Mar 22nd, 2007
Preparing for labour as a couple
As the due date approaches there are likely to be a few last bits to take care of: the hospital bag needs to be packed, arguments on baby names must come to an end and the last bits of essential baby shopping need to be done (possibly involving more arguing in the middle of crowded Chinese shopping Malls ; ) ).
Most couples will have already attended a preparation for birth class which is offered by most of the international hospitals in town , however have you really gone through how you are going to interact with your darling partner during labour?
I personally had had quite a few chats with my husband about it but feel a lot more at ease with the whole thing now after attending a “Roleplay for labour” workshop last Saturday at Breeze yoga.
The session was taught by old friend and experience prenatal yoga teacher Sarah Manning, who draws from her personal experience during labour and as a mother of two to give tips on what to expect and how to make the journey through ”laborland” the most rewarding for mummy, daddy and baby.
After a brief introduction on the close relationship between mind, body and spirit, we were lead through different breathing techniques to help focus the mind and relax the body by extending exhalations and their natural relaxing effect.
Different positions for “riding” contractions and delivery were practiced and combined differnt types of breathing.
Some rather large ice cubes where introduced mid way through the class and boyfriends and husbands where asked to go through the sensations of a strong contraction by coping with the discomfort of having the cube placed on the wrist or behind the ear. Partners had to guide them through with breathing and comforting them by stroking them on the back.
Different kinds of relaxations were introduced and couples had a chance to exchange ideas on what felt good and what was simply irritating.
We then came to the real role play part when we were given a situation (back pain or back labour) and had to quickly decide how to ride the contraction, choose the breathing and then a suitably comfortable position for the short relaxation which follows. The pattern was based on the length of and between contractions at a given stage of labour (the one we practices was: one minute of contraction plus 4 minutes rest before the next contraction).
Both my husband and I thoroughly enjoyed the experienced and felt more sure of ourselves about how to communicate and what to try out when the time comes. It made us both really excited about labour and I somehow feel comforted by the fact that labour is not just for me but also for him and that we can go through the journey together as two active participants.
Of course the sheets from the workshop were one of first things to go into the labour bag I’m getting ready…
Highly recommended to all those in their last trimester!
Classes are mainly organized on demand every couple of months so if you are interested contact Breeze.
EDIT MARCH 2009
Breeze yoga has recently shut down. Sarah however is still running the courses so please get in touch with her directly if you are interested in taking part: smanning(at)symys.com
I went to Body and Soul Yoga for their Pre-natal class today and found it very disappointing. The instructor was Indian and was their lead teacher there. I was the only one in class but I could only stay for 20 minutes before I excused myself from the class.
First, a gentleman with good intention brought an electronic mosquito repellent into the classroom. I had to ask him to take it away.
Then all they had in the classroom were an inch high bamboo cushion and a regular small square cushion instead of yoga bricks, blankets and yoga cushions for support.
The Indian teacher said that as I am seven month pregnant now there were only a few poses for me which I didn’t agree… There are so much that you could do if you were knowledgeable…..
So in the class, he started with some simple turning your head/neck, turning your wrists and ankles exercises. Then a bit of saying “OM” exercise and breathing as well. Then I requested more poses but the instructor couldn’t show me and just insisted that there were not many poses after 7 months. I wonder if he would say the same if I told him I were 5-month pregnant…..
I believe they are not ready to offer pre-natal classes AT ALL.
So I explained to them if a pregnant woman signs up for a pre-natal class, she would for example want to learn more poses that help to relieve back pain, leg cramps, make the their thigh muscles stronger etc. If she just wants to breathe and meditate, she can just sign up for breathing and meditation classes.
So unless they hire an experienced instructor, I would definitely say no to their pre-natal classes.
That does sound pretty disappointing. I myself practiced yoga until I gave birth and in the prenatal classes I teach I encourage women to do the same as long as it feels comfortable. Try somewhere else, Yoga shala and Breeze both have ongoing classes and I often run prenatal courses too.
I went to Breeze. The instructor Quan Hong was more knowledgeable and the class was good. There were 6 people in the class. Many different poses and she modified them slightly for me when necessary. Then some breathing and kegel exercises. I recommend the class but I heard that Quan Hong will be on leave. So check before you go.