Thursday, February 10, 2011

Empathy Suit

Last night Zach and I had our first birthing class.  We joined 9 other couples at the medical center in Hailey to learn what we could about the in's and out's of labor, delivery, and baby in the first two hour session of a six course series.  Our teacher, Larsen Peterson, was great and has 30+ years of teaching experience under her belt.

The teacher asked for a volunteer and I quickly nominated Zach knowing this might be for something good.  And indeed it was!  Zach had to put on an "empathy suit".  The suit simulates what it might feel like to be pregnant for a man.  It's 30+lbs with a belly and breasts.  The teacher then adds additional weighted lead balls into the stomach to simulate what it might feel like to have something kicking inside you.  Zach had to get "dressed", tie his shoes, sit down on the floor, and try to get comfortable all in the empathy suit.  I think he would agree he has a whole new respect for what women go through while being pregnant.



The picture quality isn't the best because it was extremely hard to focus when I was laughing so hard.  But those who know Zach can surely visualize him flopping around on the floor with grunts and moans. 

5 comments:

Darleen said...

That's awesome! I wish I had one of those laying around for Seth to wear all the times I was pregnant.

Brad said...

It's not a great look for Zach. Come to think of it, its not such a good look for me. Well at least it's just tummy and not breasts...yet. Dieting as I write. Glad to see Zach is fully engaged on both ends of the pregnancy. Empathy is a great thing in a marriage, so is sharing diaper changes. We are really proud of you two, you'll be great parents, just ask Lucy. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Just found out Brock and Laura's third will be a girl, early July. Love Brad

ian and sarah said...

Yes! That must have been oh so fun for you to watch.

Anonymous said...

So funny!

Katie said...

Wish all husbands could try on the empathy suit! Although mine has been pretty empathetic!