Child Birth Preperation Classes - Page 2

[akind1]

My DH does much better watching than reading. Found Gentle Birth Choices at the library, which comes with a DVD, and we watched that together.

Has HE watched the Business of Being Born? or just some videos of homebirth on youtube, etc? that may help as much as reading anything (unless he really does like to read)

[1love4ever]

Originally Posted by RosieL 

I have asked him to read Ina May's guide, as that's the one I've liked so much. I don't think he needs to understand all the possible complications (MWs can look after those) but I want him to have lots and lots of knowledge of what a normal natural birth is. I loved the numerous stories in the first part fo the book. 

The question is, how do I get him to read it. He says he will, but he hasn't picked it up yet. I don't want to push him too hard before he's ready (afterall, it's still quite early!) but I don't want it to be last-minute. Anyone have suggestions? 

Today we talked about rearranging the basement, and I mentioned that's where I was planning on putting the birth pool and probably doing most of labor (our basement is finished and our upstairs has tooooo many windows for me to feel uninhibited). He asked "What's a birth pool?" I'd love for him to already know that laboring in water is good, without me having to tell him everything! Maybe that's asking too much...
 

I read the book, then I bought it for DH.  I doubted that he would read it, but one day I handed it to him as he was headed in to the bathroom to sit on the toilet:)   He actually read it, then he began reading it every time he used the toilet.  Then pretty soon he took it to work with him and read it on his off time, and then he read it when he had to take a long bus ride.  He has actually read a good portion of the book!  But now he thinks he does not need to read the rest and knows everything there is to know...  lol, whatever.  The Business of Being Born is available free on youtube too!   I am hoping to watch it with him soon, we will see I guess:)

[erigeron]

My husband is the same way... if he isn't interested in something, good luck getting him to read it. That was one reason I found our Bradley class so helpful--it was an alternate way to get the information to him.

[Mummoth]

It looks like you got into a class... yay! The one thing I'd suggest to anyone who can't take a class, or in addition to the classes, is to spend time practicing whatever coping skill you think might use. Visualize yourself handling labour well and using relaxation techniques, or breathing through contractions in the shower or leaning on DH for support, etc, etc...Discuss those things with DH, maybe make a list of things you'd like to try and stick it on the fridge, so he can make suggestions to you or help you stay focused. I had practiced relaxation techniques before, because I have an anxiety disorder, so I re-used that knowledge and it worked just fine... so if you've taken yoga or done any kind of meditation or praying where you find an inner peace/ calm feelings, use that... practice it, so it'll be second nature when you go into labour.

[Autumnshades]

Hey Mummoth, I see you are in BC too :)  I live in Victoria :)

Thanks for the reminder to practice coping skills.  I have had to use them multiple times during this pregnancy - you know, with my hubby loosing his job - my bloodpressure went skyhigh, and I knew it was stress related.  So lots of walking to get fresh air, praying while I walk, and breathing to calm myself down.  I was so worried a few weeks ago about finances that the stress was giving me cramping?  So I knew I had to find a way to effectively deal with it... and my bloodpressure is way down (I also take a strong odourless garlic supplement for my bloodpressure and it works like a charm).

[Mummoth]

Hi! I'm in Coquitlam :)

Ugh, practicing is good but I'm sorry you've had reasons to! I do after school care & DH is a school bus driver so he applied for EI in June, and STILL hasn't heard whether his claim is approved or not, so we had a tight summer... but not knowing when he'll be working again is rough!

Has he tried going into pizza/chinese food places? DH did deliveries for a while when he was looking for better work. They don't always advertise when they're hiring, just put a sign up. The pay is crap but better than nothing. He can make something like $80/week before they start deducting from EI, and at least he was DOING something, you know? It's not for everyone, just mentioned it because it helped us get by!

[Autumnshades]

My hubby lost his job in May, we were without any income for 2 months because EI took so long :(  so our fiances are totally wrecked by it.  I was already on EI because I lost my job in January, mine ran out in July, but it was very little (I worked part time retail).  I hope something will open up soon for him... We are very excited for this baby, we have waited for a long time to become parents :)  This baby is very loved!  Very thankful for our families support from both sides.  :)

[Mummoth]

My dad always said that looking for a job is the hardest job you'll ever have... I think he's right, it's so discouraging. Something will come up really soon, right now there's a whole bunch of students quitting work to go back to school, so it's a good time to be looking. I'm glad you have family support, it makes a huge difference. Don't forget, once the baby is born you get a child tax benefit and the universal child care, that will help you guys get the finances back on track. Try not to worry too much, it'll work out.

[Autumnshades]

Thanks for the encouragement Mummoth ...