Hypno Birthing

We had our first birthing class tonight and it was a pretty interesting experience. Jfer signed us up for Hypno Birthing (as Seen on TV) for a couple of good reasons. First, it's a natural way that strives to avoid medication and stress. Second the class consists of five meetings (as opposed to the months spent on Bradley or Lamaze). And finally, it worked out really well for Elizabeth.

Despite of what one (i.e. me) might expect, it wasn't too new agey and the other three couples in the class seemed pretty normal, too. The teachers Heather and Jan were pretty laid back and not really on a doctors-are-bad crusade (although the midwives-are-better message did come across).

The classes are at seven and since they deal with busy people, they encourage you to bring dinner and eat during the meeting if you can't before. Jfer got us some buritos at Whole Foods but wasn't yet hungry when the meeting started. After the initial information there was a short break after which we were to watch a couple of videos. Jfer decided this would be a good time for dinner. We dug in and while I was chomping on my burrito, they started the videos. This was the first time I've actually seen a birth. Needless to say, I quickly put away the rest of my dinner -- and I must say that the Asian Wrap from Whole Foods has been spoiled for me forever. Sure, the labors and deliveries all looked like a breeze, but it still was pretty darn grody, to put it politely.

Later on we went through a "relaxation process" which is what they call hypnosis. It was actually very relaxing but I think my brain descended into "delta wave" territory (in other words I might have taken a nap). This is good stuff, though, and I think this is going to work out well for us. Although, considering how laid back Jennifer is compared to some of the other mothers there, I'm afraid she might OD on relaxation.