This post is intended to be an update on how our childbirth classes went, but I have a feeling it’s going to turn into a little more than that.
Todd and I arrived at our all day Saturday childbirth class at the hospital with two pillow and a blanket in tow (for the dreaded lamaze/breathing portion). There were three other young couples in the room and one of the other couples also got the memo about the pillows and blanket. The lovely, sarcastic, and perfectly perfect nurse told us that she doesn’t believe much in that so we should just take the pillows and blanket back to the car. Score! The day started off perfect!
So that’s my lamaze experience. Nothing. No breathing. No “hoo hoo heeeeee”. Nada. Her response was, “that’s why there’s the epidural. If you really want the lamaze I can put you in touch with someone who teaches those, but it’s not me.” I loved her.
The class was very much like any other classroom experience. Lots of Power Point, lots of questions, and a few much too informative videos. I’ve watched “A Baby Story” on TLC a couple of times, but things are often blurry. Nothing was blurred out in this video. And nothing was pretty. These women were completely exposed from head to toe.
Now, I like clothes. I even like hospital gowns if it means that a doctor, an anesthesiologist, two nurses, a scrub tech, and my husband aren’t going to be staring at every inch of me for God knows how long while I scream and sweat and push a baby out. Why weren’t these women wearing their robes?! Do they think it’s organic and natural for a woman to be totally nude?
Seriously, the first question asked after the video by one of the husbands was, “Where are the hospital gowns?!” The second question was, “How can I sign up for a c-section?”
That leads me to my next point. Baby Boy Carroll is still breech and I pray every night that God will let him stay in that position. Please don’t flip, Baby Boy! Keep your c-section criticism to yourself. I want one! The little incision is tiny and no one would ever see it. It’s scheduled. I’m an event planner for crying out loud. I need schedule.
Here’s my rationalization (I’m a pretty irrational person, by the way): I’m going to have some significant recovery either way I go. I’ve heard horror stories about the natural delivery (even with epidural) aftermath. I think no one ever wants to share those stories because they’re afraid that they’ll seem like childbirth wasn’t beautiful.
Here’s the thing…. a baby is beautiful. Why does childbirth have to be beautiful?
We also toured the hospital after all the videos were over. It was a very informative day. Possibly the funniest part of the day was when the nurse showed us the labor and delivery room and told us that some moms want to see the baby coming out. (WHY?!) She told us that one option was to request “a meerow.” (A mirror) Then she kept saying it. “A lot of couples like this big standing meerow because the mom can see everything while she’s pushing.” Todd and I don’t have a lot of tolerance for bad grammar or mispronounced words, so we just cringed every time she said it.
Good news: I have a baby shower/luncheon tomorrow with some of my coworkers at one of my favorite Columbia restaurants. It’ll be nice to get out of the office and get away from golf tournament and party planning for a couple of hours to watch some of my favorite people drink yummy lunch cocktails!
LOL- I hear ya sister- I’m waiting to hear from the hospital right now on what day next week my scheduled c-section will be and I couldn’t be happier! You just have to do what is best for you. I know the recovery is longer, but at least you’ll still be able to laugh w/out peeing in your pants! TMI I know, but true 🙂
Oh good Lord. I’m wearing a robe when I deliver, dang it. That is, when I get pregnant. After I actually get married. After a few years of marriage. Right!
I can’t believe they were totally naked…that is strange! I’ve never heard of that before… I hope you get the C-Section you want:-)
And all of that is why I am hesitant to have children. 🙂
Can’t wait to hear more about your parenting adventures! You have such a no-nonsense approach. I love it!
Hilarious! The “meerow” was the best part!
And honey, I know people are going give you the thumbs down on C-section, but I’m right there with you! When I have kids, I want a C-section too. (hello, I’m a consulant, very type-A planner)
Thanks for being so cool and honest about your journey!
i love your attitude about preganacy! i never understood some of those weird earthy type thoughts on giving birth and was always confused when people would have a baby and get all…weird! thanks for telling it like it is 🙂
I completely agree with you!
Thumbs up for a planned C-section and major thumbs down for a “meerow!” Seriously, some people want to watch? More power to those that can stomach it but I know I’d pass out.
