Childbirth Preparation

Today and yesterday evening, Ken and I attended St. Marks Hospital's Childbirth Preparation class. Having busy schedules, we opted for the intensive format instead of doing the six evening classes. The class was GREAT and we both feel more prepared than before. I don't think we will get to the point of feeling totally ready, but who is? The course covered the labor and delivery process, breathing and relaxation techniques, the birth partner's role, newborn and post-partum care, and a tour of the hospital's labor/delivery and post-partum rooms. We even made Play-Doh cervixes and dilated them.

Our trusty manual from the class.

The class had 10 couples include ourselves. As always there is the odd couple who brings up all sorts of weird questions. Don't get me wrong, it makes for interesting comeback lines from the instructor and wide-eyed classmates. We are now educated in hospital rules, as far as, taking your placenta with you in a "doggy bag" for later consumption... interesting.

Some of my favorite quotes worthy of sharing:

"Every time you put on a turtleneck sweater, you are birthing yourself." - Kim the Instructor. I nearly died trying not to laugh out loud, thinking about how hard it would be and how ridiculous someone would look trying to get a turtleneck sweater pulled down over their shoulders, LOL.

"Parenting, Just Do It."

After Ken placed on the pregnancy simulating vest, I asked, "Is this your Play-Doh baby?" (pointing to the dough he was molding). He replied, "I was working on it, but then I got pregnant, and now I don't do anything." ROTFL

The word "taco" has now become an acronym for Time Amount Color Odor in reference to someone's water breaking, how wonderful is that?

After a full day of learning, Ken even had enough energy to make up some delicious ribs for dinner (thanks Boo).

Ken's Play-Doh Baby.

The pregnancy simulating vest.

I think the instructor should of had the guys wear it for more than 15-minutes.