Robyn.Bowles.es

On Friday, Samuel and I walked into town to attend our first Childbirth Class. The room was almost full when we arrived, and a few more people wandered in after us. There were about 12 women, and about half had a friend or husband with them.
Samuel was one of three men in attendance and had the privilege of participating in a little demonstration to show how the female genitourinary system fits together. Oh to have had a camera in that moment!!

Prior to the demonstration the instructor had reviewed a lot of anatomy; then asked the three men to come forward. The first she had lean over at the waist – he represented the bladder. Samuel was behind him with his arms outstretched over the guy’s back – he was the uterus. And the tallest of the men then stood behind Samuel and represented the bowel. She then moved them around a bit to show the changes our bodies go through during pregnancy. It was hilarious!

I couldn’t stop laughing!

We also watched a video about breastfeeding, bathing baby and cord care; and reviewed three types of breathing used in pregnancy and labor. I was the only one in the room planning (hoping) NOT to use an epidural, and received quite a shocked reaction from everyone else when I responded this way! The instructor then said the third type of breathing is for me.

For the last 20 minutes we did stretching and floor exercises (the partners just watched). For most of the women it was the only such exercise they had all week. I’m thankful that I can attend an aerobics class here twice a week, and have ample opportunities for long walks!

It was fun to be able to participate in the class and spend 90 minutes just focusing on our baby. This week we will learn breathing and relaxation techniques. Should be fun!

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