Once inside the health center, each person was given a white sticker.
I wrote my address, name, and expected date of delivery on it up to the street, and stuck it on my left breast like a nameplate.
It was start time of childbirth preparation class, 13:00.
Including us, there were about 12 moms and dads in attendance.
At first, we split up into rooms of 3 pairs each for bathing practice for the dads. haha
A very experienced midwife explained in a very efficient manner to us beginners how to bathe our babies.
"First, prepare a baby bath. The location can be either the bath or the sink, as long as there is enough space and it is easy to do. During the bath, leave the water running all the time in order to maintain a constant shower temperature. Then, start the shower from the baby's head. Newborn babies are not yet able to sit on their heads, so hold their heads firmly so that the hot water does not splash onto their faces. Next, you will move on to the baby's body, arms, legs, and…"
(An omission)
"…and then apply a good moisturizing cream, and you are done bathing your baby. Babies dry out easily, so make sure they're well-moisturized!"
Pause.
Pause.
Pause.
She explained that from putting a naked baby in a baby bath, to moisturizing and putting a diaper on, but…
for a beginner, there is too much to remember. hahaha
"I think it's a bit much to remember. Well, this is something you get used to, so let's have you start with the dad on the left!"
The bathing practice for the three dads, including me, was very awkward. haha
The midwife next to us told us almost everything we were going to do next. hahaha
After the bathing practice, the midwife talked to all moms & dads about how difficult it is for moms during pregnancy and postpartum, and how important to cooperate between moms and dads in raising children is necessary for a good marriage in the future.
I was particularly surprised to learn that a mother loses about the same amount of blood during childbirth as a 500 ml plastic bottle or a 1.5 L plastic bottle for a cesarean section for a single delivery (one child).
出産って、ほんまに命懸けですね。Giving birth is really a matter of life and death.
After the midwife's talk, the childbirth preparation class was over.
Near the exit of the health center, there was an experience corner for fathers to know pregnant women, how expectant mothers could feel the weight of their body when the baby is in the belly and see their feet when the belly gets bigger.
This was a special weight to wear, but looking at my wife, I already had more than enough understanding of the obvious difficulties she was going through, so I decided to refrain from the pregnant woman's experience. hahaha
to be continued...
