It’s official. Yep. We officially spent 7 hours in our childbirth education class today, and now we’re ready to be parents. Wait. That’s how it works, right?

All joking aside, Jason and I woke up this morning fever-free and relieved that we’d be able to attend our class as scheduled. (We don’t have a free Saturday in the foreseeable future, and we didn’t want to be in labor while in the class a few months from now.) Although it made for a long day, the class was altogether informative and helpful. We especially appreciated the up-to-date and relatively unbiased birthing videos–a collection that managed some discretion, even while demonstrating labor, birth, breastfeeding and the like. Perhaps I’ll expound on the experience someday when I’m craving my pillow a bit less, but for the moment, a few interesting facts from our class and the day on the whole. And then, of course, a photo that makes the whole thing worthwhile. Enjoy 🙂

-Out of 16 couples in our class today, we were the only ones having a “surprise.” The rest of the class was split almost exactly down the middle, boys and girls.

-At least 4 of the 16 couples are planning to use cloth diapers. We’re not 100% in that direction, but very heavily leaning that way. We counted ourselves among the 4, and were both encouraged to be in good company. Hooray for pocket-friendly, environmentally-friendly, baby bum-friendly options!

-85% of moms receive an epidural during labor these days. Whoa! That’s a staggering percentage! I will say, though, that the mom in the natural birth video managed beautifully…and if I’m able, I’m really, really hoping to be in the minority on this one. Time will tell 🙂

-33% of babies in America are delivered by C-section. Another staggering statistic in my head. In some areas of the country, this rate is actually as high as 50% (including our not-so-distant neighbor, Ann Arbor). I marvel at modern medicine for so many of its benefits, but this is a hard reality as we look at the direction of birth and its medicalization in our country. C-sections undoubtedly save lives, but I wonder what has changed in the past decade to increase this percentage so drastically.

-Jason was a champion throughout the day, even getting recognition for “excellent demonstration” during the relaxation technique portion of the class this afternoon. I will admit, my low back was feeling pretty great after my tennis ball massage.

Jason’s good-sported nature was evident in other ways as well. I’d go on, but the photos below say more than enough, I think 🙂

we take a side profile photo of my belly every sunday night. here's jason's version.

yep. we're definitely in this together!

Now, off to get some beauty sleep (hopefully:) before our family / belly photo shoot tomorrow afternoon. Jason won’t be sporting the belly anymore, but I’m pretty sure mine will still be in full swing. Can’t wait!

84 days and counting,

mm