A little over four weeks ago Matt and I went to our first child birth class.

We arrived at the first class and I was a little hesitant because I wasn't sure what to expect.  There were 11 couples in the class that day (we have since grown to 14 couples).  We started the class with introductions and found out that most of the couples were also giving birth at The Baby Place and all of the couples were planning to have a natural child birth.  The content of the first class was amazing.  We had a brainstorming session of what an ideal birth would look like to us.  We came up with things like: dim lighting, music, unmedicated, private, kind caregivers, soaking in a tub, having birthing position options, not rushed, massage, intimate.  Then we learned quite a bit about how the body works in labor.  We learned about the chemical responses in the body as well as how the uterus functions and how to create the environment that will make everything work together as it should.  We also learned about the husband's roles of co-creating the space, breathing with her, giving physical support, helping her find her rhythm, reframing and reassuring.  We left with some homework which was a set of questions for each of us to answer and then discuss regarding expectations and roles in childbirth.  We left the class feeling encouraged and excited about birth.  The class presented child birth as not only a normal experience but an intimate one where husband and wife shared in the beautiful experience of bringing a child into the world.  What a different mindset from what the world tries to teach about child birth.  The first class was worth the money we paid for the entire series.  

Class two was on early and active labor.  I didn't know anything about early labor so this class was really helpful, especially learning about what early labor is accomplishing.  We learned that early labor can last up to 72 hours so this is a time to stay busy and ignore your contractions.  We then made lists of early labor projects to keep us busy during this phase of labor. The active labor portion of the class was great because we learned how to measure contractions and how to know when to go to the birthing center.  I didn't realize that a lot of labor should be done at home.  I left class two with a much better understanding of what to expect from labor.

Class three covered several topics but the two things that were most meaningful to me were finding a rhythm and learning ways to use a birth ball during labor.  We watched a video showing women in labor and the rhythms they used.  This helped in understanding the many variety of rhythms available to help with labor.  Then we practiced using our birth balls and pillows and finding ways to get comfortable.  Who would have thought an exercise ball could be so great to lay on during pregnancy.

Class four was our most recent class.  We spent the entire class on pain coping techniques.  She tortured us by having us lean up against a wall and doing a squat for 60 seconds to give us a benchmark for pain.  Then we learned multiple coping techniques and tried the wall squat again using these techniques.  Amazingly enough, it actually made a difference.  We found that by using different breathing methods, visualizations, and rhythms we could actually mostly forget about the pain and what once seemed unbearable was actually tolerable.  Practicing the different methods was a great way to learn which specific techniques we preferred.  I think a lot of these techniques could be helpful with pain in general not just childbirth.  

We still have three classes to go.  Next weeks class is going to cover interventions. The week after that we have a mock labor.  Our last class is on beyond birth. 

Overall this class has been a great experience.  Matt and I are both so glad we picked this class.  I would recommend it to everyone who is going to have a baby.