Preparing for a Miracle
Courtney and I have completed Baptist Health System's Prepared Childbirth Class. It consisted of four 2-hour classes spread over four weeks. We now feel a little more prepared for what lies ahead.

Highlights of the class included watching a video of a normal delivery, watching a video of a Caesarean delivery and a live discussion with an obstetric anesthesiologist. What did I learn? In no particular order, here are a few things that I can remember from the class: (1) It is safe to have cats in the same home as your baby. The horror stories that we have all heard are myths. (2) A Caesarean delivery does not limit the number of children a woman may have. (3) Husbands must send flowers to their wife on the day of delivery. (4) The first stage of labor can last for more than six hours. During this time, is not necessary for the mother to go to the hospital. She can can wait until her water breaks or until the contractions become intense and regular. (5) More than seventy-five percent of all pregnant women will request and receive epidural anesthesia during labor and delivery. The epidural will not be administered until a woman's cervix has dilated to at least 4 centimeters. This means that even with an epidural, the pain can become intense before the epidural is administered and begins to take effect. (6) The breathing techniques have two purposes. The first is to divert the mother's attention from pain. The second is to maintain a good oxygen level for the mother and child, as many women tend to hold their breath when experiencing labor pains.

I can definitely recommend this class to new parents. There is no way to fully prepare for the first labor and delivery, but this class gave us a glimpse into some of the things to expect. Hopefully we won't completely freak out when the whole process starts. We're growing more excited as November 17th draws closer.