Things We Learn in Birth Class

Last night was our second of four birth classes at Good Shepherd. Yes, we take notes. I think it annoys the other couples, but hey, we paid for the class, and we're going to remember it- one way or another. We were almost the last ones there with the exception of two or three of the other couples. I wouldn't let Paul park in the expectant mother spots this time (we did that last time), so we walked through the parking lot a little farther. We had to wait to get our badges at the desk. There was a volunteer explaining to the people in front of us that they were at the wrong entrance for cardiac care. It was close to 6:30 pm by the time they were done, and we walked as fast as we could to class. Each couple had another bag of freebies on their chairs this week. Freebies included an American Baby magazine, a sample pack of White Cloud newborn size diapers, a Gerber NUK pacifier, a Pampers spring blossom-scented wet wipe, a sample pack of disopable nursing pads, yet another JC Penney picture coupon, and a sample of Dreft laundry detergent.

Class started with a review of last week's topics: the timing of contractions, when to call your doctor for contractions before 37 weeks, and the first phase of the first stage of labor: early labor. This review lasted about half an hour. Then she talked about this week's major topic: active labor, phase two of the first sage of labor. Contractions are typically 3 and half to 5 minutes apart, and on average this phase lasts three to five hours. This is also the point where they will usually give you medication if you want it. If you don't take it, there is a chance you will not get it: it depends on your doctor, your body, and how close you are to delivering if it is offered later. We were introduced to the "labor ball." It is basically an exercise ball you can sit on to relieve pressure. They are available in everyone's birth suite (i.e. labor and delivery room) if you want one, ask.

After the lecture (and everyone finally was at class), the fun part started: The Tour of the Birth Center. Paul and I both forgot the camera, so we don't have any pictures. The Birth Center is on the third floor of the hospital. It has a small waiting area for family members that has a couple sofas, two vending machines (one for drinks, the other for snacks), wireless internet access (if your computer has a card), a plug in for nonwireless- enabled computers, a tv, and a small play area for kids. That is where we started our tour. Next, it was off through the locked glass doors to look at a labor and delivery suite (room). Good Shepherd had nine of them- supposedly it all works out.

The labor and delivery suite has absolutely everything, but you would not know it. All the medical equipment is cleverly hidden unless you are looking for it, you won't find it. The one thing I did notice was the laptop used for taking medical histories, ect. There is a tv and a cd player. The room has wood floors. There are pictures on the walls. There is a recliner for Dad and a glider chair for Mom. It looks more like a hotel room instead of a hospital room. As I said before all the medical equipment is cleverly hidden. There is a huge light that folds down from the ceiling when they need it. The monitor for contractions and baby's heart rate looks like a dresser. In the "closet" directly infront of Mom's hospital bed is the bed that they first put the baby in. It is an open bed with a radient warmer attached to the top. It is moible. There is also a plastic bassinet that is built into a rolling dresser for baby to be transported around in when he/she is in Mom' s room. Baby can room with Mom for as little or as much time as she likes (24 hr. rooming-in is available). With the exception of a c-section, everything can happen in that room.

There are 2 recovery rooms for c-sections. We could not look at them because they are in a sterile area. We did get to look at a post partum room. There are twent-two of those. Each of those rooms has two flat screen tvs and look more like hospital rooms to me. There is only one bed in the room. Rooms are not shared unless it is absolutely necessary, and even then they take volunteers first. Each room has it's own nurse and tech (nurse assistant). In addition to the call button, the nurse has a cell phone so you can reach her when/if you need her. Next we saw the nursery. It is probably bigger than it looks. The regular nursery is upfront by the glass windows. In the back, behind another set of glass walls, is the neonatal unit. They take babies born after 28 weeks with problems (breathing, ect.). Paul did ask about the formula they use. It is either Similac or Enfamil depending on what rotation the nursery is on. They will tell you which one they start your baby on so you can keep the formula consistent.

After our break, we watched two videos. One was the segment on active labor from the video from the previous week. The other was a video about a woman who gave birth without pain medication when originally she had intended to use it. Then it was practice session time. Last night's topic was massage and a new breathing technique called modified pace breathing. The massage felt wonderful. The instructor gave each couple a tennis ball and had the coaches roll it around their partner's back. It felt sooo good, I almost fell asleep. We had to practice the new breathing technique at the same time, so much for sleeping. Afterwards I felt like I had so much more energy!

So we learned about the brith center, a new breathing technique, and that tennis balls are Good for massage. I am so glad we don't have a dog!