So, let me have it. Give me your labor and delivery stories, ladies (or gentlemen - you guys participate in labor, too!).
I want to hear all the tips and tricks and wisdom you've got. Even if you haven't delivered a baby yourself, maybe you've been present at a birth or have read something good I need to know.
What was it like for you? What worked that you think I should try? What wisdom do you have to share?
Are there strategies you used? Methods for concentration or relaxation? What helped you labor well?
What was the most emotional part? The scariest part? The thing that no one told you?
Is there something you wish had been different (that was within your control to make different)?
I think it's so very important to share our stories and build up a community of women who share knowledge and strength and encouragement. However, because I think this is so important, I really don't want to hear scare stories about how hideous it is or how much I should be afraid. Women do that to each other too often that we've begun to dread this event and see it as a painful, unfair obstacle to overcome, rather than an opportunity to conquer, succeed, and create.
So, let me hear it.
If you want, email me personally. If you'd like to leave a comment here, feel free to do that as well. For those of you who have said you've had trouble leaving comments here in the past, please email, but I have also found that if I try to post a comment and it says it is unable to, I just hit the same button again a second time, and it (miraculously) puts it up there correctly the second time. Also, if it doesn't appear right away, don't worry - I have to "moderate" them before they show up.
I hope to hear from you!
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I'm pretty sure at one point or another you have heard all three of my birth stories. So here is some last minute advice.
ReplyDeleteDon't get worried about the time, she will come out when she is ready.
I personally feel that if you can handle the pain, do so and do not get any drugs, that way you can have more control over your body when it comes time to push. Plus then you have the added advantage of being able to squat, if you choose to. Gravity is a beautiful thing.
Take pictures, as long as you want to, so that you can remember a little better what happens that day. Believe me it will all become a blur once she arrives and you won't be able to remember the pain, or how long you pushed for, because you will be looking in her beautiful face.
Eat right before you go to the hospital so that you can have some energy, because they won't let you eat, ice and popsciles.
Just breathe, all those years of yoga will come in very handy.
I always had one moment with each one where I cried and wanted it all to be over, and then I got over it and did what was expected. The whole process is emotional, so you might be a little extra weepy.
Having Ben talk me through the harder contractions was great, plus it helped me to remember to breath and not tense up. Sometimes though you just can't help it. Don't beat yourself up about it if ever contraction is not perfect.
You will do great, and I can't wait to hear all about it. Good luck and we will be praying for all of you.