From the story archive · Fictional encounter
Week 3 of childbirth classes with my pregnant wife. The instructor is demonstrating breathing techniques, telling all the partners to practice coaching. "Take a deep breath and then release slowly," I tell my wife, just as a barking spider provides its own demonstration.
The instructor didn't miss a beat: "And that, ladies, is NOT what we mean by pushing." The entire class lost it. Even my wife, who hadn't laughed in weeks due to discomfort, couldn't stop giggling.
Later, the instructor recommended a fascinating online guide about different types of natural sounds that can either help or hinder relaxation during labor. Who knew there was a whole science behind this?