The Local Dairy Queen
We all trouped over to the restaurant and thankfully, the staff was OK with us using the tables in the back. Our group is small, only 4 couples, which also made this option ok.
Car seats, choosing a seat, read the instructions, get your seat checked by a certified technician. I invited the group to come by for an official car seat check at our facility. Car seat checks are offered on Wednesdays and Friday afternoons. Car seats can be complicated but generally once you've gone through a check with a certified technician it makes sense. You can find a certified technician and check facility at the NHTSA site. There are also several other great sites on car seats for families: carseat.org and the manufacturers of seats all have useful information on line.
The last class is important. We need to put the information together. I like to do a labor rehearsal at the last class. This is a review of a typical labor and the couples respond to common situations that might happen. Contractions begin, what do you do? Try to rest, take a walk, find comfortable positions, finish packing your bag. Do something to get your mind off the contractions. Bake cookies, clean, dance, read a book. Let your breathing help you relax. A Long labor, how can your partner help? Be your companion, rub your back, help you get comfortable. Make you a snack. Share this time. Take deep slow breaths. Let your breathing relax you. It's time to go. Your contractions are coming every 5 minutes now and they're lasting at least one minute. You go to the hospital and labor gets harder. Keep moving. Try the birth ball, the rocking chair, the tub. Keep moving, rocking and finding someone to rub your back. It feels good, when you rub my back. You find help from the nurses and your labor continues. Time goes by. What sounds good? A drink of Gatorade, a Popsicle, oh that's wonderful. The evening turns to night, turns to another morning. You find a rhythm, your partner must be tired too, but still at your side, which gives you comfort. The contractions get stronger. You find yourself pushing, the time is finally here, can you do it, yes, finally, with all your effort. Your baby finally is born. Relax and imagine the beautiful baby next to your heart, in your arms now.
Read about normal birth. There are birth stories listed on the side bar to this blog, they will give you an idea of what normal birth is like. Take a few minutes and read some of the the birth stories on the side bar of this blog. Read them to your partner. Think about what you would do as you read the stories.
Nothing really can prepare you for the miracle of birth. A class gives you some information that you can use, questions to ask. Some skills you can try. You will find your way. All of these things will help.
It's only a rehearsal, but the time spent preparing for birth helps you sort out facts and fears. It gives you a chance to learn what happens during labor and birth. It gives your partner a chance to see what happens and how to offer support in labor. You will still have fears. Talk to your partner, your family, your Dr. Birth is a normal event. You can learn about the process. Your body is made to do this. I hope all my students have gotten what they've needed from our Lamaze class. My final words are simply; you will know how to do this and, make the best of what life gives you.
Enjoy this time. You are growing a new life. Take time to be peaceful. Anticipate the joy of meeting this small little person. Prepare simply. Love your baby, sing a lullaby. Soon, very soon, your miracle will be here.
Welcome the miracle of birth
