Recently, Mike and I discovered the local library. It is a gold mine of information. I checked-out several books on labor and delivery in order to educate myself more fully. I have spent the last week reading The Big Book of Birth by Erica Lyon. It has been full of little gems of information, teaching me what is going to happen to my body during labor and suggesting multiple ways in order for me to cope with the entire process. Surprisingly, as I read, my once epidural-determined mind opened up to the idea of natural childbirth and a belief that I really just might be able to handle the pain on my own, that it might be a Wonder Woman challenge I am willing to undertake. Until I read the chapter titled, “Pushing”. It was full of words and phrases like 15 minutes to 4 hours, ring of fire, watermelon-sized bowel movement, work, breathing, tearing, burst blood vessels, and episiotomy. It was full of pictures of suggested pushing positions that made me cringe in horror at the thought that I might have to replicate them. As a result, I have decided one of two situations will occur during my delivery. Number 1: Being pregnant isn’t so bad…my baby can just stay put and I will avoid this whole pushing thing altogether! Or number 2: Take advantage of technology and pray I am able to receive an epidural that lasts a very, very long time! Who wants to be Wonder Woman anyways? Her nemesis, Circe, had a much sexier costume.
3 comments:
in reality pushing is the best part :D "ring of fire" was nothing more than the pain equivalent of a mild UTI, and when you push you don't feel the pain of the contractions! they have local anesthesia for the episiotomy, and you recover faster, you're at no spinal risk,and the baby is born faster! it took over 2 hours of pushing with Treson (epidural was used) and 5 pushes with Ellie. She was born so fast that she didn't have a cone head!
there are just some pros for you- either way you're going to be a great Mommy! :D
Oh Brit, you made me laugh! You know when is all said and done you will say..." wow, it was not as hard or awful as I had anticipated"... and when you see and hold your little bundle, your heart will melt and everything else, pain and discomfort included will be, but just a dream. that you will forget until the next time, when you are ready to deliver again.
This is so very true, just ask any woman, and they will jump at the chance to share the details, even if you don't ask, and sometimes it is the negative experiences that are shared. Just remember you will have your very own positive and beautiful experience, and it will be your time and Mike's special moment of joy!
Just always remember the end product! That is what has gotten me through at least. Whatever you choose to do, just remember that it's all about the baby. I hope everything works out for you! It's really a rewarding experience to give birth. Sure it's painful, but SO worth it all. I'm so happy you and Mike are going to be parents soon. Keep us all updated. We miss you guys
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