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Mom Makes it Through Birthing Class; Dad Just Barely… September 23rd, 2006

First, we’re sorry for the delay in updates to schmoopiebeta.com. Mom and Dad-to-be have been hard at work preparing for baby’s arrival and simply just hard at work at the office. Expect more updates as we get close to the big day.

Today, we had our all-day long class to prepare us for the joys of childbirth. Our main goal was to learn what to expect and know what to do when K4’s birth day arrives. This class was very helpful to us, and we both left feeling a lot more confident. We learned plenty today, including when you can get an epidural, when you call the hospital, when you go to the hospital, and when Dad-to-be is most likely to pass out.

We did get to see the videos. The first video was of a natural childbirth. All in all, the video was very informative and not too difficult to get through. Before I go any further, I, as Dad-to-be, should explain I am generally not too fond of seeing blood or learning about painful things.

In the class today, I learned the terms “north dads” and “south dads.” I am for sure a “north dad.” North dads always stay close to Mom’s head during labor and never explore what the nurse or doctor is reviewing during labor.

I also learned something more about myself today. I was able to get through the first video, even the part including the delivery of the placenta. However it was not so easy for the second video. It included all types of intervention procedures that could happen during labor, including the epidural. It was during a computer generated graphic and description of what takes place during the installation of the epidural where I began to feel I was going to faint. Quickly felt very hot with a cold sweat. I had to get up and go to the restroom to break my thoughts of the procedure to avoid passing out in front of the class.

I know it sounds odd, but often, for me, it’s not the sight of blood – it’s the thought or description of what’s going on at the time – or could go on – that makes me want to pass out.

We watched a third video of a cesarean delivery, and I was able to get through it with no problem.

So I think there’s hope that if I can stay a north dad and avoid any lengthy descriptions of what may be going on, I may just be able to stay awake and vertical all throughout delivery.

As for Mom-to-be; I don’t think I can have any more respect for anyone else on the planet. She is able to go through so much for 9 months, and then go through childbirth. Absolutely amazing, which is why she is the love of my life.

Posted in Changes and Preparations |