Things I Wish Would Be Taught in Childbirth Class
By Danell Swim
March 24, 2008
I ask people if they took childbirth classes. Many do not. Why? Do they think they can get accurate information on TV shows like “A Baby Story”? I assure you, you cannot. First of all the show is 30 minutes long. It should be 18 hours long. On the show, it looks like the baby came out in 5 minutes instead of the 2 HOURS it took to push the baby out. So here is my list of things that would be taught in my Child Birth Class.
How to hold the laboring woman’s foot. Also remember not to let go of the laboring woman’s foot. Especially important when the bed is broken down with the stirrups up. Oh the many hours I have heard woman yell at their husbands that they were not holding the leg correctly. Mimic the nurse on the other side. But don’t do any vaginal checks! Just hold her leg the same way the nurse is holding. It will save you grief.
For a first time Mom, pushing a baby out can take 2 hours. It could be shorter if you are pushing effectively. IF you are not pushing effectively, we should change the approach. How do I know you are pushing effectively? I do a vag exam while you are pushing. This may not be the most comfortable thing, but it is how I can tell you are moving the baby’s head.
Laboring women get annoyed. Viciously annoyed by noise. Men will probably annoy their wife no matter what they do. While a woman is in labor, things will annoy her.
Comments
Got something to say?