The weeks and months have flown by, much to my amazement. I'm currently 37 weeks, 4 days pregnant, and I feel like I've been hit by a truck and then backed over and run over again. The overwhelming need to sleep is hard to fight, yet when I try to sleep at night, I just can't get comfortable or the heartburn/acid reflux gets to me and keeps me awake.
As much as I enjoy being pregnant, I'm starting to become uncomfortable. I'm also starting to doubt my abilities to give birth naturally. I keep thinking to myself, that if I am this exhausted when I go into labor, there is no way I will make it through.
Having a natural unmedicated childbirth is extremely important to me. I want to make the best and most healthy choices for this baby and for myself. People have been giving birth for millions of years without pain medications or medical interventions of any sort, and I don't see why I should be any different. Sure, I could get an epidural and not feel a thing and be relieved of contraction pains and pushing pains. Sure, it would be great to not feel any tearing or the "ring of fire" as the baby crowns. But imagine how great it must be to feel something so powerful, so natural and primitive, and there is nothing you can do about it but let it happen.
I'm sure that a natural unmedicated birth is not for everyone, nor is it for the feint of heart or those that want childbirth to be easy. But in my opinion, it shouldn't be easy. Childbirth is the dawn of a new life, the entrance of a human child into this world. It shouldn't be easy.
As I anxiously sit waiting for the signs of labor to begin, I am flooded with thoughts of increasing doubt in my ability to handle labor. I was completely confident in myself, until my midwife told me that those who do not practice to not do well. She suggested hypnobabies (hypnobirthing) and yoga relaxation techniques to help me practice relaxing for labor. I doubt hypnobabies would work too well for me, as I am not an easily suggestible person and I find it hard to take that sort of thing seriously (not to insult anyone, if it works for you, more power to you!). My confidence has been shattered, and I may only have days to prepare myself now. I felt fully prepared before. Sure, I could have done more. But I have done a lot of research and know enough about labor that I will not freak myself out. I know it will be uncomfortable, maybe even to the point of tears. But I will survive.
As much as I enjoy being pregnant, I'm starting to become uncomfortable. I'm also starting to doubt my abilities to give birth naturally. I keep thinking to myself, that if I am this exhausted when I go into labor, there is no way I will make it through.
Having a natural unmedicated childbirth is extremely important to me. I want to make the best and most healthy choices for this baby and for myself. People have been giving birth for millions of years without pain medications or medical interventions of any sort, and I don't see why I should be any different. Sure, I could get an epidural and not feel a thing and be relieved of contraction pains and pushing pains. Sure, it would be great to not feel any tearing or the "ring of fire" as the baby crowns. But imagine how great it must be to feel something so powerful, so natural and primitive, and there is nothing you can do about it but let it happen.
I'm sure that a natural unmedicated birth is not for everyone, nor is it for the feint of heart or those that want childbirth to be easy. But in my opinion, it shouldn't be easy. Childbirth is the dawn of a new life, the entrance of a human child into this world. It shouldn't be easy.
As I anxiously sit waiting for the signs of labor to begin, I am flooded with thoughts of increasing doubt in my ability to handle labor. I was completely confident in myself, until my midwife told me that those who do not practice to not do well. She suggested hypnobabies (hypnobirthing) and yoga relaxation techniques to help me practice relaxing for labor. I doubt hypnobabies would work too well for me, as I am not an easily suggestible person and I find it hard to take that sort of thing seriously (not to insult anyone, if it works for you, more power to you!). My confidence has been shattered, and I may only have days to prepare myself now. I felt fully prepared before. Sure, I could have done more. But I have done a lot of research and know enough about labor that I will not freak myself out. I know it will be uncomfortable, maybe even to the point of tears. But I will survive.
Wow! Bummer words from your midwife. But don't let them get you down.
ReplyDeleteI'd like to correct one thought. Hypnosis actually works better for those who have more will power. Not the other way around. One who is strong willed would be better able to put the hypnosis techniques into affect then someone who has little will power or is easily suggestible.
As it is you would need 6 weeks for the course anyway. So maybe next time?
Just remind yourself that you can do this. Just like many women before you. Remember to breathe deep breathes through every single birthing wave. Completely expanding your belly and controlling the air as it comes back out.
I think this is what your midwife means by practicing relaxation. Having the ability to breathe through them. Just letting them happen and relaxing into it. Any woman can do this, not just moms who take Hypnobabies and yoga. Does the deep relaxation from hypnosis help? Sure! Ive had three babies using hypnobabies. But you shouldnt be discouraged!! You've got time to practice that deep breathing. Get your game face on! You can do this!