The other day I was talking with my friends about childbirth preparation classes and I realized the disparity of opinions that we had ... obviously each one has a different experience: as there are some who were super satisfied and took full advantage of them, there are others who barely contributed knowledge. What we do agree on is the issue of the fears that can infuse you there when you find out about things you didn't know. Here I have compiled some of those that came out that day ...
A possible error in the application of the epidural
This was one of the 'souvenirs' that I had left from my preparation classes. As I already knew that my daughter would be born by caesarean section due to having total occlusive placenta previa (yes, often name), it was clear that she would be given yes or yes. In the class they put us a video with a real scene showing how it was put and then my matron took out the drawing of a human body and He started explaining where the needle had to go and how easy it could be for him to deviate and get to the wrong place.
If that happens three things can happen: one, that you do not feel the effect in the area and have to give birth without anesthesia, another, that you feel it partially and have to endure the pain in a part of the body and the third, that you have to return it to put on.
In my case at the time of delivery I found a magnificent anesthetist who not only hit the spot at first, but was aware of me at all times and was attentive to tell me that my daughter was born perfectly well as soon as she left. I suppose this is a matter of luck, although a good way to face the fear that it can produce is to think that a birth without epidurals is possible.
Use of tools during childbirth
Another issue that can cause fear is the use of tools such as forceps or suction cups due to complications during childbirth. One of my friends told me that in one of the classes attended by the midwife began to talk about the subject, explaining how and in which cases each of them were used ... although it expanded more than it should and delved into the rugged world of 'bad uses' that some doctors make of them.
According to what he said, in some cases they should not be used and in others, some doctors do not have much precision, which can lead to the mother to suffer unnecessary tears or hemorrhages or to the baby suffering from cephalohematomas (one of the most common lesions of babies during childbirth). The truth is that cases where they are misused and have serious consequences they are less and less fortunately.
Labor Recovery
According to what another friend told me, her midwife talked about recovery to childbirth as a time when many complications can arise, especially if you have an episiotomy or a C-section, since there are points, there is a high risk of inflammation or infection.
In this case the most important thing is to take care of the points correctly, paying special attention to hygiene and why not, resorting to tricks to relieve discomfort.
Another issue to consider is the return to activity after delivery. It is true that when you have a C-section, recovery is slower (it is finally a surgical intervention, in which the post-operative is vital for the process to end successfully), but attending to common sense can easily cope with it. Rest, eat well and take small walks These are the three things you definitely need after giving birth.
Arrival home
This was another point where some comments can generate fear or insecurity. My midwife said that in the hospital I would be taken care of by expert professionals who would know from how to bathe the baby or what to do in case of any emergency ... help that of course I would not have at home. I remember she said it to try to lessen the fear at the time of contractions and childbirth, but the comment was sounding like "what am I going to do alone with my baby at home?".
After having lived it, I think there is no basis to think that way. It is true that if you are first time there are situations in which you may feel a bit out of place, but it is also true that the outcrop of instinct arises as soon as you have your baby in your arms and paying attention to it will always be the best solution to everything: this is how our ancestors learned, when there was hardly any medical assistance, and it will remain that way forever.
Did you get any fear in your childbirth preparation classes? ... we would love to read your experiences!
