Ok, so in an attempt to make a short, concise, straight-to-the-point blog post, I realize I came across a bit too one-sided. So let me make this clear: I realize things may not go as planned. I recognize that things happen. That's why I chose to give birth at a hospital as opposed to a home birth or a freestanding birth clinic. While I greatly respect and admire women who choose to go that route, since this is my first, I wanted to make absolutely sure that no surprises came my way. If I decide that I need pain meds after all, by golly I want them to be able to hand them over. If the baby is in distress and a c-section is needed, I want to be wheeled down the hallway.
I've done some serious soul-searching with the "what if" of needing a c-section. I realize that it is a possibility, and that there's a time and place for them (my husband was born Cesarean!). I recognize that I will probably have to go through a grieving process for my birth plan, but I know that with the support of friends and family (and looking at my beautiful healthy baby), it will be something I can accept and embrace.
I've written a birth plan, of which both my doctor and my doula have copies. I'm also bringing my own copy. In it, I basically repeat over and over: "Do not begin any interventions unless I request them or if there is an emergency, at which point please ask for my consent first." Hopefully by covering that point, there shouldn't be any issues in the future. (This is what I used for guidelines. Very helpful!).
I know this is a more serious blog post for the second day in a row, but I wanted to make sure that it was said. In our culture, we have so many options about, well, everything! And that includes medical treatment. And when it comes to a woman finding the "right" way to birth, the "right" answer is whatever it is works for her. Whether she decides to be medicated or non-medicated, home birth or hospital, natural or elective c-section, her decision is the best decision.
Ok, so in an attempt to lighten the mood, I want to tell you a funny joke my doctor told me:
We were talking about my birth plan and how I'm wanting to birth non-medicated. She looked at my firmly and said, "Now, if you labor too long, I will recommend interventions." My heart skipped a beat. Had I chosen someone who wouldn't support my non-medicated birth after all? I try not to jump to conclusions as I nod seriously back to her. She continues. "So like say, you've been laboring for 24 hours, I would recommend administering pitocin at that point to speed up labor."
Hahahahahaha! You're funny! Girl, at 24-hours of labor, I'll be more than ready for your druggie magic spells.
I have such a funny doctor.
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| Also, this awkward picture of pregnant women touching each other. |
I wasn't going to comment yesterday, but yes, your husband was born Cesarean. You wouldn't believe the number of people who told me later that I should never have allowed that. Well, they had no clue what they were talking about, and I learned that they couldn't get past their own biases in the matter. The fact was that both of us would have died if we had continued. I don't advocate elective Cesarean, but I couldn't find a doctor who would deliver the twins any other way, so there you go. I'm so glad you are going in with a plan. Circumstances do cause us to sometimes have to change course. I don't recall any discussion of Cesarean as a possibility, so it was not something I was prepared to face.
ReplyDeleteSounds like you have your ducks all in a row, which is great! It will take a lot of unneeded stress of when the time finally comes. I can't wait for your little one to arrive, you two will make excellent parents!
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