Prenatal Classes

Tonight Ryan and I went to our first Prenatal/Hypno-birthing class! It was really good. We have a very small class, there is only 1 other couple. It's kind of nice and more personal. We learned different breathing and relaxation methods. (No not like the Bill Cosby Video Click Here for the Video ) We also watched a couple of live births (not as graphic as I thought they would be) so that was nice. I have no regrets on taking these classes. Yes, I have many siblings who have had babies, and I've learned a lot from them, but I am now seeing why these classes are so important. I also love spending time with my husband, and having him come to these classes so he can learn aside me.

So as many of you may or may not know. I am undecided on whether or not I want to try natural birth or not. From the beginning I told my husband I really was interested in trying to do it natural. I have been through very painful situations in my life (aka kidney stones) which I have been told is very similar to natural child birth. If you haven't ever experienced a kidney stone, I don't really want to know whether you agree or not. I have had them, and they hurt. They hurt worse than anything I have probably experienced in my entire life. I have talked to my doctor on what his opinion is. He believes that I can do it no matter what path I choose. I know, I know doctors are supposed to say that, but we went into detail regarding pain I have already endured, and he is WELL aware of what pain level I am able to tolerate.

Another reason why I am considering not getting an epidural is because of my back problems... In June of last year I hurt my back along my T12-T14. I tore all of the tissue surrounding these vertebrae. During my hospital visit I was informed I have scoliosis that is considered to have a "significant" level of curvature (between 25-30%). I had no Idea I had this until then except for the constant back pain I had since I was younger, but assumed it was just my posture or my activity level. Also, in 2007 I happened to fracture my vertebrae (T14) which is where I re-aggravated my injury last year. All of these can make for a difficult epidural injection and a risk for permanent injury. Yes, the risk is not large, but it's something to definitely take into account.

I know giving natural child birth will NOT be easy, I know it will hurt, and I especially know it's not a glamorous occasion. However, I do believe it is rewarding. I want to know I can accomplish such a task. I also know it can create a very special bond between you and your spouse who must commit just as much as you need to commit. I have more reasons as to why I am considering going natural. This is just to name a few.

I know many people who swear by epidurals, and I am sure that they work amazing, and make life so much easier. I am just not sure if I want it easier yet. It was nice to know that if you change your mind you have significant time to decide during labor. I was told by many who got epidurals that you might as well get it, because there comes a point where it's too late. In my class I found that the time you have to choose whether or not to get one is very late into labor, and you usually know at that point whether you can handle natural child birth or not.

I know everyone will have their opinion, but if I do choose to go natural, I hope that I have support from all those I love, and that they will be willing to stand by my side and help me through it all.