Lamaze Class

The name of the class can be very deceiving and make you think that you are just going to learn about how to breath and relax, however it was so much more than that and I am so thankful we actually took the class as early as we did.  There were actually a few couples in our class that were due in a few weeks, but I like to have as much information as early as possible to help me feel educated and to make wise decisions about our delivery options.

First I must say that our instructor was great, okay we were a little biased since she is a good friend, but she was informative, knowledgeable, had a sense of humor, and used a variety of teaching tools.  As a public speaker and educator I love to be around quality speakers and Tammy Leitzel - you are one - great job!!!

As I mentioned before the class was so much more than just learning how to breath... in fact here are some interesting things that I learned in the class that I did not know before.

1.  First time moms usually are in labor 12-17 hours.  The good news is that is not constant
2.  If you are induced you have to stay on a monitor throughout the rest of your delivery time.
3.  Although our hospital does not do water births they do have a tub with jets to help with contractions, as well as birthing ball and bar.
4.  Our bodies are designed for having babies, and they will naturally work through the delivery process.
5.  Changing positions during labor and using gravity can reduce the length of labor and reduce tearing.
6.  Once you are admitted as the mom you aren't able to have anything but clear liquids - husbands can't eat in the room they have to eat at the nursing station. (Joel was pretty happy about that)
7.  Nubain is a drug to help take the edge off the pain of labor, however it doesn't restrict you like an epidural does.
8.  Contractions start at the sides and work their way to the middle and back out to the sides.
9.  Pain is - purposeful, anticipated, intermittent, and normal
10.  Only 12% of women have their water break out prior to labor.

This was just a piece of what we learned.  We feel we are much more informed now to make some decisions as far as our preferences.  Hope it has been helpful to you as well!