Lloyd and I attended our second childbirth class. However, this one was held in the Forbes area which is much nearer than going all the way to Katipunan. Thank God his office mate felt lazy and backed out so the slot opened up for us.
It was a very enlightening session at the start and relaxing near the end. Why do I say that? Well, Rome’s topic at the start was the 4 stages of labor. Labor has always been something that seemed quite scary to me and it is the very reason I wanted to take this childbirth class. I thought that by learning more about labor and what it really is I could work with the pain and not be frightened.
Rome told us to look at our workbook and she described the thining out of the cervix and the dilation. Which means that it would be opening up to let the baby out. Man, I visibly freaked out when I saw a diagram of 10cm dilation because it really hits you when you realize you have to open up that much for the baby’s head to come out! Lloyd of course was laughing at me again since I am so visibly shaken. However it was really nice to learn about the timing of contractions and all.
Then we proceeded to the relaxing part when our partner performed touch therapy and massage. Who knew a used tennis ball could be so useful in releasing tension in your back? What I appreciate the most is the fact that Lloyd participated with me in this and he will be my coach when I go into labor. He’ll be part of my labor and the birthing process. I mean it is only right since I wouldn’t be in this condition in the first place without him! ^_^
On other news, I decided to buy a maternity belt. I have been feeling extremely heavy lugging around this weight in front of me. I’ve felt so awkward and unstable especially with people teasing my about my “duck” walk. My office mate suggested a maternity belt and Rome said it does help relieve the pain for some women. She suggested I try folding a scarf/shawl and tying it around my belly. I tried it and it did work! I went to Having’ a Baby and they had a real maternity belt that was thick and really meant for supporting the entire belly area. It is a bit warm to wear but the support has really lessened the pain. This is a godsend for me since I walk to work every day and waddle about the office. At least I don’t have to walk anymore clutching my belly for support.
Lastly, my weight is starting to catch up with me. I’m now around 133.5 pounds. Which means I’ve gained approximately 15 pounds. Everyone’s telling me I’ll get even more humongous in the next two months. Sigh, as if I didn’t feel huge already. I admit I’ve been a bad girl, I know I’m supposed to avoid sugar but sometimes I get crazy! I don’t finish entire tubs of ice-cream or eat donuts but sometimes iced tea is just too tempting. I try to water it down by adding water if I find it too sweet. I still haven’t had soft drinks since Feb so that’s good. But we do have an open package of Hershey’s kisses and a tub of cookie dough ice-cream in the ref. I like to have a taste of chocolate even just a little bit to brighten up my day. I swear, I will do better in the next few days!
