Week 30: Baby Classes

For the past three weeks, we have been attending a prepared childbirth class. Justin was not happy to find out that it required 4 three-hour sessions, but he has been a great sport about it. He rubs my back and listens to all the information. There are about 12 couples in the class, one of which turns out to be my former boss and her husband. I was a little nervous about having someone I knew in the class because then I start to feel embarrassed, but we don't sit next to each other so it hasn't been a big deal. 

The first week we looked at images of what is going on inside the woman's body and Justin commented on the final image (3-4 weeks before birth) with regards to the almost absence of a bladder. "I thought you went to the bathroom a lot now, but in a couple weeks you'll just be permanently on the toilet." We watched the typical birth video and discussed the stages of labor.

The second week was spent on relaxation techniques and positions to relieve pain and move the baby if need be. That was helpful to an extent, but most are only applicable if you are not planning on an epidural, which I am. However, I did enjoy the massages Justin gave me during our mock contractions. 

We went to a separate class to fill out all our pre-registration paperwork so we wouldn't have to do it while I'm in labor. They went over the birth certificate forms, insurance, and social security card procedures. 

This past week we went on a tour of the hospital's maternity ward. I am planning on delivering at Exempla St. Joseph Hospital, so it was really nice to be able to check out the facility before it's go time. They showed us where our visitors enter the hospital and the room for them to stay in, since I do not want ANYONE in my room with me except Justin and my mom. Then they showed us the birthing suites which all come with tv's, ipod hook ups, jacuzzi tubs, and wifi. That is where the baby is delivered and you stay for two hours after. Then they move you into a different room, which you stay in for the next 24-48 hours before being discharged. That is the room I can finally have Justin bring me sushi for dinner!

It is all so nicely decorated and makes for a soothing environment. It definitely helped us put together our birth plan and figure out what we are going to want to do when it's time. Plus, any hospital that offers free valet parking out front of their emergency room is impressive.

After each class, Justin and I go to Old Chicago for Monday Night Football, pizza, and to laugh about the silly breathing techniques they made us do or the guy who made his pregnant wife rub his back while he ate an apple and peanut butter from a very large jar he brought with him.

We have one more session to go and a class all about bathing, diapering, and swaddling a newborn. I can't believe how little time we have left before our little one makes her grand arrival!