Lamaze Class – First Night

Last night was our first Lamaze class. We are taking it at the hospital our baby will be born at. It’s the same one that Amy used for James. It is one of a few in the area, but a good one and it isn’t too far away for us.

The class is taught over four weeks, by a very energetic and very talkative woman. She really gets into her class and really loves pregnant woman and babies. You can tell it’s genuine. She even gives the class her home phone number. She wants us to call her when labor starts and if she is at the hospital she will visit. She’d probably do the birth if you asked.

The class was quite full. All but one couple showed up, which meant that we filled the room. I think there were about 13 couples (give or take) including us. Due dates ranged from February 1 to March. We were curious as to how many baby girls people were expecting and it seemed about 50/50. A good mix of girls and boys.

The instructor talks pretty much non-stop. She starts off by talking to each couple in birth order, first to last. We filled out some paperwork explaining a little about ourselves. She used that to start a conversation and ask us questions. That way we all got to meant each other and get a little more comfortable. Lots of teachers were there. I think that at least 5 people were teaches. Everybody but one couple was local. They live about 1 hour away, which probably means this was the closest hospital.

Next she asked each pregnant woman the best thing about being pregnant. She got the usual answers. Sue says “All the footrubs!”. The instructor was happy to hear that and told her, “Treat him good. Give him lots of sex!” After that she asked all the men how the pregnancy was going. The usual answers again. “Mood swings”, etc.

A quick bio-break and we watched some slides. Slides showing what things look like and where the baby is. She showed different slides during a birth and what is going on at each stage. She was very informed and was very eager to share.

Lastly we got on the floor with our pillows and chairs to rest. We really just sat there for a while (which was uncomfortable for me!) talking. By the time to end came around we were surprised. The class went very well.

Sometime during the next three classes we’ll get a tour of the hospital, birthing rooms, nursery and post-partum rooms. We’ll also get to watch some videos. I know Sue is going to be a little shocked when she sees a birth, but I’ve seen one before (Certified First Responder training) so I shouldn’t be too surprised.

33 days to go.


2 Responses to “Lamaze Class – First Night”

  1. jessie Says:
    January 12th, 2007 at 10:51 am

    wow, it’s coming up quick. it just hit for me now, reading this post. whew!

  2. Shaun Says:
    January 12th, 2007 at 1:19 pm

    Tell me about it! The first few months were agonizing. “When are we going to see a big tummy.” Now that it is here Sue wants nothing but to have it out. Despite what she says and her complaints she does move around pretty good for a pregnant woman. Walking long distances wears her out quicker now, but she keeps up at a pretty good pace otherwise.