I've been thinking about childbirth.
Sometimes, I cry tears of joy in anticipation of bringing Klara into the world to meet the lovely people waiting for her. Other times, I get anxious--because everyone has different ideas of the "right" ways to do this and because I'm not really sure what's "right" for us because this is an entirely foreign experience for me.
I would like to give birth in a birthing center, but I don't think I will, for no other reason than it's "one more thing to figure out." I'll most likely have Klara in the hospital, and based on the reading I've done, I would like to give birth with as few interventions as possible. My greatest fear is that I will have a vision (the often taunted by medical professionals "birth plan") that I will feel powerless to ask for. Not that it can't happen, or shouldn't happen, but that it won't happen because of my "don't go out of your way to do things differently for me" nature.
So what's the solution? Doula in the hospital? Have my mom read books along with me so she can help to advocate for me? Go the birth center route? I just wish that hospitals were more supportive of alternative methods (or that I lived in Berkeley. Ha).
Sunday, May 15, 2011
Birth Day
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8 comments:
There is so much info out there... good luck. I think having your mom on board with what you want sounds like a good plan. That way when you're in crazy labor she can think straight for you :)
I love Dr.'s and hospitals :)
Stephanie
You know me, I am one of those that just went in and wanted them to tell me what to do and for sure wanted to be in a hospital. But, with the exception of one nurse, they were very open to hearing what I wanted and very encouraging through the entire process.
I wouldn't hold back on doing what is right for you. This is your time, your body. They want a happy, comfortable Mama and a happy, healthy baby. I think what you want and what they want can easily coincide!
It's hard not to compartmentalize hospitals, but keep an open mind, they might surprise you! And, for the nurse or doctor that feels "inconvenienced", I'll pop'em one.
Love you and praying whatever you decide gives you peace!
I felt like this. It seemed so overwhelming with everyone's expectations of what is right or wrong. Ultimately do what is makes you the most comfortable. I would say tell you mom what you want so she can help make those decisions for you in the hospital. It is nice to have someone there who knows what you want and will stand up for you.
Or you could be like me...ignorant. HA! I was so fearful (especially of pain) I just didn't want to know. After my first lamaze course I wondered how in the world I was going to make it through. But God is so gracious and after that first class He decided that my baby needed to come early so I wouldn't have to suffer through all my many moments of anxiety. Sofia came at 35 weeks and in order to save her and me, I was induced. Not the planned way or the "correct choice" according to many. But no matter how she came, I have a most beautiful daughter, and another daughter and a son. :) And I'll tell you what, labour and delivery nurses are THE BEST!!!
Thank you, wise mamas. I want to make informed decisions, while trying to remain flexible and not too hard on myself if things don't go as planned. For some reason, this is all very important to me.
Oh Sherry, I'm sure you already knew, but I left my childbirth class in tears crying from downtown Corona all the way to Rubidoux simply because I knew that there was so much I still didn't know. I was so fearful of the unknown. God knew that I was so crazy He let Lily come so fast I didn't have a chance to make any decisions. It, was however, so wonderful to have my coaches (one of which was my Mama) with me the whole time. I agree with Steph and Melissa, let your Mom do your fighting for you.
A timely piece of information.:)
http://www.passionatehomemaking.com/
Ahh. What a nice article, Keri. I loved the encouraging comments, too.
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