Well, this time last week, I had begun my 5 hours of pacing during labor. It seems like a million years ago, but not long ago at all. I can't even describe how pleased I am with my experience. And while I appreciate the admiration I've received for having an non-medicated birth, I think I'm getting too much credit. I just want to tell every woman that - if they have a low risk pregnancy - they can totally handle it with the right preparation. Information is so powerful, and going through my Bradley Method childbirth class really prepared me for what I was up against. And I am so, so, happy with the outcome. I also am super happy with my experience with my midwives. They are wonderful, caring women who really care about women and babies. And as weird as it was for me to end up laboring and then delivering in the water, it was a great and comforting experience and being able to go home just 5 hours later to be at my own house was AWESOME. Seriously - people think I've shortchanged myself of something and I feel nothing but happiness. I mean, the midwives came out the next da to check us both out, so there wasn't any decrease in our care after we left the center.Anyway - it's been a good week. I'm happy. Very happy.
6 comments:
I wish we were in a state that really allowed Mid-wives. We can't use them fully here. And I always wanted to do a water birth. Unfortunately I'll always be in that high risk group and may never get the chance but here to hoping! Thanks for letting me know that it really was all I had hoped it would be!
Oh, her little face is just so sweet. :o) Also, thank you for sharing the information...I know, as someone hoping to have a baby in the next few years, it's really helpful to me. :o)
I can't imagine what you might have missed out on, or shortchanged. Getting home with Luke that first day was the best for all three of us. I'm so glad that we did the Bradley Method. And while I can't speak to the pain, I can tell as husband/dad, it was great to be so well prepared and to know how it was going to happen. I would never do it another way. I'm so glad for you guys.
-Tom
So glad you had such a good experience. It's so nice being able to be up and about right after giving birth. Thanfully, mine don't last that long. Kudos to you for lasting that long.
So happy you're happy! I think you're right about the birthing process. My second epidural wore off at the very end...during the hard labor...and it wasn't nearly as bad as I thought it would be. I opted for medication, though, so I wouldn't have to focus or worry about it. So you should definitly take credit for not being lazy about it managing to stay focused for so long!
I haven't commented, on anything really, before now - because I haven't been asked to, and haven't had anything to add. But I kinda do now, so here you go.
I definitely don't think you missed out on anything or were shortchanged. How in the world could you have been? Just look at the outcome - a happy, healthy family. What else in the world could matter? And honestly, if anyone else takes that view, then shame on them.
I ABSOLUTELY think you are a hero, but not because you chose one way to give birth over another, but because you chose the path to become a mother - what I feel is the hardest, most wonderful, thankless, and heart warming job ever. I can't wait to watch you - it will be nothing short of amazing.
The only comment I have about natural vs. medicated is that it disappoints me a little that women (and men, too) equate that with some kind of odd sense of worth. It's a choice, albeit a VERY important one. Nothing more. I was medicated (granted my circumstances were different and not the ideal), but I don't think anything about that day made me lazy or less of a woman. I think every single woman who goes through that process, whatever that process is or has to be, is awe inspiring. Hell, let's all chest bump.
Post a Comment