I’d admit that each time someone mentioned how disgusted & gross out they were after watching the vids on labour that were shown during their ChildBirth Education (CBE) class, I used to squirm for a bit even if I was just reading it off a forum, blog or website.

And while I knew that I would eventually have to watch it when we started our CBE classes with Mrs Wong Boh Boi (aka WBB) 2 weeks ago, I wasn’t sure if I could handle it.

So during today’s class, the Bo & I were late as per usual (darn, we always don’t allocate enough time for the horrid parking at AMK hub) and as a result, missed watching all 6 videos that were shown, only to see “The End” appearing on the screen as we took our seats on the mat.

I contemplated staying back after our session ended to watch the videos with the next class (the Bo was completely fine by it) but was initially dissuaded by a friend when I asked if it was worth to do so. She & her hubby warned me that I may be gross out by the video, especially the first one (and said I was lucky to have missed watching any of it) yet a huge part of me was really curious to watch it. I also agreed with what WBB mentioned during the class earlier that seeing & knowing what to expect can help tackle those ‘fears of the unknown’ which empowers us to be more confident come labour time; hence we decided to stay on.

The first video showed a couple who decided to have a natural and home birth. I was so intrigued by how calm the woman managed her labour with zero drugs. And the highlight for me in the video (in fact, for all of them) was when they showed the crowning of the baby. Always wondered how that would look like, and when I finally saw it..I got a wee bit excited in my heart. I was amazed by God’s creation of how the cervix opened up so naturally  to facilitate baby’s head and how easily baby came out after the head & shoulders were out. It was such a beautiful moment. Kudos to such encouraging doulas/midwives shown in the videos too though. I do hope to meet an equally motivating one at TMC come D-day.

I was a little taken aback though by how the midwives and gynae tugged and pulled the baby out. It did look a bit forceful initially but again, I was in awe of God’s creation at how a fragile little human could also be so flexible in being turned, tugged and pulled out without being hurt (aww).  The husband was supportive throughout the videos shown too, esp. when I exclaimed at how tiny and discoloured the newborns looked, assuring me that they will be a little purplish when they come out. At one point, he even mentioned that the baby was already crying as he was half way delivered and that it was a good thing. I loved that he was so calm, positive & entertaining while adding his inputs at the same time “come on, just a little bit more of a push”. Encouraging too.

We did see some couples cringing and using pillows to hide their eyes away from the screen, but for us I was really glad that we decided to stay behind to watch the videos. Because after that, I’m actually looking forward & excited about my labour! And to know that I have an assuring husband who shares similar views as me – SCORE!

p/s: I am a little nervous about deciding when’s the right time to make the trip to the hospital though. :p Time to pack the hospital bag maybe?