Labor & delivery is something I’ve feared ever since I first learned where babies come from. It’s daunting to think a little human can fit out an orifice of the body…not to mention grow inside. As I learned more about labor & delivery through classes offered at the hospital and listening to positive birth stories via podcasts, my worries lessened. I was relieved to learn pushing starts when the baby has descended and his/her head is at the fully dilated cervix. Initially, I thought I’d have to push the baby down to the cervix and then out. Thankfully, labor contractions do part of the work – pain with a purpose.
George and I didn’t write a formal birth plan, though we did discuss our ideal which was a natural birth. It was based on wishing to avoid exposing our baby to medications unless needed, not by any means in attempt to prove something. We knew it was important to maintain an open mind, as we certainly were in favor of medical interventions if necessary as our first and most important goal was a safe delivery for baby and me.
Following are a few take aways from our labor & delivery experience.
The power of a support person is priceless.
George is an incredible source of support for me in every day life and that remained true throughout pregnancy, labor & delivery and now on the other side in parenthood. He was right there with me, putting counter pressure on my lower back through every contractions (well, except one when he fell asleep – for the record I somehow almost slept through one, too:). He also spoke of my strength when I was questioned about my pain tolerance during the admission process. I don’t know how some women go through labor & delivery, let alone pregnancy and motherhood, without a supportive and loving partner.
The contraction monitor doesn’t tell the full story.
I heard from friends and countless podcasts to stay as active during labor as possible to promote progression. I walked and bounced my way through the contractions for about 7 hours at home. The first couple of hours at the hospital were spent mostly sitting upright in bed to complete the intake process. Once we were permitted to ambulate with a wireless monitor, we noticed – and I felt it, too – the contractions were strongest when I was lying down on my side with a giant peanut ball propping my hips open. Seeing this, George and I thought I might be better off hanging out in bed to promote the stronger contractions. After some time, dilation of my cervix seemed to be at a standstill. I was exhausted from being awake almost 24 hours and from the pain, so ambulating was the last thing I wanted to do. Thankfully, with encouragement from George and our nurse, I got up and walked and also bounced on the giant peanut. The pain from the contractions seemed less, though perhaps the movement was a distraction. And as noted above, the contractions didn’t top the charts on the monitor while I was upright, whereas they did when I was lying down. After about an hour of ambulating, I was fully dilated. It may be coincidental, but I wonder if because gravity is able to assist, the body adjusts the gusto of the contractions.
When you think you can’t take it anymore; you’re ready to start pushing.
While the countless natural birth stories I listened to were vastly different and unique, they all seemed to echo one common message – when you think you can’t take if anymore, it’s time to push. This turned out to be my experience as well. In fact, I went so far as to ask for some pain medication. The nurse checked me at that point and we were relieved and grateful to find out I was fully dilated. This meant it was too late for medication and as soon as the doctor arrived, pushing would begin. I remember being afraid I was too tired to push, but was pleasantly surprised by the relief I felt while pushing through contractions. After about an hour and a half of pushing – with plenty of breaks in between contractions – our baby who we once referred to as Baby J was born and we learned we were parents to a healthy baby girl!
We truly couldn’t have asked for a better experience or medical team. Our doctor was laid back and encouraging. I felt at ease and trusted her fully. Our nurse spoke in a calming and soothing voice, but was to the point without any sugar-coating. She held one of my legs and George held the other, making him a part of our medical team right on the spot. George was amazing. I couldn’t dream up a more hands-on, involved and loving dad/husband – Ellie and I are so very fortunate.