On Sunday from 9-4 we attended a one-day 'Great Expectations' course....it is labor/delivery education and a little lamaze breathing techniques all mixed in. The course was held at the hospital. While we left in plenty of time, we ended up getting there 5 minutes late as 2 out of 3 routes to the hospital were flooded routes and we had to turn around and go all the way around...which took an extra 20 minutes. But we finally arrived and hunkered down for a long day.
We saw some videos...yes, 'those videos' of births....we discussed pain medications...we learned a few ways to breathe....we bounced on 'exercise/birthing' balls.....we 'slow danced' as one of the 'breathing techniques'...John gave me a hand massage as a 'relaxing technique', which I will definitely ask for in the hospital...it was good times. Also, I believe we did determine that it is a good thing that I am the one that is pregnant and John is the 'coach'.
We did an exercise where I had to hold a plastic baggie of ice in my hand for one minute - it was to 'act' like a contraction - and John was to give words of encouragement and practice some of the 'Hah-Hee' breathing exercises. Well the ice got pretty cold pretty fast and he did a good job of keeping my mind off of it. I told him not to really say things like 'Good job Honey, you're so strong, you can do it'...as this is not 'us'...we are more of a sarcastic/goofy couple than a sincere 'feel good' couple. Now who knows...perhaps in the heat of the contraction (a serious time) I will want sincere words, so he should be ready for anything. :) Anyway...I digress. He did a great job of keeping my mind off things and the minute was over.
Then it was John's turn. After about 6 seconds he said 'This is really cold.....it kind of hurts...' and he kept that up. I tried to say some encouraging words, but I couldn't stop laughing as he couldn't take the 'sting' so well. Sure it had been a long day and sure if he really was in pain, no, I would not laugh at him. But for the exercise knowing that I had just gone through the exercise without much complaining, it was funny that he now realized how much it 'stung'....if only guys could feel a 'real' contraction....hm...
So we came home with a lot of information. Then we turned around and went back to the hospital for a 6:00 appt. for a hospital tour. It was great....we saw the Labor & Delivery rooms....the Mother/Baby room...and it really got us in the mood (the whole weekend) to have this baby!
It was a crazy-busy weekend....but it was all filled with preparation for Logan, so it was a busy weekend well spent! We are so excited. After our shower in WI in another few weeks, Logan is free to come out to the world!!!
1 comment:
We are also a pretty sarcastic couple. During labor this last time I was asking if my mascara was running at like 9cm. I also did not want to be touched or rubbed. I did not like encouraging words. Just a hand to squeeze.
Before the big day I had decided I didn't want anyone to count for me and yell at me this time. But when it came time I told everyone that I was way too organized to not count during the pushing and they better start counting for me!
-Kelly
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