First Class

We had our first child preparation class last night. The class is taught by an RN, who used to be an OB nurse, but decided she wanted more regular hours, so she now works for the health department, and teaches this class on the side. There were 5 other couples there with us, most due right around the same time we are. One couple is at 27 weeks and due with twins, another is 35 weeks and we'll all keep our fingers crossed she makes it to the last class on March 2nd. :p A third couple is from the UK, and has only been in the US for the past 6 months. Their perspective is really interesting, as Britain has a whole different health care system than we do here.

I think it will be an informative use of our Monday nights. The program focuses on alternative (non-medication) forms of pain management, without ruling out epidurals or other medications, which is nice because I feel like I'm being exposed to all my options, and when the time comes I'll know what is available to me. The instructor suggested not making any hard and fast decisions until you get to that point. Get to 5cm, then decide if you can take anymore. If you can, try for 6cm. We may adopt this philosophy. I really don't know what my pain threshold is, having never done this before. We'll find out.

There is also a strong emphasis in this particular class on partner involvement, from the early stages of labor, all the way through to post-partum. Last night, we practiced some relaxation techniques/breathing exercises, in which we all did the exercises together. Future classes will give the guys specific things that they can do as coaches. Kevin likes this, I think, because it's a "game plan" and includes him in the process.

In other, but related news, Kevin took tomorrow off so that he can paint the bookshelf and doll cradle that are our last two "big" pieces of nursery furniture. Woohoo! I did three loads of laundry this morning, washing all the blankets, sheets, and clothing that we've accumulated so far. Three loads worth of laundry, folks, none of which I have purchased myself. Baby Mia is one loved little girl.