Our first Birthing Class

One of the midwives from my OBGYN practice, Pam Kozick, possibly one that will deliver our baby, taught tonight's first class.
We learned about the stages of labor.
We learned about relaxation and comfort tools to pack in our labor bag. I will pack one of my favorite DVDs, some favorite CDs, and snacks.
We learned the things that slow labor, like a poor coach and too many people in the delivery room, or lying down when I should be standing and rocking.
Jim has to remember to pack chapstick and massage oils without preservatives.
We learned about different labor positions, like all fours and slow dancing/leaning. I can ask for a birthing ball. I can get a bath or shower, I can even give birth on a birthing bar or squatting ( sorry for the too much info...but gravity is what gets a baby out).
We practiced a breathing technique. Jim learned about the things he needs to do closer to delivery day in order to help me progress.
Basically, my biggest goal in labor is to remain true to what my body is telling me to do and to make sure that anything that could make me nervous or concerned is taken out of my way. My coach has to remain positive and focused on me. Jimmy did really well with that tonight.
Hopefully, my mom will sit back and just watch what he does and follow his lead.
The midwives do not want any "spectators" in the delivery rooms. They only want helpers.
And, I like and agree with that. They believe that anyone in the room at any time during labor should be there to assist the mother with labor, not visit or "just have a look".
So, listening to their knowledge, I think that we will ask that everyone but Jim and my mom wait until the baby has arrived before driving to he hospital and pouring into the waiting room. I do not want people to come in and visit me. I am someone who likes to be alone when I am in pain. And, I dont like people to be around me asking how I am when I feel bad.
I have this idea of what is going to make me comfortable, and knowing that there are people waiting for me to deliver the goods is not going to help me progress, only make me more nervous.
We will explain that as kindly as we can to everyone before the big day.
Thursday is baby care class. I am sure we will get some helpful pointers for after baby is born that we will also decide to follow or not. My mom will be here for the first week to help.
For now, I am starting to visualize what my delivery day looks like. I am anxious for the second class. I am very appy with tonight's outcome.