Where have all the hippies gone?

When I signed Christian and myself up for a natural childbirth class, I honestly thought we'd be the only non-Patchouli wearing, armpit shaving, meat-eating people in the class. Last night was our first class and boy was I wrong! Everyone in class was just like us--WASPS (or WASMS, the M replacing the P due to the Mormon factor). I could tell Christian hated every minute of class and I'm really surprised he hasn't asked me if he has to go to another class. I think he might just realize that I would literally tear his face off if he asks such a question. But I know he wants to bail out.

So we learned all about proper diet and exercise during pregnancy (did you know a pregnant woman should consume a minimum of 6 servings of whole grains per day? how is that possible? I probably consume 3/day since I am a protein girl, not a carb girl), basic anatomy, how much weight gain is appropriate, what the weight gain is comprised of (baby, placenta, boobs, blood, fluid, etc) and other stuff I already know SIDE NOTE: I didn't know that I can't take my pre-natal with my calcium supplement because the calcium cancels out the iron in the pre-natal. Oops! Anyway, why are we learning these things we already know about? Oh, maybe because everyone else in the class is barely pregnant. I didn't know you were supposed to take this class earlier in your pregnancy. Here I am 8 weeks out from delivering while everyone else is at 18 weeks into their pregnancies. We're in class with a bunch of eager beavers! One girl isn't due until May! MAY!?! She's going to forget everything she's learned and have to re-take the class.

We finished up class with a relaxation method similar to the cat & cow position in yoga. Then I had to lie on my side while Christian moved my pelvis around. Not my favourite position or feeling. I don't think we'll practice at home. I don't think my body has produced enough relaxin hormone to open up my pelvis yet cause I swear I heard my pelvis creaking.

So, the big question is why. Why are we taking a natural childbirth class? While we're not getting a doula or birthing coach, nor are we learning the Bradley method or hypno birthing (which I think is a crock), I would like to attempt an epidural-free birth. Do I think I can do it? No (sorry all you that have told me that you think I can). But what I want to do is hold off on getting the epidural for as long as I possibly can. I don't want to be one of those women that get to the hospital and immediately get drugged up. I'm not judging you if that's what you did, I just don't want that for myself. And who knows, maybe I'll make it through without the epidural and maybe just a little cocaine, I mean, whatever it is they give you to take the edge off (haven't learned about that one yet...that might be taught at next week's class). So judge away. I'm really okay with people being upset with me for not thinking I can do it. But there's always next time, right?

Tomorrow marks month 8. I'll have my 32 week photo up for your viewing pleasure, although you already saw plenty of it in my Playboy bunny costume.