Childbirth

So, Allen and I went to our first childbirth class on Monday night. It was, well, interesting. I wasn't sure what to expect. I knew at some point during our classes, we'd have to witness the birth of a baby but I didn't know I'd get the pleasure during the very first class. Yuck.

The first thing we did was introduce ourselves to our classmates. Most everyone in the class is due in a month or two. I think I'm the only one due in June. Then, we talked about the stages of childbirth and how long it could last. That in itself is enough to make a woman want to cry (34 hours???) and I almost did but then the lady in the video said "vagina" and I found myself smiling, trying not to giggle out loud. How immature is that? I'm getting ready to pop a baby out and I can't even say the word "vagina" much less hear it without laughing. But anywho......

We then watched a video of a woman giving birth without medication. Um hello? Medication seems to be important during moments like this but I'm open to hear the benefits of all types of childbirth because I've never done this before and I want to do what's best for the baby, even if it means not being doped up but I'm pretty sure I won't be convinced that NO medication is a good thing.

I'll be honest. I'm terrified of childbirth, always have been. It could be a tiny reason why I kept putting this having a baby thing on the back burner. I keep having dreams that I die while giving birth. That's how scared I am. But I know that in today's world, women don't die as often given birth. BUT there are those few exceptions.

Anyway, I just find it hard to believe my body can birth a baby. It seems impossible. I know God made us women to give birth and my body will do the things it needs to do to make this baby come out but good grief, the pain it has to cause.

I've never stayed overnight in a hospital. I've never been admitted to a hospital. This will be my first time. I'm scared! I don't want strange people looking at my privates, even if there is a baby in there. In the video this woman's whole bottom half was exposed and not even covered up. I told Allen that I would require a blanket to cover up my essentials. He responded that when I was in labor, I probably wouldn't care who saw my privates. I think I will. I'm weird like that.

But anyway, I have a few more births to witness on these videos during our next 3 classes. One is a birth with drugs and the other is a c-section. Allen said he didn't want to witness a c-section and hoped that I wouldn't have one of those because he was certain he'd pass out. I'm certain I'll pass out regardless of how this baby enters the world.