Childbirth class today!

Mr. Rhody and I hit what I consider to be a huge milestone today--we did our childbirth class!

We attended the natural childbirth class at our hospital. We had decided to do the one-day class instead of the evening series of classes because we are often tired after work. One Saturday just seemed much more optimal for learning.

The class materials did confirm my desire to go for as natural a birth as is possible. We saw a few videos of women delivering naturally, and seeing them go through all the stages really encouraged me that I could do it as well. We practiced positions for laboring as well as breathing exercises. I had read about a bunch of these, but it was good to have someone there to make me actually do it and give me feedback. We even practiced pushing a bit!

Our class was the first class since the H1N1 outbreak to be able to have a tour of the facilities. I do have to admit, the "alternative birthing center" is not as posh as I thought it would be, and I won't be heartbroken if we are bumped to a regular room.

I have to say, the whole day was tiring, but it was very much worth it! Now I just need to be patient until I can put what I've learned into practice!