Prenatal Class Day 3: Breathing exercises, floor exercises and baby massage

The third day of our prenatal class started at about 7.55 pm and as we entered the auditorium, we got these:


Third day goodie bag



Facial wash and cracked heel cream



Avent breast milk storage cup


I guess by this time we quite look forward to getting our goodie bags to see what was inside! :) Initially I thought that we would only get it on the first day.

Anyway, the talk was given by the one of Adventist Hospital's physiotherapists and she began her session by telling us about the usual aches and pains a woman usually gets during pregnancy. She also taught us some breathing exercises that can come in useful during labour. I think the whole point of learning these breathing techniques is that it makes you concentrate and focus on your breathing so as to distract you from the pain. However, she did mention that if one was to elect for an epidural then all these breathing techniques are not necessary.

After that, she talked to us about baby massage and gave a brief demonstration on it. At Adventist Hospital they have a special class for baby massage in which they teach only parents (not grandparents or maids) how to bond with and massage their baby. I told Hubby the babies nowadays so "hoh mia", even have special massage for them. I have never even had a proper massage before :p

Baby massaging over, it was time for the usual biscuit and soya milk/milo break.

After the break, we came back to the auditorium to find exercise mats and pillows placed on the floor. I brought my own yoga mat (borrowed from sister-in-law) since the day before we were advised to bring our own in case they did not have enough. The first part of the floor exercises was the wife massage..aahh..how nice. In this session, they taught the husbands how to give their wives massages to help relieve all the aches and pains, especially in the neck and back.

That done, it was time for the ladies to learn some exercises to help strengthen their abdominal and pelvic muscles. This would be particularly useful during labour as well as after delivery for faster recovery.

We ended class at almost 10.45 on the third day. Although it was long, but it was fun! Looking forward to the last day.