A Dad's education
This morning as I sifted through the quotes in my Aggregator, I was about to forego posting one, because none of them were particularly good, in my opinion. None shouted, "Post me!" and I was about to hit the delete button. Then the one posted below sank in. I knew I'd be writing something tonight, which I haven't done in quite a while...so here I am, going in.
Only 8 scheduled weeks to go before I become a Dad for the first time. Maureen and I have been going to Childbirth Preparation class. Three weeks down - one to go. Back in the day, this was called Lamaze, but is really so much more. Only 15 minutes or so out of two hours is spent on the breathing techniques that are commonly associated with Lamaze. The rest is spent on educating the expectant Moms and Coaches (usually, but not always, the Dad) about what to expect during the late stages of pregnancy, labor, delivery, and the postpartum period.
We have a great teacher and are learning a lot. But, it's a shame how few of the people in the room knew this stuff, me included. Raising a child is tough and a mystery - things you can never "know" how to do - you do it and hope you're teaching your child right. The "easy" part is the physical act of giving birth - as someone who has always been interested in having a family, I wonder why I never learned more about it.
Part of it is that I have a tremendously weak stomach. Watching the slides and talking about the various medical procedures (c-sections, episiotomies, etc.) makes me light-headed, clammy, and nauseous. I've always been that way - can't even watch a bloody movie, including good ones like Saving Private Ryan. I've not left the classroom though - the discomfort, while serious to me, is minor compared to what the women have gone through already and must still endure.
I've been surprised at the videos though - I've been able to watch them and be fine. They were what worried me the most, and with the exception of closing my eyes for the incision during the c-section, I've been able to watch them and not feel sick.
That's Great! I'm no longer worried about being in the delivery room. My biggest fear was that right in the middle of it, when Maureen needs my help, that I'd be stone cold out on the floor. I'm actually even looking forward to it.
I'm actually giddy!
9:34:56 PM