Glad your lamaze experience is exactly what you wanted it to be 🙂
I read a lady’s blog and while she was pregnant she told everyone to keep their opinions to themselves because childbirth (and child rearing!) are unique like snowflakes. I loved that analogy. For what it is worth, my mother had all of us kids (3) via c-section and we are all healthy! I’m not pregnant yet but when I am, I want a c-section, too!
My sister had scoliosis as a child and now has a steel rod in her back which will prevent her from having an epidural (or anything) inserted/injected in or near her spine. They gave her 2 options: natural childbirth or general anesthesia. Guess what she picked? She will go to sleep pregnant and wake up with a baby. Duh.
I’m all about scheduling! I have heard pros and cons both ways about getting c-section, but its your body and you know what you want! I don’t like when people try to push their own opinion off on other people.
This was really funny by the way!
This is hilarious! Thanks for the update.
My plan is to schedule.
I’ll be damned if I am going to be in labor for 200 million hours.
Childbirth is NOT beautiful 🙂 I agree with the c-section, bring it on! I’m sure a baby would agree, seems much easier on them to be lifted out than to push for freedom for hours..or days…
So I don’t have any kids yet and it’s a while aways, but I completely agree with you on the
c-section thing. I think it’s completely ridiculous that people look down on choosing to have a c-section! it’s your choice and you know what best for you!!
I will 100% be scheduling my births as c-sections!!!
yea for no hoo-hoo-hee! And I think I already gave my 2 cents on the aftermath of natural childbirth. Why didn’t someone tell me? Lordy, it was not pretty for weeks and weeks. I hope you get to have the c-section, too!
I 100% think that you are in my head. I am not pregnant nor have I ever been – but, I will be thinking the EXACT same things you posted here if I ever am!
Awesome to know I am not abnormal.
-E
When I did my clinicals in L&D, I was shocked about the mirror. Theirs hung overhead so that you could lie there and see everything. Ummm, no thank you! I've already informed Chris that whenever we have a baby, he's stayin' north for the whole thing and there will be NO MIRRORS!
Haha! Love the update on the lamaze lacrap! I’m debating if we should even go.. That’s $40 I could save! ha! I have seen the birthing tapes before and that is such a legit question – why 100% naked? Really? the Ape boobies are not necessary to see! 🙂
Ewww I can’t believe the women were totally nude giving birth. I would not want my knockers floating in the breeze for everyone to see. Shirt please!
C-section? Just sign me up! I understand that exactly!
While I agree with most of what you’ve said, I will say this. The recovery from a C-Section is much more than it is from a natural delivery. I had 2 “regular” deliveries and both times I was pretty much up and around feeling fine the next day. With C’s it is major surgery you need to recover from and most people tell me it takes quite a while before you can walk up and down stairs comfortably or lift anything. And that includes a newborn by the way….Just something else to consider.
I am all about the C-section. As a nurse I know the pros and cons and have seen both live. I vote C-section all the way!
Girl, this post was so funny and spot on. I am **terrified** of childbirth…unless it involves general anesthesia!!
Just so long as my baby is healthy I will do whatever 🙂 With drugs of course 🙂
I want a robe for sure, no one needs to see what’s going on underneath my robe from the belly button up 🙂
Have fun at your shower girl! 🙂 That will be so fun!
Well, back in the dark ages when I had my babies, my hubby and I opted NOT to do any kind of childbirth classes. So I was pretty much clueless about all the terminology, etc. My friends went and thought they were ob/gyn’s after that. I had epidureals with both of mine – no ill side effects. I had no problems with recovery. I was up and around in a day or two. Now, I won’t say I would’ve run a marathon, but it was very easy. . . And, hubby wasn’t even gonna come into the delivery room, but decided to at the last minute. Glad he did – he and I both were glad. And NO, we didn’t have a meerow – gah – that is a bit much if you asked me. . . but each to his own I guess. And there is no screaming when pushing and all that – if you’ve had an epi I mean. Mine was a breeze and I’m not just saying that to make you feel good 😉 It really was . . . xoxo
First, let me just say I LOVE your blog! Second, when I was pregnant with my first, my husband and I went to the childbirth classes and after the video, while all of the other moms were commenting on how beautiful it was, he and I had the most disgusted looks on our faces. I DID wear the robe and even made them close the TV cabinet in front of me so I couldn’t see my own reflection in the TV glass. I wish you the best of luck! Oh, and if you do not have a c-section, go for the epidural!!
