I'll be honest... the few hours of labor terrify me. I think it's the unknown that is the hardest to deal with. When labor starts, and then gets increasingly painful, you really don't know how much longer you'll have to 'do this'. Of course there is comfort in the fact that it WILL end. It never lasts forever. :)
So this will be my sixth delivery. I'll give a brief rundown of the kinds of deliveries I've had, and what I'm hoping for this time...
Drew: 16 hour labor, all natural, 2.5 hours of pushing, shot of Demerol near the end (Two days after due date)
Joe: Water broke, hospital induced labor with pitocin, stadol through IV, 16 hours (Two weeks early)
Harley: Water broke, hard contractions, quick delivery, 2.5 hours (Two weeks early)
Zach: 20 hour labor, slow start, picked up throughout the day, epidural for last two hours (On due date)
Jethro: 6 hour labor, fast and hard contractions, epidural last two hours (Two weeks overdue)
So I've had lots of different experiences. As an epidural is not an option for me for this next delivery, I am reading up on natural childbirth and how people deal, cope or even enjoy it. It seems like some women view this as a rite of passage into motherhood and feel very empowered by their experience in childbirth. I would have to say with Harley's birth, I did feel very strong and unstoppable. (Look what I just did?) So I am hoping as I practice my breathing and visualization techniques, that I will be able to stay focused, hold myself together, and even enjoy the birthing process this time. I know if you can stay relaxed, your body is more able to do what it needs to, and it is a good method to trust your body. I must not let panic creep in because that does no good for me or my baby. I really am looking forward to meeting this new child.
I recently got the book, Ina May's Guide to Childbirth, and the DVD 'The Business of Being Born.' I would highly recommend both to any woman, but especially to those who may have another child. There are so many wonderful things our medical world can do for us as laboring women. But also so much that is unnecessary to the process of something our bodies are made to do. Even after having five children, there was much I learned from reading this book.
I have also read the book Hypnobirthing and it has some great breathing and visualization techniques in it that I am hoping to use.
![Hypnobirthing: The Mongan Method: A Natural Approach to a Safe, Easier, More Comfortable Birthing [With CD] [HYPNOBIRTHING 3/E]](http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/418pMTsBEoL._SL500_AA300_.jpg)
5 comments:
Hi Heidi! So I'm not good at reading blogs or posting comments, but wanted you to know that I'm thinking of you. You are amazing and I know you'll do great with this next baby. I've only had 2 babies :) and I had an awesome epidural w/ my 2nd but yes... it does seem to take some of the "empowerment" out of the experience. But in the end - I still have 2 amazing kids, no matter how they got here! Love you all lots. Keep up the good work.
First of all, Heidi, you look BEAUTIFUL!!!! I wanna rub that belly!!!
Second, my midwife was talking about Orgasmic Childbirth on fb not too long ago. She works at Cedars Sinai in Beverly Hills and said it's "alive and well" there. You know if I was having another, I'd check this option out, FO SHO! LOL!!!
I feel like I'm in the same position as you. Labour is terrifying and yet it's inspiring to hear other ladies' stories of not giving in to the pain. We're on number 5.
Gina... I would much rather 'that kind of birth' if possible. I am just trying to embrace the fact that though it is a painful process, it is natural, there is nothing wrong and to enjoy any parts of it that are fun or enjoyable. We'll see how it goes... and I'll post the story here.
Angela... I'm still not sure what I would have chosen if I was in a place with a chose... but after watching the movie 'The Business of Being Born', I might have still chosen a natural birth given the epidural option. But as people say who have natural births, it's much easier to not take the drugs when you are at home and they just aren't offered. They are always happy afterward that they didn't have them, but in the process, they might have chosen them.
Lauren... I am so happy for you. When are you due?
Hi Heidi! I love reading your blog posts! I can't wait to see your next beautiful baby. I loved this post about your thoughts on childbirth. I am currently getting my doula certification and natural childbirth is a huge passion of mine. Actually, it was that documentary that really started it all for me. :-)
I can't wait to hear how it all goes for you. What an amazing blessing that God has given you to be able to give birth 6 times!
love to you and your family!
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