- The Bradley Method (which Reagan & I attempted to use) claims that labor "can be controlled & even painless..." Ummmm... the book was written in the late '70's... were they on drugs?!?!?! It was by far the most painful experience of my life. And while the breathing exercises I learned from the book & the tips it taught did help, there was certainly no control. Controlled labor would mean that periodically, after some really tough contractions, one could stop the labor briefly to take a break. My labor had no break! I was certainly unable to stop contractions or take a "breather." We plan on burning the book this winter.
- I took advice from the above book as well as other resources on what to pack for labor. Here's what I took as well as what I used-
Popsicles & jolly ranchers- supposed to help in early labor... no time for those in my labor
vitamin water- I was fortunate to be allowed fluids... love the grape flavor... will never drink orange vitamin water again (I'll spare you my reasons)
tennis balls in Reagan's sock for rubbing my back - I didn't want to be touched
a cd player & relaxing music - no time for that & I wanted complete silence
massage oil - for my back - no need because there was no touching
something to look at & focus on - the baby's ultrasound picture- no need for that... I wanted darkness & shut my eyes anyway for contractions & I was already focused on the baby... I didn't need to be reminded of the goal!
magazines... for reading in between contractions during early labor (no time between contractions for me... I had a very short "early" labor) Who reads Vogue during labor?!?!?
snacks for Reagan (no time to eat those... bless his heart)
there was more but I can't remember what else I packed!
- I thought running a marathon was the hardest physical thing I've ever done- I was wrong.
My labor was extremely difficult but fortunately very fast (7 hrs, 2 minutes). The doctors & nurses were amazing & really let me do exactly what I had hoped for. They didn't use Potussin to induce me as my body really took over very quickly. My labor progressed rapidly & they allowed me to be up walking laps, drinking fluids, to sit on the birthing ball in the bathtub, etc. I was so grateful to have the freedom to do labor as I wished. They really respected what I wanted. Also, I think I would have naturally gone into labor as I had several symptoms the morning I was induced & my body took over within 20 minutes of being induced. I also didn't have to push very long - Will was ready!
- Epidurals are my new best friend. I thought I would do labor without an epidural but after a few hours I was in the bathtub in the dark & in the worst pain I could ever imagine. At the time, I figured I still had 10 + hours to go & I thought there was no way I could ever make it with the pain I was in. (I didn't realize how close I was to the end!) My contractions were each lasting about 1-1.5 minutes with about 10-15 seconds in between them. I can't even describe how bad I hurt & the idea of doing that for hours & hours was beyond me! I also made the decision that with the pain I was in, I would not be able to enjoy the birth of my child & that suddenly hit me with huge significance. This was supposed to be the happiest day of my life & I wanted to be able to smile at my baby! So, I took the epidural & about an hour later, I was ready to have the baby! Reagan said we couldn't name the baby after the anesthesiologist!
- I truly had a great (although very difficult) labor & delivery experience. Hearing the words, "It's A Boy!!!" & "He's alive" & "He's great!" was incredible!!! Giving birth is truly the most amazing, fulfilling experience & having him in my arms at last filled me with such euphoria. It was love at first sight - I'm head over heels in love! Already I can imagine doing it again! Amazing how those hormones work to make us forget the pain!
We took lots of pictures recently of Will & will post soon!!! Man, he is so cute!!! :)
4 thoughts:
Good to know sister. When you have some time give me a call...I'd love to talk to you but I don't want to 'bother' you...so just know I'm thinking of you and continuing to pray for ya'll...also I'd love any 'pointers' you can give. Thanks for the reflections...can't decide if I'm more nervous or not? :) love, ejw
What a fun read. AND, YES...WILL IS SOOOO CUTE!!! We will be driving down the road, be in the grocery store, at the dinner table, etc. and Jayce will randomly ask, "Hey Mom. What is that really cute new baby that is zero (the concept of days, weeks, months is foreign to him) name?" I tell him, "Will." He ALWAYS responds, "Will. RIGHT! Oh he is so cute. I am so glad God gave me and Jak a new friend." So sweet! :)
Katie - this is Joy C. - used to work for your Dad in Tyler - used to teach you piano. Your precious Will is beautiful. Contrat to you! Your website is such a blessing to me. I am praying for you. (Your husband is cute, too!!! HA You did good!)
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