I wanted a c-section the entire time I was preggers, but ended up giving birth the “other” way! I was TERRIFIED of the epidural, but once it was done I told the lovely man who did it that I LOVED him!Giving birth was not FUN but no one ever said it was suppose to be!But it was not as bad as I had made out to be!! Just FYI!
Child birth is soooooo not glamourous!
I am totally a supporter of if you need pain relief – GO FOR IT!
But I have to tell you – the c-section scar isn’t always small. I had three c-sections, and my first scar was eight inches. Things went really wrong (which they often do!) and it was a gross thing!
So yah, I say do what you want to do – because OBVIOUSLY it is your body and you can DO what you want to do, but c-sections aren’t all they are cracked up to be.
Goodluck with your baby bub!!! Can’t wait to hear how it goes 🙂 *Hugs*
love you. that is all.
2 thoughts:
1 – I don’t know if I would want a mirror to watch a vaginal birth, but if I have a c-section, I kind of want to watch that! Is that weird? But I don’t think my Hubster could handle it, he gets queasy when we watch Grey’s Anatomy.
2 – I don’t know how I feel about c-section vs. vaginal births yet, but I do know this: c-section newborns are usually much prettier…HAHA!
I hope however you give birth, you and your baby will be healthy and full of life!
Love, love, love a c-section. I was scheduled and it was GREAT. Go for it!!
Sounds like a great class =) I agree with what your nurse said—there’s an epideral!
I was a breech baby and there’s an urban legend that breech babies have flawless skin!
mirror? ew! I also hate it on the Baby Story when they go “do you want to feel the head?” ummmm NO, get it out of my nether-regions, towel that sucker off and THEN I will cuddle it.
crazy i heart childbirth people.
I got a few giggles out of the mirror comment. I had an elementary school teacher who said that and I think I corrected her. But I came across this literally 3 minutes after I read the post so I had to come back to leave you the link.
http://www.perpetualkid.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=3460
Maybe you can enjoy it too.
Seriously funny stuff!!
I was breech so my mother had a C-Section, since she already had a scar (which isnt that horrible,and it was 22 years ago when they were up and down) and that is all she knew, she had a scheduled one with my younger sister. She said it wasn’t horrible like people make it out to be and we are BIG whiners!
I also plan to schedule a C-Section because I just dont see the big difference in having a cut across the belly and a TEAR in the Va-Jay-Jay (Grey’s, anyone?)… which makes me want to adopt just thinking about it!
The scars today are so tiny and so low, hopefully the only person that will eventually see it is your hubby anyways and I am sure he would appreciate it and what it symbolizes.
Oh… and one more thing… the lady above who made the comment about breech children having perfect skin…
It is true, 22 years and no pimples, redness, etc.
Have you talked to your dr? I would think any dr would be just fine with scheduling a c-section even for a first time mom who wants one. It’s a win-win for them: more money and not having to wait around for hours until they eventually deliver the baby at 3am.
Oh, and forgot to say that I think childbirth is DISGUSTING! Not all of us who have natural births think it’s beautiful. No to mirrors, no to touching the head as it comes out (GROSS!!!) and wipe off the goop before you give him to me, too! I can’t believe those women who give birth in tubs and then are basically swimming in the goop. EW!
I was like you Erin..very laid back, Whatever happens, happens attitude..the day I found out that Miss J was measuring big and they were concerned about me pushing her out and her possibly getting stuck and having nerve damage to her shoulder and/or neck I was so happy! I was ready for whatever but was never so happy to find out that a c-section was probably going to be my best option! Was I bummed that mom wasn’t going to get to experience her 1st grandchild being born..Yeah! But I had to do what was best for me and Miss J…I went to my 39 week appt and they scheduled it and I could have went the next day but opted to wait until the Friday of that week so that my doctor could do it! I had visions in my head of me and hubby listening for her first cry, them placing her little face next to my face and taking pictures…that didn’t happen right away! I ended up having to be put to sleep since my spinal didn’t deliver the 1..2 punch it was suppose to! No biggie..All that mattered at that point was getting her here and once I woke up I didn’t want to do anything else but hold her! And yeah you are sore but as long as you take it easy and don’t overexert yourself and stay on top of your meds You’ll be just fine! good luck and sorry about the long post! I really enjoy your blog!!
