A reflection of the birth and pregnancy

Wow, it is crazy what can happen in a years time. A year ago we got some of the worst news and today we are in awe of our little baby boy. Looking back to when we conceived Lincoln and today I guess I cannot complain too much. My pregnancy was pretty easy although I hated being pregnant. In my opinion is was a necessary evil more than lovely phase of my life. My birth although did not go exactly as planned - not that I anticipated it to anyhow - was a great experience and I met my goal of having an unmedicated birth although it was not entirely natural. And now a few days postpartum I am feeling pretty well. 

Some would say I got lucky but I think it was more of a combo of luck and preparation. I read a ton of books, articles, blogs, etc. that prepared me for what the birthing experience might be like. I talked to many women who did give birth naturally. I took a class with a private instructor to tell my husband and I what to expect and teach us what would happen. I continued to keep myself active and in shape as much as possible through exercise and chiropractic adjustments. And lastly I made sure my family, husband, doctors and a few close friends knew my wishes for the birth experience. Yes, I probably got lucky that Lincoln was able to navigate the birth canal easily and the induction method worked well with my body. And I think I got really really lucky with the doctor that was on call the day I was induced. I might have done the work but I was grateful to have been assisted through methods that allowed by body to give birth with little intervention as possible. 

One of the things that surprised me the most was the vividness of my labor and delivery. Although I was in and out of some severe pain and discomfort I can recall every thing that was said during that time. My eyes might have been closed and I might have been concentrating so hard but I can recall being told I was doing great, I can remember when the doctor asked me if I wanted to help pull the baby out, and I remember my husband telling me how strong I was. I can recall the adrenal rush but exhaustion that came over me as I pulled Lincoln up to my chest. I couldn't believe I had actually given birth with no epidural and that I was finally a mom. I can remember the doctor asking his name and although I could have answered easily as we had the name picked out for quite some time, I told my husband to announce it. I did my job the baby was here and it was his turn to let the world know the name of our son I just wanted to lay there and look at my baby who was laying on my chest so bright eyes.

The postpartum phase was about how I imagined it. I knew the sooner I got to moving the quicker I would recover. Although it was tough getting in and out of the hospital bed and then off the couch I knew the more I did it the better it would feel. Wearing pads that I had not seen nor worn since middle school was a pain but essential. And those mesh panties - they are great for the first two days. I was skeptical but appreciative once the time came. Getting a chiropractic adjustment 3 days postpartum also helped although I'm pretty sure I popped my own tail bone in once we got home from the hospital by getting off the couch. 

Reviewing the birth with my doula at 4 days postpartum I learned that some of the items that happened during that time were not typical. For one, having the opportunity to help pull your baby out - that was unheard of - some even referred to it as so Kardashian. I guess Kortney Kardashian did that with her daughter. I learned that the alertness that Lincoln possessed at birth was a perfect example of a baby without any pain medications such as an epidural in their system. 

Looking back at the whole experience I'd do it again. But if only I could fast forward to birth vs. spending 9-10 months cooking a baby. Yes, I'd rather give birth unmedicated vs. spending 9 months sharing my body with a baby.