Derek and I started attending the only class that West Virginia offers for childbirth. I really wanted to find a Lamaze class but unfortunately this tiny town doesn’t offer it. The class offers 5 classes on basic information from breastfeeding to managing labor pain.
I thought I knew it all based on the endless episodes of A Baby Story, Bringing Baby Home, Birthdays , Amazing Deliveries, Teen Pregnancy & Teen mom all of which the TLC and VH1 channel offers. I know it sounds like all I do is watch TV but I’ve been keeping myself occupied “nesting” for the most part, when I take a break at least one of the baby related episodes is on TV.
My plan is to deliver naturally. Most think I’m crazy when pain relief is so accessible. I figure, child birth is a natural part of life, many have done it before me (including my own mother) …so why can’t I? One of the main reasons I’d like to deliver naturally because I want total control. I’ve never been drunk, but I have been given medication that has made lose my sense of control and I hate that feeling. My entire pregnancy has felt uncontrolled (due to sickness) and I’d like to at least feel like I’ve had some control during part of my pregnancy. The thought of not being able to feel my legs…or feel if I’m pushing hard enough once the epidural has been administered terrifies me!
At the last class we attended, there were about ten other couples. I often forget I’m in West Virginia until I hear the Southern drawl that the majority of the locals’ possess here. It was interesting to hear the introductions and what other couples plan to name their children. Imagine a southern drawl to following double names (these were actual names from the class): Eric Dickenson….Sarah Lynn…Anna Belle. When It was our turn for introductions, I told them what I’ve told many of you…due to unwanted opinions and the likelihood that someone will take offense that he is not named after a family member we have chosen not to share the name until our son is born. I can’t imagine what kind of response we would have gotten because our little boys name is very unique compared to the names we had just heard.
We were taught breathing techniques and relaxation methods. Honestly, envisioning the calming sunrise as I hear waves wash ashore doesn’t calm me at all. The breathing techniques were hilarious because my husband was intentionally trying to make me laugh. .. I need to figure out some relaxation method fast or else I’ll be screaming for the epidural. Running and journaling are calming to me, both of which will not be conducive to relaxing during childbirth. Suggestions anyone?
3 comments:
I ended up getting the epidural, but I plan to try natural for our next one. I think I will just keep trying to do it natural each time.
Suggestions...
the massage techniques taught in my lamaze class really helped and so did the breathing. I used the breathing to get me from 1:30am to 8:30 am when I went to the hospital. Also, I hear a bath is the best thing you can do, if your hospital room offers a tub.
I suppose my advice would be to let what is happening happen. My midwife told me it's like being in the ocean, when a wave comes you don't fight against it or it will knock you down, you go with its flow. The same goes for contractions, go with the flow, use your breathing techniques or write in your journal. Also, let your Dr. know what you want from him/her. If you need someone to yell at you like a drill sgt. and to tell you like it is let them know or if you would just like for them to shut up and not say anything at all let them know. It's your experience not theirs, you are in control, not them. They are there for guidance or if something needs to be taken care of in an emergency. And make sure Derek is right by your side, don't allow the nurses to push him aside; this is probably the time when you'll need him the most. While in labor think positive, do not doubt yourself, don't scream, screaming only expends your energy faster, and remember to breathe because if you aren't breathing neither is the baby. Love you and I am so happy for you!
I also wanted to say that usually in a hospital they will try to hook you up to an IV and/or keep you in the bed. If you don't want an IV tell them. If you want to sip on apple juice in the middle of labor do just that. If you want to eat before, during and after labor do so. If you want to get up and walk around the room or get in a different position like squat do just that. Again it is your birthing experience and you need to have an enjoyable one not one that you wish you could do over or do not want to remember. I hope my advice helps in some way.
Post a Comment