Yesterday Mark and I went for a three hour labor and breastfeeding workshop.  We were sat in a circle with maybe ten other couples whilst a midwife went through the stages of labor and what to expect.  I had read about these stages in great detail over the last few weeks, finding any information I could online as to what was normal, not normal, what can happen, and what I can do to cope.  The thing I enjoyed most about the class was that the information was presented from a natural birth perspective.  And, while pain relief options were touched on, it wasn’t the main focus of the course.

Then, a lactation consultant went through the basics of getting the baby to latch on properly whilst feeding.  She also really promoted the benefits of breastfeeding, and why it is leagues better than formula feeding.   For this bit, we were instructed to bring in a baby doll or stuffed animal, which we brought in Little Doodle’s bear (which was dressed in Little Doodle’s clothes hehe) and proceeded to pretend breastfeed.

Overall, the course made me feel more empowered to try the natural childbirth option.  I can remember at various points in my life, whenever I thought about what it would be like to grow up and be pregnant and be in this moment, on the brink of motherhood, I had always thought of the labor bit as something to be feared.  I knew it was to be the most painful thing I, or any woman, could ever go through, and because of that I had always planned to get as many pain relief options as possible.

Now I am almost 33 weeks pregnant and I am not scared anymore;  I don’t think I have been at any point during my pregnancy.  Labor is going to be a beautiful, intense experience that I get to share with my husband as we, together, bring our baby into the world.  I think (or would like to think) that I am strong enough to do this on my own, without any unnecessary medical intervention or help.  I hope I am right.

Oh Little Doodle, not long now.

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