Childbirth Class

There’s nothing like a childbirth video to get you thinking about labor! This week we attended the “Your Childbirth Experience” class taught by Registered Nurse Sarah Powell at Fauquier Hospital.

Since Evan was an emergency c-section I really didn’t have much information on what labor would be like before this class. The class went over everything -- from distinguishing between false labor and actual labor, to going home after baby, and everything in between. We spent time going through the different stages of labor, what happens during a c-section. We discussed every option available to those of us delivering at Fauquier Hospital.  It was so comforting to hear how supportive the nurses are to those of us who want to go all natural (no pain meds), and how they encourage laboring at home as long as possible.

A concern of mine before the class was being hooked up to monitors and confined to laboring in bed because I was going to have a VBAC (vaginal delivery after c-section). I’ve been reassured that this isn’t the case anymore. Telemonitoring allows you to be wirelessly monitored. These monitors can even get wet, so I’ll be able to get in the spa tub that they have – the tub at Fauquier Hospital is nicer than mine at home!

The class was very hands-on. No, we didn’t participate in an actual birth, but we did spend time going through different stations set up around the classroom. The stations allowed us to practice comfort techniques such as breathing, different laboring positions and my personal favorite, the hand massage station. It was a two-day class; at the end we took a tour of the Family Birthing Center and one of the birthing suites. All of the rooms are private, spacious and there is an extra bed for hubby. You give birth in your suite room and there’s a designated space for baby girl, so she will get to stay with us the whole time. Two weeks ago I was worried and anxious about labor but after this class, I am excited.

Little Weekly Details. We also saw Dr. Hodgson this week and had another great check up.  Baby girl’s growth is right on track and everything seems to be going as it should. I actually didn’t gain any weight these past two weeks, which disappointed me, but again, I’ve been reassured that I’m measuring fine and not to worry. Hubby and I are getting very excited for baby girl’s arrival; we just can’t wait to hold her!