Baby Class...

...was interesting, to say the least. Yes, there was a lot of stuff that we already knew, based on the fact that we have both been reading baby books and magazines extensively throughout our pregnancy, but there were also a great many things we found we didn't know!

For example: how to get to the correct entrance to the freakin' hospital! HA! And so we were late, but I guess the instructor is used to that because the class hadn't started without us. Well, good thing we know now considering the next time we go, things will be in a bit more of a hurry, right? (For those who don't know, we are delivering at Piedmont Fayette Hospital on Hwy 54, a great location that is only 20-or-so minutes from our house. They have built a wonderful new Labor, Delivery and Maternity ward, so we are pleased to be delivering there.)

Also in class, we got the chance to listen to other people's experiences and questions, which is always a bonus because no one's experience is the same, nor does anyone's plan go exactly according to schedule! The baby does what the baby wants. Period.

The dads in the class got to "examine" several unusual items found in the delivery rooms, and try to figure out what the hell they were—this was a riot. BUT, there were things in that bag that I wasn't familiar with either, so you won't see me pointing fingers and laughing! Well, maybe I'll laugh a little...

We discussed all the stages of labor, how to measure contractions, what to expect (generally) in terms of timing and when to go to the hospital, Braxton-Hicks and false labor...you name it, it was covered. Another bonus, the nurse who taught the class is the lactation specialist for the hospital, so we may be meeting her again in the future if we need help. (I'm guessing you all know I plan on trying to breastfeed, but people seem hesitant to ask for some reason, so I figured I'd just put it out there.)

Probably the most interesting thing we learned about was the presentation of the baby and how it turns and shifts to get out of there! What a process! And how does it know what to do?! I suppose we'll just have to trust Mother Nature on this one. But that whole part is kind of amazing and scary at the same time. I had no idea what the kid has to go through to get out, seriously. Turn upside down, then sideways, then backwards... sheesh! Little acrobats, they are; good thing they're all smushy when they're that little. LOL! If all else fails and our baby is one of those uncoordinated ones (like I was! and still am, oddly enough haha) and wants to come out face up or something, well...they can try to turn the baby over, like they did me. Or if it comes to it, that's what c-sections are for. Let's hope for a standard delivery (and yes, I will take the drugs, pleaseandthankyousoverymuch!), but we also found out that approximately 30% of births these days are c-section deliveries. So, it's not out of the question. Either way, whatever gets the baby here safely is what we are going for, no? Here's wishing our little dude the safest delivery possible, however he chooses to meet us!

Talk to y'all soon.