Childbirth Education Class

On Saturday, Shawnna and I attended a childbirth education class and Tuesday we had a breastfeeding class. These classes were meant to educate us about what to expect before, during and after the birth. They showed pictures, used props and played videos designed to prepare us for what we are about to experience. We talked about everything from the discomforts of pregnancy (there are MANY) to the anatomy & physiology of labor and even some postpartum tips to help us care for the baby as well as ourselves after the birth. There is so much to know that it was a bit overwhelming, but I know we'll figure it out as we go along, so I'm not that worried.

The funniest moment during the childbirth class occurred while we were watching a video of a baby being born. As soon as the slimy, alien-looking baby popped out, one of the guys in the class exclaimed out loud, "Oh, shit!" Apparently, he must have only seen birth on TV shows where babies come out looking cute and dry. After I finished laughing, I realized that at least I was more prepared than that guy - it made me feel better :-)

As part of the class, we got a tour of the birthing center at Sutter Tracy Hospital where they showed us exactly what to expect while we are there. We saw the birthing suites, the nursery, they told us about the strict security features and let us know that the baby could stay within our eyesight the entire time we're there if we choose. Basically, they told us that we call the shots and the staff is there to assist us with whatever we need and make our stay as comfortable as possible. The way they described it, I'm expecting a Club Med experience... with some afterbirth thrown in as a reality check.