(REFLECT)
Answers vary, but for the most part, parents-to-be take a course because knowledge fosters confidence in a new experience. It seems natural to me to want to know more. If I were signed up to run a marathon in 9 months, I would want to learn all that I can about it and start training. The same applies to labor and birth. Sure, it is a natural thing that has been going on since the beginning of time, but some preparedness never hurt anyone! In fact what you don't know, can hurt you.
If you are reading this then we have met, and you have your manual and a goal in mind for when you would like to have your course completed. Hopefully you have logged on to SeeWhatYouRead.com and have that pulled up in your browser as well. If not, take a few moments and do that now. You should also have your manual handy for reading and a piece of paper to jot down any questions.
In your manual, turn to page 7. Look together at the Comparative Anatomy illustration. (LOOK and DISCUSS)
No wonder you have to urinate all the time, or no wonder you have heartburn. Is it any wonder that you are short of breath at times, and your breasts are tender? In fact, this image can tell us a lot about why you experience some discomforts in the third trimester. Pages 8 and 9 go into detail about common discomforts. Read over these together. Look at the ones that are affecting you the most and take note of some things you can try to combat them. (READ) Feel free to watch the backache and insomnia video.
Let's talk more about the Anatomy of pregnancy. On the SeeWhatYouRead website, in Chapter 1, there is a video entitled Anatomy. Watch this together. I have observed, as a nurse to moms in labor, that the women who know their anatomy, and what is happening with their body in labor, seem to have less anxiety. This is a great video for the woman and the partner. (WATCH VIDEO)
Now you know about the placenta. It's a organ that your body grew all on its own to support your baby's growth and life! You are amazing! What about the bag of waters? Did you know that serves as a cushion and also allows your baby to practice swallowing and breathing? Also, the uterus is a huge muscle isn't it?!
Now let's go to the 4 P's of Labor on page 17. Read this entire page together. (READ) These are the 4 things that impact labor and vaginal birth. After all, you will need a pelvis, a birth canal, a uterus, mental and physical efforts, and a baby- of course, in order to have a vaginal birth! Now, let's briefly look at the stages of labor.
On page 20, look at the 2nd column headed Stages of Labor. Read that and look at the chart pictured. These are the 3 stages of labor. We will go into more detail later.(READ)
Let's watch a quick video animation of all three of these stages. This is a beautiful video that shows the simplicity of it, and promotes a feeling of awe at the design of your body and the process of childbirth. (WATCH)
Please watch this video as well, as it again walks you through what you just read on page 20. This is also a birth animation (WATCH)
I hope that you are feeling more confident in your body now. You are amazing! You need to still be taking care of that body. Please read page10. You should be eating well to fuel your body and your baby. (READ) Also, continue to take your prenatal vitamin. Please see the video in Chapter 1, entitled Fetal Development. (WATCH) Isn't that awesome! I know you are so excited for you baby!
Here is your assignment for Unit 1:
1. Think of 2 things you love about being pregnant/your pregnancy. What are 2 things that you like, partner?
2. What is most impressive to you about what your body does during labor and birth? What do you think is most impressive, partner?
3. Discuss what your anxieties are about the upcoming labor and birth of your baby.4. Email me any questions if you need clarification or at least tell me you have completed Unit 1.
