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Monday, April 30, 2007And So It Begins: Bradley Method Class OneIt's official: I haven't given up my plan to enjoy a completely natural childbirth experience. So last night Eric and I attended our first of six classes in the Bradley Method. It's a cool story, really. I met this amazing woman at the park last month (she has five children ages seven and under, and she's calm; that about says it all, don't you think?). Turns out she's a childbirth educator and doula, and...well, rather than sink money into a not-so-helpful hospital birthing class, we decided to support this terrific lady and sign up for classes at her home. It was just Eric and me -- the other couple had a last-minute conflict. Which was fine with me, since I hear the other mama's only 21 years old. That's, like, half of me. So having a week to acclimate myself without the pressure of feeling older was a good thing. We had a blast. And I came away from there feeling so affirmed. I mean, who knew that squatting was a skill? Evidently most American women lose their ability to squat, and have to be trained to do it as part of the Bradley technique. I happen to squat all the time, so we were able to skip that particular exercise. Ladylike, aren't I? But hey, it's going to help me give birth without medication. And wouldn't you know it, but my favorite sleeping position happens to be the best position for complete relaxation and comfortable labor. How lucky is that? So I guess I'm on a roll. Why, I even hoofed it to Publix this morning to buy a few things that I needed. It's about half a mile to the store, so a mile's walk was awfully good for building Birth Stamina, don't you think? The best part of the trip was when Jonathan appeared on his bike when I was still about three blocks from home. Having heard from his sisters that I had walked to the store, he immediately became concerned that the grocery bags would be too heavy for me to carry all the way home. So he came to my rescue, retrieving two of the bags and attaching them to his handlebars. My hero! Honestly, life doesn't get much better than moments like that. It'll be interesting, of course, to see how willing Eric is to practice our relaxation techniques every day. He was awfully cute during the class -- attentive, involved, witty as always. But without our teacher's watchful eye, will he rise to the cause? Remind me to do my pelvic tilts before bed? Work with me on relaxing to the sound of his voice and the touch of his hand? We'll see. Boy, am I loving this. This is by far the best pregnancy I've had, and I'm enjoying every moment. And to think that I'm going to have the wonderful experience of giving birth without medical intervention, without cranky nurses, without a needle in my arm or a fetal monitor slipped beneath my baby's scalp...well, it's overwhelming. I'm so blessed. And that's your official Pregnancy Update for the week. I'm admittedly tired after my late night (our class ran an hour late -- okay, so maybe the teacher and I both like to talk a bit much) and my jaunt to the grocery store. But I really want to put in some time on my children's story, since I'm fairly close to finishing it. So here's to staying awake on a gorgeous Monday afternoon. And here's to a gorgeous Monday afternoon to all of you as well! Labels: pregnancy |
About Me
I am: Mother to five stunningly individualistic children... Writer of young adult fantasy... Passionate advocate for Women At Home... Madly in love with my husband... In need of Organic Gourmet Chocolate on a regular basis. I've got a Paypal account if you'd like to contribute to the cause....
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4of my readers are feeling chatty:
Cheez + squat = Sumo Wrestler
I am so happy for you. =) May God continue to bless your pregnancy and your family! I agree: life doesn't get much better than moments like the one you had with Jonathan!
Really? American women lose their ability to squat? That's interesting. Are we talking a special kind of squatting, or the normal, everyday kind? I'm honestly interested.
Also? Great post! :)
Jonathan is so thoughtful! I love that he rescued his Mama from having to carry those grocery bags. Such a caring young man.
Pelvic tilts always help me with my back pain. Also, finding the neutral position will help you. Remember I told you how to do that one!
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