Aug 19 2008
Preparing myself for childbirth
Truth be told, I don’t like the unknown. If I am venturing into uncharted territory, I make it a point to do as much research as possible to prepare myself for the journey. Childbirth is no different.
Hubby and I completed Kapiolani’s Prepared Childbirth classes, I’ve been reading What to Expect When You’re Expecting, seeking the advice from every mom I know, and reading up on personal birth stories on HawaiiMoms.com. When I was researching the topic of epidurals on HawaiiMoms.com, a veteran mom in favor of natural childbirth suggested searching for videos on YouTube.
Not only did I find videos on natural childbirth (caution: nudity), but I also found videos on epidurals being administered. Honestly, the epidural looked scarier to me than the actual childbirth. There’s something about a large needle being stuck in my spine that I find somewhat disturbing.
There is a great divide between the epidural advocates and those in favor of natural childbirth. You rarely find anyone who’s on the fence about the topic. For those that got the epidural, it’s the best thing ever. On the flip side, for those who delivered without drugs say that it’s safer for baby and mom — and by using relaxation techniques, the assistance of a doula or midwife, or even opting for a water or home birth, you can have a great birthing experience with limited medical intervention.
I am leaving open the possibility for an epidural, should the pain be more than I can endure or if my blood pressure starts skyrocketing. Historically, my blood pressure tends to be low, but in times of anxiety, it can become elevated: such as just before my laparotomy when it hit an all-time high of 155/99.
It’s too bad that giving birth wasn’t as easy as getting knocked out with general anesthesia and waking up with a baby in your arms.
I’m really hoping for a smooth delivery without the need for drugs. I just hope I am not overestimating my pain tolerance.
I suppose I should talk to my OB and see what she says. In the meantime, perhaps I should just watch humorous classics like the Bill Cosby stand-up act from the 80’s on natural childbirth. Still hilarious after all of these years. (Click the “continue reading” link to the right to watch it.)
Bill Cosby - Natural Childbirth Part 1
Bill Cosby - Natural Childbirth Part 2
A 30-something Christian girl, blissfully wedded to her perfect match (the yang to her yin) of 14 years. A new mom to her miracle baby, born on October 4, 2008. Living life in Hawaii, less than 5 miles from her hometown, a slave to her mortgage payment, but seeking balance in her pursuit of family, faith, recreation, and rest.
I had to have a c-section - hence - epidural. It wasn’t nearly as bad as I thought it would be, and I have a BIG fear of pain. It was actually lot less painful than when the nurses kept poking me to set the IV!
I have friend that used “Hypnobirth” to aid in her all natural delivery, and now she’s a “Hypnobabies” instructor. Here’s a link to her website http://www.AlohaBirthServices.com
No matter how your baby enters this world, the main thing is that you both come out of the process fine - and I know that will be just the case with you!
:o)
Haisai, Donna!
Long time no hear.
Congratulations on your Baby Champuru!! I’m very glad to know that you’ll have a new family.
Will you be able to join the Okinawan festival this year?
Looking forward to seeing you again!
Ooohhhh, I remember when Bob and I were having this dilemma. We really wanted to go natural, especially after we learned all the breathing techniques. Our Lamaze instructor shared with our class that she even had surgery without anesthetics because she used her lamaze breathing techniques!!!! We were hopeful!!!!!
Well, when we got to the hospital, since my water bag broke, they had to put me on pitocin to help my cervix to dialate. It was hours upon hours! I was in sooo much pain (and we went first with the IV meds) then I needed the epidural. It wasn’t something we had even planned for, but I needed it because the pain was too great and I had no energy!
When I finally got the epidural (yes, they ask everyone in the room to leave because the needle is horrendously long and scary!), I slept! I slept for a few hours until it was time to push! I felt refreshed and I had enough stamina to push. 16.5 hours of labor, but it was all worth it! I have to say, though, that going natural was too much for me. We did well at first, but the contractions came HARD–and they kept coming!
Don’t feel bad if you need to resort to meds. They are there to help. I have had an epidural with each of my children and nothing has happened (negative effects) to either of us. God has given us wonderful doctors who have the wisdom to help. I am still wondering how my mom and that generation did it when there was no such thing!!!!
Still praying!!!!! You’re almost there!!!!!! Yay!!!!!!
#1: Meds vs Natural is an oxymoron. All childbirths are natural. I “instructed” my Dr. to give me the epi (he even wrote my comment in my chart when I was 7 months preg), don’t wait to ask me, I knew I wanted it. Turns out I dilated so fast there was no time. Pain must have been so bad I thought I blacked out but they said I was screaming down the entire hallway. God protected me and “took me to another place”. You know for yourself what you can handle, you will be no less of a woman or mother if you take meds and no more of one either if you dont. You will be fine.
#2: Motherhood will always be frightening yet exciting. I had no parents when my daughter was born 20 yrs ago. It was like throwing me into the fire with no extinguisher. (how’s THAT for drama?) But instict kicks in. You will be fine.
I’ve never met you, I just stumbled upon this blog via a BonDance video on YouTube. (go figure) Following your Blog made me feel at first like I was prying, but your BonDance and Food articles kept me interested. And then came the Baby Champuru story and by then I felt like I knew you.
Baby Champuru will be blessed with a wonderful mommy and daddy and grandparents. Oh… and the many uncles and aunties!
You will be fine. BTW, you really do look wonderful!
don’t have expectations. go with what feels right for you. in the end, you’ll have a wonderful baby in your arms. definitely take long deep breaths–that’s all i did. good luck, donna, i’m so excited for you!
i was like you. I wanted to go as far as I could handle with the pain. I second kgirl’s comment. the IV needle hurts more than the epidural one. and I second steph’s comment about pitocin. hope you never have to experience that. But no matter what route you end up going, its the right choice for you. I’m so excited for you! you’re almost there! you’ll be great parents. =)
i had an epidural with my first and a spinal block with my second (no epidurals given at the second hospital). although i had an epidural with the first, im not all for it. im actually more in favor of a natural birth which as crazy as it sounds is my plan for the next baby should there be one! with my first, i was induced. labor was so strong, intense and painful. i lasted nearly 10 hours without any medication but i needed something if i was going to get through the actual birth! total labor for the first was 15h 4 min…with my second, i lasted 11 hours without any pain medication. i seriously couln’t handle the pain so i asked for pain relief. they delivered an intrathecal (spinal block). it only lasted 2.5 hrs so i spent the last 2 hours pushing unmedicated. total labor and delivery: 15 h 9m. im not going to lie, it hurts. i think though if you set your mind to it, you can make it without pain medication if that’s what you decide. i think if i had been better prepared, i could have made it the second time around without pain medication. whether or not you choose pain medication is a personal choice. either way, it will be an experience to remember! good luck donna! wishing you a speedy and smooth labor. oh and i’ve never seen the epidural needle. i refuse to look at it because my husband said it’s biiiig!
I’d not bother asking an OB as they are Dr.s not the birthing women so they will have a bias.
Ask your closest friends, pray about it and choose what is right for your family. You can do it!