i'm not sure if i'll actually try this, though it does sound interesting. this is an excercise to see how well you and dh can do through a little pain. the instructor said to hold a few ice cubes in your hand for 30 seconds and to try to breathe through it and distract yourself. this is practice for some things that might work for dh to do to help you.
like i said, it's just an excercise...i'm sure it pales in comparison to labor and all techniques might go out the window.
Re: homework from childbirth preparation class
Mommy's sweet girls
Kaatje Grace 4.26.2010
Eloise Hope 2.10.2012
I have heard of this exercise....are you taking the hypno birthing classes?
that's a first! i always have hair envy. my hair is really thin (although thanks to pnv's, it's been a little thicker-so i dread after childbirth when it's all gonna fall out again). it's actually very curly. i blow it out and use a flat iron. just looks kinda dated if i don't. unless i can get just the right wave...so complicated, right? it's really layered on top, choppy and shaggy. good luck and post a pic if you get a haircut!
no, but i need to find something else b/c now i feel even less prepared. this class only talked about the stages of labor and quickly went through all options and a few positions, but now i want to find another class, quickly, to get more prepared and focus more on what to actually do while in labor (positions, breathing techniques, etc.) i want as few interventions as possible, but i'm open to having the epi if it gets really bad. but i really don't want the epi. just trying to stay flexible.
I don't generally post here, but wanted to suggest looking for a Bradley method instructor (bradleybirth.com). Bradley classes are usually 12 weeks long (though the one I am taking is condensed to 8 longer classes), so you wouldn't get to complete the course, but if you contact an instructor in your area, you could at least get a partial course in before the birth. Bradley definitely will give you specific information about how to prepare for natural birth, along with helpful breathing and relaxation techniques and positions to try during contractions. There are also some books on the method if you'd like to study on your own rather than take a course - I recommend "Natural Birth the Bradley Way" by Susan McCutcheon. HTH!
sahm ~ toddler breastfeeder ~ cloth diaperer ~ baby wearer
Ditto I am taking the Bradley classes..it's 10 weeks here. I had to call the instructor to see if it's ok to join the class...I almost didn't make it because the class ends about a week before my EDD.
I second this, our Bradley classes are WONDERFUL and we cannot WAIT to give birth, omg. The key to natural birth is relaxation, they say, and a husband coached childbirth. I will say however that I strongly recommend going to the classes instead of just reading the books (although the books are better than nothing for sure). It just helps really get your head in the game.
Levi 4.21.10