The Birthing Process Part 1

Today I finished teaching Childbirth Class (Lamaze Method) to a couple I met for the first time. I was referred to them by another friend who was also my student and his wife gave birth successfully by Lamaze two years ago. At the end of this week, I will start another private class for another couple. Both of them are first-time parents. I pray that they will all give birth naturally and that the principles I shared with them will be useful.

For every session I meet these parents-to be, I feel an excitement for them as they expect the birth of their babies. Teaching Childbirth Class since 2006 has opened an opportunity for me that I never thought I could have.

I gave birth by Lamaze twice with both our daughters. With the encouragement of my OB-Gyn and my loving husband who patiently coached me through the birthing process, I still freshly recall every part of the experience which I hope most of the women I encounter will also go through. When my sister- in-law got pregnant, her OB who was also my OB, suggested she try Lamaze birth. When she was asking for a recommendation for a Lamaze teacher, she said, "why not your sister-in-law, Imee?" This gave me such boost to teach my sister-in-law. With a recommendation coming from the Chairperson of the OB-Gyn Department of St. Luke's Medical, it was such an honor to teach her and my brother.

My sister-in-law gave birth by Lamaze successfully and so that got the word around. Soon after, I found myself teaching other close friends who were also patients of my OB. The early students were pastors and missionaries. Then word of mouth spread and other friends in the church heard and requested for the class. I conduct it privately by going to the couples' house so as not to inconvenience the pregnant wife from traveling. It is also done in the comforts of their home. In several occasions, my husband has also joined me. His personal experience is an encouragement to the fathers-to-be. Earlier in my teaching season, I was biased to teach only those who give birth in St Luke's as I am already familiar with the procedure there. But later, friends who go to other major hospitals like Cardinal, Medical City have been coming to me by referrals too.

Teaching Childbirth Class is one of the passions I enjoy doing. I can talk about it for hours, just like Homeschooling. And I particularly get rewarded whenever I receive messages for prayer when the wife starts labor and finally gives birth to their child! Successful Lamaze delivery or not (because of some complications), I praise God for the gift of life. If only all of the pregnant mothers are informed or made aware of the things to expect when they give birth and such numerous options they have to ensure a safe and manageable delivery.

I will continue to pass on the information as long as there is chance. I will continue to let parents informed and prepared for the unfolding of God's gift to them.