We went to our 2nd Child Birth Class today. At the beginning of class, the teacher talked about the two things that can signal the start of labor: contractions or your water breaking, and how each of those experiences can go. Next she told us about the different stages of labor and how that can go.
And then we (mom's and dad's) got on the floor and did some yoga exercises and practiced breathing techniques, as well as practicing things the dad's can do to help the mom's feel more comfortable during labor. She talks a lot about how the dad needs to be there for the mom and try to anticipate her needs so that she doesn't have to ask for anything. That sounded pretty good to me :)
At one point the teacher had us mom's lay on the floor on our side with a pillow and practice some guided relaxation while the dad's sat next to us. She told the dad's to do things that made the mom's know that they were there for us and she made some suggestions of what they might do. Mike was gently rubbing my stomach and back and doing great until she suggested that the guy's may want to caress their partners face and neck. Unfortunately, when Mike tried this it tickled and I busted up laughing - kind of the opposite of relaxation. lol. Then she made that suggestion again and unfortunately Mike listened and it happened again - I started laughing. I had to whisper to him, "do not do that again". He started to do it at her suggestion a third time and I had to give him a look. Thankfully he understood my facial expression and didn't do it again. :) Anyway, after that, Mike and I realized that what is good for one person may not be good for all and we have a bit to talk about to make sure we're on the same page about what things are comforting and relaxing to me and what things aren't.
Anyway, the class was really informative and made me feel a bit more prepared for what's going to happen in just 11 short weeks!
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