"Relaxation" Class

So last night I went to my "relaxation in birthing" class. When I signed up for it I got the impression that it was a class for moms only, or at least that partners were optional. After all, the class focused on hypnobirthing, which is really something that goes on inside of the mom, right? So I didn't even ask Jeff to attend; I figured it would be fine just to go by myself.

Well, I wandered at 6:25, comfortably early, and it turns out that a) the class started at 6:00; b) everyone there had a husband with them; c) they were just finishing up introductions. As I absorbed all this the instructor asked me a bunch of questions about my fears related to birthing. I was busy taking off my coat and trying to unravel what was going on, so I wasn't really in touch with my deepest birthing fears at the moment. I blurted something out about not really having any specific fears (which, in a way, is true) and everyone looked at me like I was from another planet.

The first half of the class was about identifying your fears (she seemed to think everyone was extremely fearful), and about how fears are created and amplified by the brain. We drew pictures of our fears (using our non-dominant hand) and surrounded these with pictures of things that alleviate our fears. (I'm sure Jeff is glad he missed this part).

Next, we were taught some affirmations and breathing exercises, and visualizations that proved to be pretty useful. First, she had us sit for a minute (the length of one contraction) doing nothing at all to distract ourselves. Then she had us sit and focus on our breathing for one minute, which made the time go much faster. Finally, she had us focus on our "happy place" and examine all the details that make our happy place so happy. For me, those details include water lilies, rocky outcroppings and a bamboo hut. That made the minute go by so much faster that I thought she was cheating and only giving us 30 seconds!

The third part of the class was couple time. The husbands (or boyfriends, I suppose) all massaged their women while I sat there feeling stupid. The teacher kept using inclusive language about alternative birthing partners, presumably so I wouldn't feel left out. Finally she just asked me if I *had* a birthing partner, which I assured her I did. No, I am not doing this *completely* alone!

Finally, she led us through a 45-minute guided visualization while we all lay on the floor in the dark. (Not so comfortable for a pregnant woman; of course, I had forgotten to bring a blanket or a pad, though she had some for us to borrow). I started drifting off a couple of times so I really don't know how much the hypnosis affected me. I am somewhat skepical of hypnosis, but I'm always willing to try again.

Anyway, that was my first birthing class. The next class we're taking is all about infant care, and Jeff will be with me. Then we're having a 3-hour private birthing class at home. We didn't plan it that way, but that's how it's working out. Finally, I'm hoping to take a "Ninth Moon" class for women in the ninth month of pregnancy. I guess I should check and make sure that husbands aren't required for that class as well.