I was in labor for almost 13 hours (with epi) with Graham (#1) It was music to my ears to hear the word c-section. Nothing scared me more than pushing a baby out. C-sections for me were a breeze (a little sore, but nothing major past the first week) and I was SO grateful.
OK, so, I was born via emergency c-section–both my mom and I almost died (awesome)–can you believe she got crap from family members because she never traditionally labored?? Um, hello, she almost died–I think we can let it slide. Besides, I’m scared either way. The whole idea terrifies me. C section, natural, whatever–scares me to high heaven. My outlook:your body, your baby, as long as everything is safe and healthy, do whatever feels right for you.
Here are my thoughts:
Lamaze=crap, did not help me at ALL!! I had Claire naturally (she came too fast, not my choice, I was begging for an epidural) and I never once “hee hee hoo hoo”. Owen on the other hand, felt no pain, had an epidural when I walked, it was no big deal. The great thing was that I was up and walking around that night after having them that way. That meant so much to me as I could not imagine being stuck in bed after having them and after a c section you kind of have to. Also, both of mine were Breech, Claire until week 34 and Owen was up until a week before I went in. So Baby Boy could still turn. It is crazy how much they can still move around with very little room. Please know that I am in no way “a natural girl”, I did not breast feed the kids and don’t plan to this time. The whole process can be terrifying any way you go. Each girl their own and whatever you choose will be perfect for you!!!
A “meerow”? Geeezus. As if the videos themselves aren’t scary enough.
You go with your rad, c-section loving self!
okay I’m not pregnant but I think I’m with you on the c-section. I think it’ll be easier in the long run. I’ve heard horror stories too that I never want to happen to me down there.
I’m totally for a c-section! I’m all about planning and having a schedule!
Oh and P.S. I was a c-section baby and everyone said I was so pretty because my head wasn’t all coned and bruised.
O.m.g. WHO wants to see that?? No thank you! I am going to be embarrassed to have two nurses, a doc, and the anesthesiologist seeing all of the goods. I definitely would like to keep my robe on and keep the full view “meerow” out of the room!
First off… you kill me!
Secondly: a mirror? That’s got to be a joke. You know how on Baby Story they throw the baby on the mom for her to see immediately? My biggest question about childbirth is this, can you PLEASE wash the kid off before you give it to me?
I know.. moms everywhere are cursing me but seriously?!? I HATE bodily fluids and think about what you’re loving on! We can bond when the baby’s clean!!
Girl.. more power to you through all this! Keep your sense of humor because it kills me!
Before I had my baby, I felt the same way about body fluids and I was petrified of labor. It was my biggest fear. I wanted a c-section too, but I heard from other moms who had both that vaginally was the best way to go. If you get an epidural, I promise it is not that bad. I didn’t feel anything. It numbs your lower body. I thought they had hit something in my spinal cord and I was paralyzed or something. As far as body fluids go, there is so much else going on you don’t think about it. I was also paranoid about being so exposed for everybody to see even though they look at it daily…..I’m very modest, but again, you totally forget about all that.
Glad that you got a lamaze coach who doesn’t believe in lamaze – i know your feelings on that one! Second, whatever you decide, you are going to do great!
You crap me up, sister!
Whoops, forgot this – I didn’t even know anyone still taught lamaze! It’s such a dated, ineffective approach to labor, yikes!
my mommy blog is private, but you can find it here: http://www.thepregnancychronicles.blogspot.com...
First, let me say that I hated – HATED – being pregnant (and I didn’t even have a bad pregnancy!). I was all about natural childbirth, no drugs, all that. Until that last month, when I just.wanted.her.out.!!!
In the end, I got the good drugs, and it was AWESOME! No pain, no scar, only 4 tiny stitches. I SLEPT through my labor! They had to wake me up to tell me it was time to push.
