Childbirth Preparation Class {Day 3}

Day 3 of Childbirth Preparation Class down... We were back to our first instructor, who seems to find herself laughing all class long. We don't know if this is nerves or just a strange personality! Even with this crazy instructor, we learned a lot!

We started with discussing in detail the pro's and con's of epidurals and narcotics for pain management during labor. Even though we plan on having a natural childbirth it is great to know what options we have just in case. I do know that we will NOT be using any kind of narcotic. I don't like the idea of it putting the baby asleep for 1 1/2 hours just so I don't feel any pain. I would MUCH rather go with the epidural risks to myself than any narcotic risks to the baby. But let's hope we don't even need the epidural!!!

We then went on to other common interventions used during labor:

• IV fluids
• This is common especially with any induction or when an epidural is done. But again, it is not necessary as to keep hydrated I can eat ice chips or have clear liquids.
• Amniotomy (breaking the water)
• I always thought this was done to speed up labor but it doesn't always. But this is commonly done!
• Fetal monitoring
• I kind of get excited for this moment as it allows us to watch Pierce during labor. 
• Internal fetal monitoring
• I hope we don't have to resort to this... as it is done when having trouble keeping the baby on the monitor. The main reason I don't like it is because a fetal scalp electrode is placed by screwing a tiny sire into the top layers of the baby's scalp. I know it is not a scary thing for the baby, but I still don't like the idea of it!!!
• Intrauterine pressure catheter
• This comes with an induction (using pitocin) as it will help measure the exact force of contractions to determine the exact amount of pitocin to use. It also is sometime used when the internal fetal monitoring is used.
• Forceps
• These are just plain scary! Heavy steel forceps that go around the baby's skull?? No thank you! Let's hope these stay in their sterile package!!
• Vacuum Extractor
• This is exactly as it states, a vacuum that is placed on the baby's head and suction is increased so that the doc can pull during a contraction while mom pushes. Again.. no thank you!!! 
• Cesarean section
• Again, I do not wish to have a c-section, but if it is needed to get Pierce here, then BRING IT ON!!! 

Overall.... tonights class made me realize how much closer we are to seeing Pierce!!!!