One more thing
I forgot to mention that my birthing class talked a lot about pain management techniques that involved breathing, moving around, different positions, using the birthing ball, and spending as little time as possible lying in bed on your back. We’re doing a whole class on it next week. I’m happy to know the hospital – and my doctor – are supportive of that kind of thing. Even though I’m planning on an epidural at some point, I’ve read and heard a lot about how all those things can make labor up until medication a lot more bearable. And most of the horrible “I was forced into a C-section I didn’t want by a doctor who didn’t want to miss tee time” stories come from the kind of un-woman-friendly practices that think the proper place of a woman in labor is in a bed with stirrups.
BIRTHING BALL! I hope it’s as much fun as my exercise ball at home that I roll around the house on!
But womenfolk got into their trouble by lying in bed on their back, so why not birth the baby that way? Golly gee, you crazy feminists.
That is cool, though. I think you should get a medal for going through birth. Or a cash prize. Although I suppose the baby is the prize, right? And the money you have to pay to birth it.
Hey There! I actually went to high school with your husband, saw him on MySpace, and somehow ended up here on your blog! Everything you’re describing reminds me of what I went through a year ago (I totally agree that the birthing class is more for the fathers). And by the way, that birthing ball is just as much fun as it looks :)
Good luck with Little E!