Get a perennial massage to stretch the tissue out so you don’t tear (or don’t tear as badly). Request no episiotomy, tears heal better. It’s just worrisome to see so many comments and this post with such a cavalier approach to getting a C/S. This is blunt, but it’s true: C/S’s come with a slew of risks to babies. It’s selfish of any mom to elect to have a C/S just for the sake of planning and a supposedly easier birth experience. Not to mention that it brings further risks to future pregnancies/births.
Just something to consider.
Wow, I suck at posting comments today! One last thing – my good friend gave birth in nothing but a bra, and I was like…eeew, was that REALLY necessary? Come on, now, put some clothes on! Have a little modesty!
Lo and behold, I did the same thing. And I couldn’t have cared less who saw what in that place, I just wanted the baby OUT. It’s easy to judge until you’re the one in the middle of the labor, which is hotter than hell (seriously, it raises your body temp). The nudity is probably less a “mother earth”, au natural thing, and more a practicality.
Too, too funny, but also a little bizarre! We are with you on the nudity…. organic & natural do not transcend basic manners. IOHO.
tp
I know- she did such a great job on the candy bar! I should have mentioned it in the post. 🙂 I actually almost introduced myself to her, but I thought she might think it was a little too random! She is one talented lady.
Now I need to read this post on La Maz….
hey! i thought you might be intrested in my giveaway today…the company donating makes SUPER cute birth announcements and baby cards! be sure to check them out and enter the giveaway!
Good job! You do what’s best for you and the baby. If it’s a C-section, then great. I’m glad the class wasn’t too horrible (minus the graphic parts which who wants to see anyway?) And I love the part about the meerow.
Have a great weekend!
I wouldn’t have been able to keep a straight face for “meerow” either. We haven’t decided on what kind of Lemaze/Bradley classes to take yet… I’m loving the preview on your blog, though!
C – sections are beautiful! I had one and it’s the best way to go! Drugs were great, recovery was awesome, wouldnt have it anyother way! Good luck! And keep up the good work with “taking everything with a grain of salt” I felt like telling everyone to shut it, with all thier opinions. go with your gut. you will be perfect!
I think that anyone who wanted to be in control of their birth would not have signed up for the class at the hosital, led by an RN nurse. She knew who her audience was, and chose the film accordingly (I believe to get y’all to buy into the high c-section rate of the hospital). They do provide gowns, so why the film with all the nudity? To make y’all feel uncomfortable. For a vaginal birth you’d have maybe 2 personnel present. For a c-section–many more peering at your splayed nether regions that are shaved bare. Did she show you a film with a graphic c-section?
I've had 2 babies, baby #1 I had no idea I was in labor (she was 9 lbs) when I showed up, it was go time…I went right from "I'm going to do it myself" to "where the heck is the epidural". – epidural is awesome, you STILL FEEL THE PRESSURE OF HAVING A BABY just not the pain sensation. It is much nicer & is still a lot of work. Baby #2 was a year later (hello Irish twins) and was pretty much the same story except I was induced another 2 thumbs up-very calm great process).
All those birth classes are nice but the breathing, the ball, the shower…yeah, none of it come into play for me.
Pop over to my blog or email me anytime. My 2 are 3 & 4 now. I've been thru it all. YOU ARE GOING TO DO GREAT!!! Just like you do with this blog I love it!!! I'm finally commenting. 🙂 Please post pics & keep us posted.
Don’t worry about the birth plan and breathing and all that. I just had a baby a month ago and I went in very open minded. Depending on how I handled the pain depended on whether I asked for medication (I asked for an epidural the minute I got to the hospital). The one thing I asked the doctor to avoid was a C-section but they had to do an episiodomy and I wonder if that took the same amount of healing time as a C-section. Good luck with everything. And by the way, I was gowned up the whole time in labor and changed into comfy clothes as soon as I could.
Thank you so much for your open endedness about a c-section!! I am praying for one and I don’t care what anyone thinks! I love your outlook on it as mine is very similar!! Good luck! I’ll keep watching and praying you get the outcome you want!!
Just remember a c-section is major surgery. My BIL is an OBGYN and their group doesn’t schedule them just because the mom wants one. I had one with my first and lost a lot of blood… it wasn’t good.
I had a VBAC the second time and by the time the guy got to my room to start the epidural it was too late. The breathing exercises came in handy! I made fun of them the whole time during the classes, but I wasn’t laughing then!
Good luck with everything!