Class
It’s been a long time since I took a class. Probably too long. I’m not even going to count the cooking class I took last year with Sweets and his folks. Before that, it was at least 10 years ago that I took a one-week immersion finance class for work. It was 14 years ago that I took a class lasting a full semester. As you can tell, school is not on my mind. Except for the fact I just signed up to take a class. Actually, Sweets and I both signed up to take the same class. A childbirth class. Gasp.
A few months ago, a fellow blogger mentioned that she’s friend with a doula in Chicago. I didn’t really think much of it at the time, because we hadn’t even announced our pregnancy publicly yet, let alone really thought about what our needs as parents-to-be were going to be. Fast forward to a couple weeks ago when we began thinking we might want a doula to particicpate in the birthing room with us, so I inquired about this particular doula’s name. Not one week later, another completely unrelated friend suggested this same doula, too. It seemed like a sign we were supposed to talk to this doula.
After a flury of emails with the doula, some Internet research and a long talk with Sweets, we decided to sign up for this doula’s childbirth class. Why the rush? I began emailing with her on Monday and her class began on Wednesday. And while she has other classes that start later this month and even in September, this class worked best with our schedule. Plus, the doula mentioned the earlier we can complete the class, the better … because it gives us plenty of time before the birth of our child to figure out what we want and make any changes, if needed. So, last night, we attended our first childbirth class.
I’ve got to admit, I was a little nervous going to this class. Nervous to learn about all the things I’ve avoided learning about so far (procrastination and avoidance my dears, I’ve got ‘em). But, more nervous because I sort of knew we’d be the lone couple seeing an OB in a sea of midwifery. And I didn’t want this class to be a place where I’d feel uncomfortable about the decisions we’ve made so far.
And while some of my fears were relayed, some turned out to be true. The nice thing about this class is it takes place in the basement of the doula’s house. There are only three couples, including Sweets and me. And while the other two couples are both seeing midwives (we’re not) and both have already committed to wanting natural childbirths (I still haven’t figured out what I want), the group is small. Intimate. Open. Honest.
One of the things we discussed is what we want to get out of this class. We all agreed we’d like it to be a place where we can speak openly without fear of judgment. We all agreed the purpose of this class is to empower us with knowledge, so we can each take away those things that are relevant to our unique situations. So, we can feel good about the birthing process from start to finish, even if it doesn’t go exactly as we had envisioned. Furthermore, Sweets and I think it will help us to better envision our own birth plan (or wish list, depending on how you think about it) … what we want our birth experience to be like. Because, unlike some of the other mothers-to-be, I’m still not sure of my thoughts about an epidural (pain medication) and pitocin (medicine to induce labor) and what laboring positions might work for me and even what I think about circumcision. These are all very personal decisions that Sweets and I hope to wade through over the next two months.
So, the first class was mostly an introduction. A setting of the stage. The format is interesting, because the doula asks us questions about our perceptions, our own knowledge, our own thoughts. And based on the discussion, she adds some additional things for us to consider. I like that we’re given a chance to speak with one another. Learn from one another. Learn more about ourselves. It’s an interesting class platform and I look forward to the next couple months of Wednesday night class.
What’s the last class you took? Was it for fun? School? Work? For those who have taken a childbirth class, what kind of class did you take and what did you get out of it? Are there things I should consider as Sweets and I work our way through this class?
August 12th, 2010 at 7:48 am
I’m glad that the class is going to be valuable for you and Sweets, making you think about what it is you want. I had no idea there were so many options available to women until a friend had her babies a few years ago. There certainly is a lot of condisder. I won’t lie, childbirth scares the hell out of me, I’m pretty sure I would have procrastination and avoidance too.
August 12th, 2010 at 8:15 am
I admit, I don’t know much about doulas vs midwives when it comes to babies so thank you for sharing your experience with us thus far! I’m glad you guys are doing what you want to do and what will work best for you.
You already know what kind of classes I’m taking, the last one was an advanced corporate finance class and the next one is a business strategies/capstone class starts on Sunday! Woohoo! When it’s all over though, I hope to take a cooking class, dance class and a few other fun things along the way =)
August 12th, 2010 at 8:26 am
We’ve taken 3 classes this summer at the hospital we are giving birth at. We took a childbirth class, an infant care class, and a multiples class. The childbirth class was useful, and we learned a lot about the many different medical and non-medical interventions that can happen during childbirth. As much as people have a “plan” and don’t want certain things, I feel much better knowing exactly what could happen rather than pretending like it won’t. We never planned on taking a childbirth class beyond what was offered at the hospital simply because a c-section is so likely for us…and no childbirth class out there adequately covers c-section birth.
August 12th, 2010 at 8:33 am
I am taking class currently. Boring grad school stuff, but I want the degree so I push through. I love that you found a class and a teacher who makes you feel comfortable. As a nurse, I guess Sweets has some knowledge and experience in the birthing process. (I think they do “rounds” in all the areas while in school, right?) Are you taking advantage of his knowledge also?
August 12th, 2010 at 8:34 am
Honestly, I am completely weirded out by the childbirth class. I dread the thought of it so much, we’re debating whether we even want to take the class. It doesn’t help that the only thing I’ve found in our area is the hospital class, and I just can’t get excited about it.
Baby care class? Yeah, we want to do that one. Childbirth though, I just have a weird feeling about it.
August 12th, 2010 at 8:41 am
We did a childbirthing class, too. It was at the hospital and covered all kinds of stuff. Famous last words from me, though: We watched a video on vag deiveries and none of the women in the video got epidurals. I planned on getting one. The pain they were in was awful to watch. After the video, I turned to Tim to say “thank God for epidurals” and he was ghostly white with fear! Ha! I assured him not to worry because I wanted an epidural.
