Re: Natural Childbirth

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My daughter was born on New Year's Day 1986 with no drugs and no episiotomy. This was not by choice, but seemed to be the popular thing to do at the time at the hospital I had her in.

It was a beautiful experience! I woke on New Year's Eve with a show and some mild cramps and just seemed to know I was in labor. I did not tell my husband or anyone else. I went to work (where I timed contractions all day) and had dinner at some friends house (where I continued to time contractions). I still did not tell my husband. After leaving our friend's house, we went home where I walked from one end of the house until the other for what seemed miles. I still had not told my husband I was in labor.

At 4 a.m. on New Year's Day, I woke my husband and told him we needed to go to the hospital (he was an absolute wreck and no help at all LOL). I went to the hospital and was met by some really patronizing nurses who tried to convince me that since I was a first time mom I probably would not deliver until that evening. At 7:15 a.m. I told one of the nurses I needed to have my baby. She just chuckled and shook her head, but she did examine me and her face went gray. I knew I would not have a doctor present when she began to tell me not to worry, she had done this many times.

At 7:45 a.m. I delivered my daughter.

Yes, there was pain and I was extremely tired, but never did I feel that it was more than I could handle. I kept telling myself that it was going to get much worse, and before that happened it was over.

If I had to do it all over again, I would do it the same way, i.e., not go to the hospital too early (and not tell my husband [or anyone else] too soon what I knew was happening. Sometimes when I tell this story, people say "You were lucky, you had a perfect labor." I don't consider it luck....I worked hard all by myself to have my baby :).

(p.s. While the delivery was beautiful, my daughter had colic for three months :>)

ue, 23 Mar 1999, KH wrote: >
>I am seriously considering the care of a midwife vs. an OB/GYN. My one
>big hang up is fear of PAIN! I have spoken with the midwife, and
>generally speaking unless there are some unexpected complications,
>medicinal pain relief is not offered during labour. I have been told
>that if during labour I really really can't handle the pain, and there
>is still sufficient time (i.e.: the Dr. on call has to place the
>requisition, and a qualifed technician needs to be available to
>administer the medication), I may have the option, but that this is a
>rare occurance.
>
>I understand that most patients coming to midwives, are looking for a
>more natural approach to birth, and I agree with almost all of the
>philosophies. I am just so fearful of entering into labour without the
>safety net of having an epidural or something to take off the edge if I
>do find it too overwhelming. I guess I am looking for some reassurance,
>from Mom's or midwives, about Natural Childbirth, and whether it is
>something that can be a truly "enjoyable experience", or whether the
>pain just becomes too much to handle?
>
>I really appreciate your advice, as this is my first pregnancy and have
>no personal information to rely on when making this decision. BTW - I
>am 9 weeks pregnant.
>
>--
>Thank you,
>
>Kimberly
>

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