It’s In Writing

Ben has said several dozen times since the birth “Can you put that in writing so you don’t forget?”

So, here are my thoughts about labor and delivery so I can remember for next time….

Induction – There is nothing that can make me go into labor sooner.  I’ve tried everything.  Yes,  including Castor Oil.  I must have a really strong stomach because it barely had any effect.  The only thing that works is time (or Pitocin).

Pitocin – Pitocin can be necessary.  As much as I don’t want to admit that – it’s true.  Sadie and Jax were both two days late, but I really think both of them needed to come out.  Sadie had a lot of meconium and if she had been in there another week I think she would have aspirated it.  Also, I think I would have ended up having a C-Section with Jax if I had waited much longer.  Next time, if it comes to that, I think we’ll just make it a matter of prayer and do what we feel is best.  Most times I think going a little extra time is great and healthy, but with those two I really did feel like the induction was what was best.

Pain Relief – Well, during the 15 minutes before and after delivery I told Ben that people were crazy for not wanting an epidural and next time I definitely wanted one.  He kept saying, “Remember that for next time!”  However, after those 30 minutes had passed I was totally elated I had gone without pain medication. 

It really is such an adrenaline rush.  Call me crazy but I have loved the labor and delivery of both babies.  With Sadie, though, I physically felt nothing.  I was like another bystander in the room rather than an active participant.  With Jax, I felt so involved and in control.  And, when he came out there was such a rush of something…accomplishment….relief….confidence….pride….empowerment….I don’t know.  When Sadie came out I was thrilled, but there wasn’t that ‘rush’ of being on top of the world.   Well, I can’t explain it so I’ll stop trying. 🙂

Also, I still can’t get over how immediate the recovery was.  A half hour after Jax was born I felt better than I did 3 months after Sadie was born.  It was so quick and so easy to recover. 

I only wish I could have had a natural labor – no cords, wires, IVs, monitors, pitocin, etc.  Labor would not have been that bad if I could have been able to move, get in a comfortable position, and been allowed to push.  So, hopefully, next time I hope to have minimal monitoring and go medication-free again.  But, if I must be induced I may consider an epiural. The end. 

Moving on….

I still would love to have a baby through a birth center but everyone thinks I’m crazy and dangerous.  So, I’m going to hunt around and try to find a midwife/doctor that delivers in a hospital but will interfere as little as possible.  That’s what I feel is healthiest for the baby and me.

So, this was a very disorganized post but at least it’s in writing now.