As I am preparing for the birth of my second child, I am a little anxious about labor and delivery. Calista’s birth was a long and difficult process, and I would like Craig’s to be a little different in a few ways. Some of them are simple: I don’t want my labor augmented or induced with pitocin... unless it’s absolutely necessary. Some things are harder to control: I would prefer not to push for 3.5 hours this time. Some things are a little more abstract: I want to be calm about the process. In my preparation, I am reading a book on hypnobirthing.
I’m not sure I completely buy into it, but it doesn't hurt to read it and see if anything will help me. As I’m reading it, I have a few thoughts.
The first one is this: I can do this. I can do hard things. I survived last time, and I can bring a baby into this world. No, last time wasn't the ideal, it wasn't perfect. But the baby girl that I held in my arms, she was perfect. Well, other than her blue hands, but that only lasted a little while. :) Even if it’s hard, I can do it.
On a related note: no matter what happens, he’ll be worth it. If I have a long, difficult, tiring labor, if I throw up repeatedly and push for longer than even my doctor (or midwife, this time) thinks I possibly can, holding that little boy in my arms will make it worth it. No, I won’t forget the difficulties (if they occur), but they will be worth it for the little man growing inside me.
I can read as many books as I can find, or take classes, do yoga, and practice my breathing. These things are good. But more importantly, I need to trust in the Lord. "Father, if thou be willing remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done. " Reading up on hypnobirthing and everything else is great, but ultimately it is up to the Lord.
I never understood the atonement and what the Savior must have felt better than during and after Calista's delivery. The love I felt was so strong that it didn't matter how tired I was, how much I wanted to give up, I couldn't. This little girl needed me.
I can read as many books as I can find, or take classes, do yoga, and practice my breathing. These things are good. But more importantly, I need to trust in the Lord. "Father, if thou be willing remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done. " Reading up on hypnobirthing and everything else is great, but ultimately it is up to the Lord.
I never understood the atonement and what the Savior must have felt better than during and after Calista's delivery. The love I felt was so strong that it didn't matter how tired I was, how much I wanted to give up, I couldn't. This little girl needed me.
2 comments:
You CAN do it. It's mostly mental. Don't think about how long it could be, just take it one step/ contraction at a time. The nice thing about labor without pitocin is your body should give you breaks between contractions. Even if it is only 30 seconds it is SO helpful. Good luck!! Also - make your birth wishes know ahead of time so that people don't badger you with tons of questions. Have Kyler be your advocate. You will be busy with more important things.
Love this. I got a book you may like called The Gift of Giving Life. Its an LDS women's take on the spiritual side of pregnancy, labor, and motherhood. Let me know if you get it! it makes great connections between a mother's physical suffering to bring physical life and Christ's suffering tho bring us immortal life. Excited for you!
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