Monday, April 21, 2008

The Power of Suggestion

The power of suggestion. Yawns can be contagious. Basically a visual response. Scientific studies have been done on this social phenomenon. Of course that is not the only reason we yawn, but I think most of us have experienced this at one time or another.

Ahh . . . the power of suggestion . . .

What else can be experience by the power of suggestion . . . hunger . . . laughter . . . fatigue . . .

We went to our Preparing for Childbirth class this past Saturday. We learned some new things to help prepare us for labor & delivery and for our life as a new family. We practiced some techniques, watched some videos, and met some other couples. It was a one day/all day class held at the hospital.

We were watching our last short video after lunch.
. . . wait a minute what was that!?
Annie shifted in her chair. Her attention was diverted away from the video. Another shift. Her attention was distracted inward. Rojelio was being a good student and watching the video.

Annie tapped Rojelio on the shoulder, in a whisper with a panicked face, " . . . I think my water just broke . . ."
Rojelio with a mirrored face reflecting Annie's, " . . . are you sure?"
She shifted again. Thinking about getting up, but realizing the plug of the chair was the only thing stopping the rush of fluid from within.
" . . . yes I'm pretty sure . . . "

As they made it the 25-feet from the birthing class to the labor and delivery desk the presence of fluid made itself known.

We are expecting our little one to make her debut this week. She sure has a way of making her presence known. Earlier than expected, though we are optimistic about the outcome. Maybe she'll even share a birthday with her Uncle Andrew.

Was this an event that stemmed from the power of suggestion? Seemingly different than a yawn. Wonder if there have ever been any studies done on women going into labor during childbirth classes . . . huh . . . very interesting . . .