Yes childbirth classes can be reassuring but don't be surprised if what actually happens is nothing like what you were taught!
They said a first labour takes a long time - yeah right! 3 3/4 hours. Second one was 1 hour 33 minutes.
Don't let anyone tell you that quick labours are easier - just imagine 10 hours of pain condensed into 1 1/2hours!
Childbirth classes tell you about on time/normal childbirth and don't mention having your 1 month early baby whisked off to have a drip put in their little arm just in case they get sick.
They don't talk about special care, tube feeding, sun lamps and constant blood tests turning your baby's feet black and blue.
I shouldn't complain - I now have two healthy, adorable boys but I do wish the people who run childbirth classes could come up with a way of telling you what happens in non-standard cases without scaring everybody
My best tip for labour - movement is good pain relief! Pain makes my muscles contract and my imitation of a belly dancer during labour helped stop the cramps in my legs and lower back. Also being upright speeds things up as the weight of the baby's head pressing on the cirvex helps it to open.
Dads - you are there to be sworn at, run errands and only, ONLY do what she asks you to do!
If you do anything she hasn't asked for you will be wrong and get yelled at. If you are squeamish there is no need to look at the "business end" and faint but do be there. You got her into this position so why should you avoid the difficult bit?
Paul also thought it was his job to eat the tea and toast supplied when labour was over!
It's worth it in the end - honest!
Jane
But with 9-11 weeks left I think we will just rough it out. 
