Classes

This morning’s check up with the OB revealed everything to be tracking along just fine.

Including baby’s head – which is apparently ‘well down’.

Next week we have a 36 week scan – and we will get an idea on baby size.

Last weekend we finally did the first of two ante natal classes. Neither of us being able to stand 8 weeks of 2 hours – we opted for the faster version over two Sundays in a row.

Naturally we were the last to arrive at the class (Sunday afterall!) – and missed out on introducing ourselves, getting a name badge, and also got the shit bean bags without pillows.

‘Good’ said Mr. S ‘I like being anonymous’.

This first week was to cover labour, including a visit to the labour ward, neo natal ward, practising labour positions and watching several videos including two actual births – one water, one natural – both seemed to be sans pain killer and …. Clothing.

‘Ummm, are ALL women naked when they give birth’? someone timidly asked.
‘Actually no, that just seems to be for the video – you can wear your own t.shirt or a hospital gown’.

Cue – audible sigh around the room!

Interesting (to me) there was only one couple who were going to the Birthing Centre – everyone else had an Obstetrician. This was the opposite to what I thought would happen – EVERYONE we know has opted for the Birthing Centre. Either there is a change in trend or we were in the class that was bucking the trend.

All in all it was helpful – especially the information on the various pain relief available.

Of course we felt like complete outsiders amongst everyone else who was normal.

Today at my Ob. Appointment we spoke about the pain relief options.

‘The teacher seemed to imply it was odd that only around 47% of women opt to try the gas’ I told him.
‘Well each situation is different, if someone comes into the Ward very distressed, we’re not going to advise them to use it because it’s short lasting and they are going to need something to last far longer like an epidural’.
‘Oh’
‘Basically we assess people when they come in, ideally we keep women on their feet as long as possible [once on an epidural you are bed-bound], if someone comes in and is doing well – we might suggest they have a shower and maybe we can get them through with gas. It’s very individual, and you won’t know until it’s happening’.

This exchange made me feel very comfortable.

On my way out I bumped into a girl from the class.

‘Oh my god, I’ve been so freaked out since that class I haven’t been able to focus on anything beyond getting thru the birth’! she exclaimed.
‘Well I guess the main thing that concerned me’ I explained ‘was not the actual birth, but the build up to it – you just don’t know how long it could go on for – and for most of the time you’ll be at home’.
‘Well I’m booking in for an epidural – are you?’ she asked me expectantly.
‘I’m not sure it’s something you book in for at this stage – they like to see how you’re going when it’s happening’.

As we said goodbye, we said we’d see each other this Sunday.
‘We’ll be leaving early this week – the last sessions seem to be about relationships and we have to be somewhere else’ I told her [a christening].
‘When is that session, we’re going to leave too’!

Maybe we’re not so abnormal afterall.