Is it too late to leave?

Last Saturday was our first baby class. I'm happy to report that everyone remained conscious and upright for its entirety, even during the birth video! Oh, the birth video. The ONE thing I had been dreading. I was perfectly fine never seeing a real birth. Afterall, it's gonna happen one way or the other. Why do I need to see what it looks like ahead of time? To my surprise, it wasn't so bad! Of course, I think we had the 6th grade health class, edited for prime time tv version, but still. We saw enough, and it wasn't so terrible. Unfortunately, knowing my luck I will have the delivery that others compare theirs to and say, "At least it wasn't like Emily's". Regardless, the video didn't put the fear of God in me and we made it through without issue.

We also learned relaxation and breathing techniques. I kept wondering, "Do people actually remember this? I doubt I will." Good to know though. The pain management stuff was probably the most helpful - learning about the positions to try to relieve pressure and all the different tools available. I think it probably go out the window pretty quick. Bring on the epidural. That seems like the most effective relaxation technique.

One thing that has struck me about going through this whole process is all the secrets about pregancy and childbirth. Why don't people talk about this stuff? I don't know why there is so much secrecy surrounding it. I doubt it would stop people from having babies. Secrets revealed during the class: 1) there are many stages to labor - 4 to be exact, 2) your stomach/bladder will empty one way or the other during labor - so much for the beauty of birth (trade secret: do not eat Taco Bell during labor), 3) you may have a nesting instinct before labor - not the normal preparing for baby's arrival nesting; the "I need to knock out a wall and rebuild the house NOW" type of instinct. Basically, you go crazy. Fantastic. And, 4) bring a blanket, pillow and snacks to baby class. Who knew? Apparently everyone in the class but us. Already unprepared. Luckily, Anthony talked me off a ledge, then quickly went out and bought us a pillow and blanket so we wouldn't look like bad parents. He's going to be an amazing support person, and Dad of course! (I am choosing to ignore the birth plan notes in our baby class book that say - Book: "If I am afraid, this is what will reassure me:", Anthony's note: "I don't know but it doesn't seem like you brushed your teeth." Funny.)