Yeah. Remember my birthing story? No. Time. For. Pain. Meds. So, I wish our class had taught us a little more about breathing through the contractions. I remember one time the nurse telling me to breathe slower so I didn’t hypervenilate. And I shook my head no because I didn’t think I could stop my shallow breathing. But I made myself take a big, deep breath and was much more focused after that.
August 12th, 2010 at 9:23 am
Sounds like this is going to be a great class with people that are going to be sharing the same thoughts and fears as you guys!
Not taking any classes myself right now, but might take CT bar exam classes this winter to study for the CT bar. I really really really don’t want to, but for my sanity, I might have to.
August 12th, 2010 at 9:26 am
As much knowledge and information you can get about pregnancy and giving birth I think is really important. It will prepare you and allay a lot of your fears.
Last class I took I think was photography. I wish I could take more photography classes, but they are expensive.
August 12th, 2010 at 9:55 am
Well I just finished up my last semester of undergrad a few months ago so I’m DONE with school for awhile ;)
Actually, a photography or cooking class might be fun…
Anyways, Eric’s sister got a doula with her most recent pregnancy because the pregnancy before was really traumatic for her. There were complications, she was in labour for HOURS and a nurse that she got really attached to went off-shift, which was apparently pretty traumatic. Having a doula helped A LOT. She was a huge support system for Cheryl and made the whole labour process much easier than her first.
August 12th, 2010 at 10:27 am
This is so cool. At some point we need to figure out what we want from a childbirth class. Also, because I am seeing a midwife I’m not sure if I also want a doula or not. I guess we’ll see. Still plenty of time to figure this out!
August 12th, 2010 at 10:40 am
I bet you’re really going to enjoy the class. No matter what choices you make, remember they are the right choices for you.
August 12th, 2010 at 10:50 am
that’s great! awesome that you are taking it!
oh you know my school story! t minus a week and a half until my life is out of control again!
August 12th, 2010 at 11:54 am
I actually signed up for a drawing class this summer. Which I’ve been meaning to blog about, you know, if I ever blog again.
I enjoyed taking time to learn something new. Being out of school, you kind of fall into a routine and it’s nice to shake it up a bit with a new skill or new knowledge. And a childbirth class probably imparts some pretty important knowledge!!!
August 12th, 2010 at 1:14 pm
Wow, that sounds like a great class. I like that it sounds like a comfortable, non-judgmental environment. What a great opportunity!
I was up visiting a pregnant friend at work yesterday. She is 24 weeks along & had an appt this week -- the doctor asked if she would like to start talking about her birthing plan and Heather was like -- um, no, that’s so far away. Her OB gently reminded her that it’s coming faster than she thinks. I think it was one of those ‘oh sh*t’ moments for my friend and made it all a little bit more real (not that having a protruding bump isn’t making it real enough…)
The last class I took was an MBA grad school class… Not very thrilling… I would like to take a French language class but haven’t gotten around to doing that yet… Ever since grad school, I sort of have a knee-jerk reaction to committing to a class. I got so sick of having some place that I *had* to be while I was in grad school…
August 12th, 2010 at 2:30 pm
Dude, that sounds like a killer class. I would have been nervous too. I’m so glad it seems like you got a good group and a great teacher.
August 12th, 2010 at 4:03 pm
The last time I took a class was when Ken and I did a series of comedy improv workshops over an autumn, winter, and spring. Those were a lot of fun. Nothing much like birthing classes, I’d guess, except that you’ll need to be prepared for a certain amount of ad libbing! ;-)
August 12th, 2010 at 6:44 pm
Mr. W and I have attended a few wine clases. :) Those, as expected, are super fun. I almost took a book-making class at Paper Source. And we were signed up for a cooking class before Mr. W left for London last year. I can only imagine him in a childbirth class…I feel like he’d be woozy the whole time. :P
I’ll be really interested to find out what path you take with all these decisions. I think you’re being really smart about looking at all sides and all options. If I ever find myself in a pregnant state, I’ll be calling you for advice!
August 12th, 2010 at 9:34 pm
I’m glad that it was an open, honest and non-judgemental environment. People get so passionate about childbirth that it can easily become a hostile place. Glad it went well!
August 13th, 2010 at 12:47 am
The last class I took was our childbirth class last year. It was a quickie class--2 days--so it was kind of all thrown at us. I thought it was somewhat helpful, but also…not. What WAS helpful was the hospital tour. Seriously, I took more from that than almost the entire rest of the class. If you get a chance to tour your l&d area at the hospital you’re planning on, I would--it was very reassuring to know where to go, and where to not go (ex. to know that after midnight, not to go to one door, instead going to another in another part of the building!).
August 13th, 2010 at 2:21 pm
I’ve taken a class on understanding communication styles (to make a long story short, it was the last step in a process by which my employer would pay me a small amount for being healthy and active) and before that, a college-level statistics class. It’s strange to return to the classroom, but I’m an avid student, so I loved it.
August 13th, 2010 at 6:00 pm
My last course was an accounting course. I’ve been finished for 5 days but I still cannot get income statements and budgets out of my brain. I see numbers and formulas in my dreams.
I’ve never taken a childbirth class (obviously) but it sounds like you’ve got the perfect scenario. Three couples is a nice, small number. In a larger class you may feel less open and honest.
August 14th, 2010 at 11:43 am
I attended a birthing class with my sister when she was pregnant with Finn. Granted, it was just one time while I was visiting from CA but I still learned a lot. I think it’s great you are taking that class and early!
Can I use yoga class as my last class? Even though I go 3-4 times a week and it’s exercise?