Hypnobirthing
For the record, Hypnobirthing by Marie Mongan was my #6 book for the year, though it seems weird to mention, since it’s obviously a situational thing. The name sounds very cheesy, and some of the assurances a little too good to be true, e.g. birth doesn’t have to hurt! But I’m doing two big things differently this time: using hypnosis as a relaxation tool, and working with a doula. When I had Drake, my water broke after a long day; I was exhausted and probably dehydrated. Then when I had tough contractions, I threw up, making things worse. I would love drug-free pain, but I’ll settle for no vomiting. Also, when I had Drake the hospital was full, and G. Grod and I were left alone for long periods of time, with me in a labor whose details were not by the book. This time we’re working with a doula, in the hope that if things go weird again, we’ll have a calmer, more experienced person with us the whole time.
January 27th, 2006 at 11:23 am
You may just get lucky since it’s the second one. I know I did.
First = 36 hours, 2 hours of pushing, induction, epidural (ended up uneven so I felt it all in one side but not the other), 4th degree tear through rectal wall (not muscle).
Second = 12 hours, 1 hour pushing, no epidural, Couple shots of Nubain I was having a hard time managing contractions because I’d been sick (was sick) with this HORRENDOUS head/cheast cold and coughing and hacking, and little nothing 1-2 tear, the midwife called it superficial.
But a lot has to do with where/with who I chose to labor. For the first I just sorta blindly ended up at a hospital who’s policy it was that NO woman regardless of risk could get up out of the bed. This time I got up, sat up, walked a bit, got offered not just ice chips but orange juice, apple juice, tea, water…etc. And when I asked if I could have something to eat because my heart burn was flaring from the water (it was that bad) they brought me crackers but offered me fruit, crackers, bread…etc. It was a much much better situation all around.
I tell people I feel like I actually got to GIVE BIRTH this time instead of just having some Dr. “Deliver” the baby.
Aaaaannnnd now that I’ve hijacked your blog…I’ll be going now. ^_^