A rocks an empathy belly

At our first Labor & Birth class, the instructor brought in a 35-lb empathy belly for the support person to try on. I made A volunteer, and he even had to sign a waiver - he certified he wasn't wearing heels, didn't have a hernia, etc. and vouched not to jump up and down or make sudden movements with the belly on - hilarious but the hospital is cautious.

First thing A had to do was wear a velcro band around his chest to simulate us pregnant ladies with decreased lung capacity. Check out how a mom's interior changes between not pregnant and pregnant below. The lung size decreases, as well as the stomach. No wonder I can't eat big meals or breathe! Also, the uterus goes from the size of a closed fist to being wrapped around the baby. It's so amazing how the human body was designed!

Source

Anyways, back to class....let's put that 35-lb empathy belly on!

At which point A started rubbing his belly as he would a Buddha statue at the entrance of a Chinese restaurant. Classy ;).

The apron covers everything nicely. A said it was really heavy. Oh, and below the belly, the instructor also stuck a bean-bag like thing to put even more pressure on his bladder....hehe....

A's belly was bigger than mine!

He said he really felt the pressure when sitting down.

Try to get your shoes now! Not so easy, is it?

Help, he's rolled over and he can't flip around ;)

It was a fun experience and good class. Next week, we start learning some breathing and relaxation techniques.