Turns out, with Rose, I had no choice. I made it to the hospital less than an hour before delivery. (Story later for you strong-stomached peeps.) Good news is, this time I actually prepared. I read a book. And practiced natural birthing techniques.
I wanted three things from a natural childbirth.
- Pain-free recovery
- "Runner's high"
- Bragging rights
And here's the thing, friends. Didn't happen. Here's what happened instead:
I had just birthed beautiful Rose, and I held her on my tummy while adrenaline gifted me with the shakes (which had lasted all through labor and for about an hour after), and all I could think was: "I'm gonna drop her" (I didn't), and "Why the devil do women choose to do this without drugs?"
So, dear readers, what's the secret? What did I miss?
What about the recovery? I noticed recovery was way better/easier with natural.
ReplyDeleteYou know, I found major differences with recovery when I was induced (with 2) and not induced (the other 2). Recovery seemed a lot better when my body actually was ready for delivery. As far as recovery with an epidural, as soon as it wore off, I don't think it really made a difference. I had an epidural with Claire, was not induced, and that was the most amazing recovery ever. But that's probably just weird me.
DeleteI didn't get the shakes. I have to admit though, I can't recall any amazing benefits from doing it natural. I mean, I did get to walk around sooner, but is that a huge benefit? Not really, in my opinion. I don't feel like the recovery was better or worse than with my epidural births. I did love the fact that I didn't have to get a needle in my back though. Getting an epidural put in was very unpleasant for me with my first two babies.
ReplyDeleteEven though I didn't notice major benefits, I am really glad that I did it natural because I've had a strong desire to experience that since my first pregnancy. But would I do it again? I really don't know. I go back and forth on that.
I 100% agree! I declined holding my baby because I was so shaky and weak. I definitely still remember the pain 9 months later.
ReplyDeleteI was forced to give birth to Christie naturally because she was here upon arrival at the hospital and I was like WHAT??? But it was such an easier recovery for me. I was still pretty weak (needed help to the bathroom, etc.) but I "felt" like I was well enough to run a marathon -- I felt so great. If I were ever to have another baby again (not going to happen probably) I would def try to go natural again.
ReplyDeleteOf course, I had all the cramping and aches and pains and it seemed like I bled forever after that birth (Ew, sorry) but looking back now almost three years later, I'm glad it went down the way it did.
Love you! Hope you're doing okay.
I did both of my deliveries naturally because I wanted to, so I have nothing to compare with. But I think the thing you missed was exposing your baby to drugs she didn't need. You also missed increasing your risk of a longer labor and further interventions, like a vacuum or an emergency c-section.
ReplyDeleteI completely understand why people don't want to feel what's going on during childbirth--it's not fun--but I don't understand how you can push effectively if you can't even feel your own pelvis.
Good points, Kathryn. (It's so nice to "see" you by the way!!)
DeleteNot staying at home ;)
ReplyDeleteJust joking ... Did your midwife have any idea? I only got the shakes when I had IVs - I think they just mess with me even when I didn't get meds -
ReplyDeleteDid you get to eat & drink in labor? Bradley class teaches dads big job is to get mom OJ right after to rehydrate and get some sugar in her system
Just like everyone's pregnancy is different, I think everyone has a different labor experience too, even if you do all the same things. The shakes might have come in part if you were in labor for a long time. I've never experienced the shakes, but then my longest labor was only 5 1/2 hours. And as far as a "pain-free" recovery, I've birthed four children without anesthesia, and in my opinion, the recovery is sometimes worse than the actual labor... but that's just weird me.
ReplyDeleteI haven't had an epidural with any of my three but my last babe was my only completely natural birth (and he was 9!!! days late--talk about being ready for the baby!) and it was by far my easiest and fastest. The other two I had pitocin which I feel like made the labors harder to handle (i.e. I wanted to die:)). That said, I had #3 at home and couldn't tell you what made more difference-not being in an uncomfortable hospital or not having any drugs. After #3 was born it was the first time that right after the labor I thought "I could do this again" instead of "There will never be another Platt baby born. ever." Not saying a natural birth isn't painful, wow, it is. But, really, what I mean to say is CONGRATS to you! Rose is sweet name. Love it!
ReplyDeleteI had an epidural with #1 and had #2 naturally and loved my experience the second time around so much more! With my first, I hated not being able to feel my body or know when to push or what pushing felt like and that feeling of not being in control of my body. I felt so much stronger and empowered with my second, and I thought my recovery was so much easier. But isn't it crazy how bodies react differently in the same situation? I agree with an earlier comment that maybe your body was just depleted and needed some hydration and OJ. And congrats!
ReplyDeleteI have gotten the runner's high every time. And I have had an epidural every time (two successful, two only partially successful). With each of the four births, I have pushed for 1.5-4 hours. Yes, that is PUSHING, not labor. And I love it! I would give birth all day for nine months rather than be pregnant. And I have no need to try it without the drip.
ReplyDelete