Our Birthing and Prenatal Class Experience...

We had our first of two 6-hour labor and delivery class today and it was very informative. Lots of the information was review but there was also lots of new information provided too. We even viewed two vaginal birth videos and I did not start hyperventilating like I was very concerned about doing. Things are definitely becoming more real and I do realize I'm in for a lot of pain but I am very excited about the end result....Zander being in my arms. Here are some more highlights from our day:

- We learned many helpful positions to use in hopes to get me through contractions: my favorite is using the
   big bouncy ball.
- What to pack in our hospital bag; I still need to get a long robe, nursing bra, and jolly rancher suckers.
- Breathing and relaxation techniques that almost put Brandon and I both to sleep.
- There are three stages of labor; the first can last 8-14 hours!
- We were tested on what we learned; Brandon on his coaching and I on my breathing. Utilizing some of the
   different positions, we learned I had to grab a handful of ice, concentrate on my breathing as Brandon
   timed me for a minute and coached me through the pain. Now I am well aware this does not even begin to
   compare to the pain I will be feeling during delivery but after 30 seconds of holding a handful of ice
   my hand was throbbing and my entire arm began to ache. It was a great test of my ability to concentrate on
   my breathing.
- And the BEST part of the day was....

Brandon was the first volunteer to wear the pregnancy belly! Granted he only had to wear it for an hour and was sitting most of the time but he did admit after about 50 minutes he began to get VERY uncomfortable and almost claustrophobic. He has been very sympathetic and caring during my pregnancy but I think this has given him an entirely different perspective.