Are we prepared yet?

So, yesterday was our first of two Preparation for Childbirth classes. It was good! I don't know what I was expecting, but I actually learned a lot. The instructor talked about how to tell when labor starts, the different stages of labor, what to expect in each, ways to make each stage go smoothly, and how we will likely react—physically and emotionally. We learned a few relaxation and breathing techniques (though not as many as I'd expected) and about some of the options we'll have once we're admitted to the hospital...like a jacuzzi!

I remember signing up for the class a few months ago and thinking, "I can't wait until it's time to take it; that will mean the baby's coming really soon." And, well, here we are. Just about 10 weeks to go. When we got in the car after the class, Andrew and admitted to each other that we got teary-eyed at a couple of points in the class because the experience just sounds so amazing. OK, so the pain and all the gross stuff (like losing my mucus plugs and bloody show) doesn't sound so fun, but you know, the part when we actually get to see the baby and hear her first cry.

The second half of the class is next weekend. And I must admit: I'm petrified! This is the class when we watch a video of an actual birth. It's strange; I'm usually such a planner and like to know every single detail in advance. But this time, I'm not so sure. I think there is some merit in the old saying "ignorance is bliss" in certain situations, and this may be one of them. I have so much faith in the fact that my body was build to do this and so much faith in the doctors...do I really need to watch it happen before it's my turn? Can't the doctors just tell me on an immediate need-to-know basis? Well, we paid for the class, so I guess I'll just suck it up. I just hope it doesn't do me more harm than good. I really don't want to spend the next two months panicking. *sigh*

Oh, we get to go on a hospital tour next weekend too. And talk about drugs. Those parts sound way more appealing to me than the movie!