Childbirth Class

29 and 32 weeks (not much room in there any more!)

We just started the 33rd week of pregnancy, so to help us get ready for the (quickly approaching) birth of Baby McCoy, Dan and I took a childbirth class this past weekend. In addition to getting a tour of the birthing center and watching some videos of women in labor, we also learned quite a few techniques for (trying) to stay calm during the labor and delivery process. We did pretty well with the breathing and mental focus techniques, though we’ll see how much of it we remember on delivery day. Actually, Dan will be in charge of remembering all the details. I just have to be there and wait for the baby to arrive:)

Dan says that he is undaunted by all his responsibilities as my labor coach. Since he’s usually pretty calm in stressful situations, I’m pretty confident that he’ll do fine. (Keeping a laboring woman happy can’t be tougher than navigating Iraqi roads while watching out for IED’s and talking on the radio, right?) He did, however, say that I can’t use his exercise ball as a birthing ball, and he’s a little worried that I might squeeze his hand kind of hard during contractions. I don’t know what he’s so worried about.

In another fun discovery about the birthing process, Dan was very excited to find that his hospital bracelet makes him eligible for a free burrito at Chipotle. He assures me that I will also be well taken care of. There is a fridge stocked with Jell-O, popsicles and three flavors of broth in the birthing center (Yay!). That sounds almost as good as a burrito.

All in all, we feel much more prepared for the whole experience. Plus, the class made delivery day feel a lot closer. Now we just have to finish the nursery!