled her eyes at this at first, but then so many other couples said the same thing she eventually stopped giving them all grief.
While I plan to get the epidural, I think this class is going to be helpful and informative. Last night we discussed contractions, the difference between true and false labor, and breathing techniques. The women in the group were all listening carefully, paying attention, and making eye contact with the instructor. The men, however, were looking away and generally looking pretty uncomfortable to be talking about all of this stuff. It reminded me of freshman year health class when they finally allowed the boys and girls to be in the same room for the sex ed. The boys could handle their own video well enough, but when it came to the girls' video, they couldn't quit squirming in their seats. :P Hopefully the guys get a little more comfortable. Either way, I think we'll learn a good amount in this class. However, I don't think it will sway my opinion from medication to all natural. Like someone in Sis' class said, It's not like you get a prize for doing it all natural. So why put yourself through that???
We attend the class every Monday evening for 6 weeks. Next week we're going to practice breathing, as well as get a tour of the Birthcare Center (which is where the classes are being held). I'm hoping we get to tour the hospital as well, but I'm unsure what all we're doing exactly, I guess we will just wait and see. The plan as of now is to deliver at the Birthcare Center. As long as everything stays low risk (we will have to keep an eye on my iron levels and in 4 weeks we'll have an ultrasound to check the position of the placenta) and labor begins and continues on it's own, then we'll be over there. If I need to be induced or there are any risk factors that are noticed ahead of time, then we'll be at the hospital. Time will tell. I think in about 4 weeks (2 appointments from now) we should have a pretty good idea of where we'll be. Then we'll just have to wait until she decides to come and go from there. ;)
On an entirely different note, Michael and I have started noticing our little girl moving from the outside of my stomach. As she gets bigger and stronger, her movements are getting more pronounced and she's feeling a little more cramped in her tight quarters. She still has plenty of room to move around at the moment, but not for long the way she's growing! We can see her arms and legs moving across my belly, making a waving like on the water. If we try, we can even feel her little arms and legs for a moment, until she gets tired of being poked and moves away. It is so cool! I can't believe all that is happening with her! It's amazing! :D Only 11 weeks and 3 days left to go until she's expected to be here. I learned yesterday at our class that only 5% of babies come on their dues date. So I wouldn't be surprised if she came a little early or late. As long as she's healthy, I'm happy. And if the rumor is true that active babies are healthy babies, then I think I have one of the healthiest ones!! :D
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