I went to my first "child birth preparation" class this week. That is what it is called on the brochure, and underneath they state "for pregnant ladies". Our hospital here does not have a birthing class but there is a lady here who offers this child birth preparation class. When I called to find out about it, she told me very proudly that once a month they have a class that husbands can attend if they want to. When I told Allen that he would only go once, he was a little disappointed. So, I thought that maybe I would go check it and maybe he could join me other times. But it was definitely only a class for expectant mothers. I think it says a lot about the culture when the child birth classes are just for the pregnant ladies. I enjoyed the class though there are always cultural things that make me laugh or sometimes want to cry depending on my hormones. Maybe it will be a good opportunity to meet some new moms and be involved in their lives.
The class consisted of calisthenics, stretching, breathing, talking about the stages of labor, some relaxation techniques, and how to bath your baby. The teacher basically taught you how to bath your baby by yourself, as if it is understood that your husband will not help. She did mention that some times it would be nice to bath your baby at night because babies like to sleep afterwards which would give you and your husband a nice quite night together. It was amazing to me to think about becoming a parent all by myself without Allen's help!
I learned some new wives tails this week...the first is that if you chew a lot of gum during your pregnancy you will have a very large placenta. So, be careful of chewing too much gum. The second is, if you cross your legs you will wrap the umbilical chord around your babies neck! Thoughts to ponder...
