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Great Expectations
Journal entry #2
November 14, 2001
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Sam and I recently finished our Lamaze childbirth classes. A
friend of mine recommended skipping Lamaze altogether,
assuring me that when it's time for the baby to arrive I'm
not going to be concerned about or concentrating on
breathing techniques, no matter what directions my husband,
a.k.a Coach, might shout at me.
My friend might be right about the breathing thing, but such
classes have taught me more than just how and when to inhale
and exhale. The instructors presented the real deal about
birth, including what to expect in terms of pain, duration
of labor, and the various esoteric bodily movements and
functions that occur during delivery but that nobody ever
talks about.
My husband's reaction to all this: "I didn't know it was so
involved."
Yeah, and I'll be the one "involved." The baby and I, that
is.
One of my most stunning revelations came when our Lamaze
instructor explained how we will know when to head to the
hospital. According to her, we should get going when my
contractions are about five minutes apart and I can't talk
through them.
Can't talk through them?! This disturbs me for two reasons.
First, apparently it will be so painful that I won't be able
to speak normally, and second, I need to be able to
talk.
Sam may see it as a good thing, however. He'll have the
chance to get a word in edgewise and coach me on my
breathing, not that I am going to listen.
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