Burning Ring of Fire

No it’s not the song “Ring of Fire” by Johnny Cash. It is the only thing I am afraid of when it comes to birthing the baby. More on this later.

So, we had our first birthing class today. We gathered our blanket and pillows and off we went. The class was from 10am-2:30pm. There were 9 couples with due dates from November to January. It is kind of neat being in this class because of the different personalities. There is this poor woman who worries about everything…her poor husband. The couple behind us was really cool. They are expecting a boy a few days after us. They are kind of funny and had some under the breath comments that made Chief and I giggle in class. There were also a few younger couples and of course the “preppy couple” but everyone seems to be in the same boat, which is cool.

Class began with us filling our “wheel of emotions” worksheet. It really looked like a pizza to me but whatever. Each “Slice” had something to do with pregnancy and labor. We had to put in some comments in each section. It was fun filling this out because it made me realize what I really am feeling. The slice topics were: pain, labor, cesarean section, parenting, the pregnant body, and medication.

Next, we went right into the first stages of labor. This involved us learning how to time contractions and ways to deal with the pain we are going to have. We did get on the floor to practice breathing and relaxation techniques. While us girls relaxed and breathed, our partners practiced on their supportive touching. Chief did really good until the end of a “contraction” he decide to do the old Karate chop massage down my back. You can image my surprise going from a nice gentle massage to a karate chop. It did make me laugh which we decided could be used as a distraction at some other point in labor.

After this Chief took us on a field trip to the cafeteria. We ate lunch with two other couples. I had bean soup but then thought better not finish it because I had a fear we would have to go back on the floor and I would relax a fart out. Chief was a trooper and took one for the team – he finished my soup.

Back from lunch it was part 2 of the stages of labor. This was the live labor and delivery clip. Nice of them to wait until after lunch! First off, no one got sick or passed out! ( I know this is a concern for some of Chief’s family, as one of his brothers didn’t make it through a class.) Seeing actual people go through labor with out medication is amazing. I tried to think about what I would be like and I can see me having some crying breakdowns when things get long, hard, and frustrating. I know Chief will be great at helping me through those times. The instructor gave good advice for our partners such as don’t take anything she may say or do personally and don’t argue with her. So, I guess I can count on Chief to be there for me and probably humor me somewhat.

Now, about that burning ring of fire: I am a little freaked out about this pain I am going to be experiencing. This supposedly occurs when I am at 10 cm dilated, when my cervix is total stretched out and ready for Nemo’s head to come through. She told us if we were to take our fingers and put them into our mouths, and stretch out our side of our mouths as far as it could go, we might understand this pain. Need I say more? And by the way, when we had a bathroom break you better believe I tried this in the stall. Not very pleasant at all. There probably is no breathing that will help me get though this pain. On the bright side…she said it is brief!

I actually got teary eyed with seeing the birth. I find this so amazing and beautiful. I didn’t like it when they showed the lady her placenta. No need for me to see mine thank you very much.

Just so you know, we are the only couple planning on natural childbirth. I was a bit shocked and thought that maybe I could be insane. The instructor gave Chief and I some extra time after class. She told us to communicate our plan with our nurse and perhaps ask for a nurse that supports this. She said almost all deliveries are with moms getting epidurals and nurses really encourage them. In fact, she said I would be asked multiple times if I am ready for the epidural. I am a little discouraged by this. I guess I thought I would have a ton of support.

With speaking with our instructor I felt like she really understood what I was saying. When people ask me if I am going to get an epidural, I tell them I am not planning on it. I then hear them say things like I am not going to get a medal by doing this naturally. I understand this. I am going to do this because I know it can be done and I want to experience what my body is made to do. I am not opposed to epidurals and pain medication. I just really want to try this without using medication.

Well, that is about it for part one. Next Saturday we learn about epidurals, infant care, and get a tour of the labor and delivery floor.

By the way, my appointment last week went well. We have another ultrasound scheduled for the first week of November. We could say it is Nemo’s make up test! I will have this little one sugared up this time. I hope he figures out this breathing thing by then.