OB Childbirth Prep Course – Part III

Kelly - 30 Weeks
This week marked our third childbirth preparation class. We discussed many things, and watch several videos, as usual. Our first discussion was about having a birth plan. Most of us wondered exactly what that was. Apparently it’s important to put your wishes for your labor and delivery in writing in case you are too delirious to tell the hospital staff. So here’s my birth plan: 1) Get to the hospital, 2) Get drugs, 3) Pop little Madelyn out. Well, okay, so that’s not really a birth plan, but I’m working on it. :)

Our next topic, which coincidentally falls right into my current birth plan, was interventions for pain. We learned about the types of drugs that are administered if we have to be induced, as well as medications that help speed up labor if things aren’t progressing as they should be. We also talked about analgesics, which help comfort you, but don’t completely take your pain away. Some of these included Demerol, Stadol, and Morphine. Then came the good stuff…epidurals. We discussed the pros and cons of getting an epidural, and we also got to watch an actual epidural being performed. Although this video made some people squirm (mostly boys…sorry guys, but some of you really are whimpy---thank God Chris is not!), I was excited to see it. I have been planning for an epidural since the day I found out I was pregnant, so it was interesting to see the actual process. And honestly, it doesn’t look so bad…10 minutes or so of pain and then some relaxation. Sign me up!

We talked a little bit about Cesarean Sections, and got to watch a video on that, too. Hopefully we won’t have to go that route.

Next week, during our last childbirth class, we are taking a tour of the hospital. Our instructor told us to wear comfortable shoes because we would be walking for most of the class. I am curious to see how they will fit all of the class participants in some of the areas we’re visiting, but I suppose they are accustomed to making it work. We’re looking forward to seeing the facilities…it’s hard to believe we’re only 9 weeks away! Time has been flying right on by…

I am counting the days to Winter Break…as of the end of the day today, only 7 days to go. I am looking forward to being at home, relaxing. Chris and I plan to do as much of that as possible. He is taking some time off, too, so it will be nice to be at home together. Hopefully we’ll put the final touches on the nursery. We are waiting for the last piece of furniture, the dresser, which should arrive next week sometime. It will be nice to have it all put together. I have added a few more pictures of the progress. Click here to see some new pictures (this is a link to page two of the album).

Upcoming Events:
Appointment with Dr. Tom, Thursday, December 20th
3D/4D Ultrasound, Saturday, December 22nd