The birth of a child is a euphoric experience and a way of accessing the unique power of the body. After the trauma that I experienced with my first pregnancy, I decided to take matters into my own hands. I opted for natural birthing for my second one.
I reached out to a natural birthing centre the minute I realised I was pregnant. This is the story of my learnings from this life-altering experience:
1. The medical practitioner can be more than just an emotionally detached professional
From the start, my midwife (a trained professional who assists in childbirth) was more of a friend than a medical practitioner. She was a source of comfort during the toughest of days. On the day of my delivery, when I had begun doubting myself, my midwife sat down with me and gave me the push that I needed.
2. Not everything may be smooth sailing
I was told second deliveries were easy. For me, it was turning out to be tougher. My first delivery had taken all of four hours. But this time, I had been experiencing pains since morning and I was tired by the time evening came around - but there was a long way to go.
In the evening, around 6 pm, I went deep into labour, the contractions were two minutes apart. The pain was intense, so my midwife suggested that I try water birthing. It reduced my pain but did not change my perception, so I decided not to go ahead.
3. You need to believe in yourself
By late evening, I was ready to give up. I wanted an episiotomy. Sadness and depression caught me in a deathly grip and I cried my heart out then and there. I had begun to doubt my body's strength and it was my midwife who once again held my hand and comforted me.
Finally, my water broke and with constant pushing, the baby came out like an explosion. I was suddenly bathed in the cocktail of hormones and the oxytocin rush made me forget the pain instantly!
The baby was placed on my chest for skin-to-skin contact, as that helps initiate breastfeeding. That moment is embossed on my memory forever.
4. The body heals itself
My cuts healed quickly. I was afraid that I might have groin pain or experience pelvic discomfort. But there was none, unlike after my first one. My breastfeeding experience is also a lovely one, unlike the first time.
I am still amazed at how my body showed me its real potential by letting me deliver the baby naturally. Seems it's quite true that when you doubt your body, it rises to the occasion and amazes you!
Comments
