![]() I jumped in the shower, thinking I had plenty of time. I didn’t know at that time that my particular labor pattern caused adrenaline to surge through my body, making me shake violently and causing my nerves to feel on edge.Ĭontractions hit hard and fast. ![]() I called my mother, surprised that I felt so much fear after all my preparation. I said okay, hung up, and went to sit on the toilet waiting for the flow of amniotic fluid to slow. She told me to call her from the hospital to let her know when I needed her. I called our doula at that point, and she gently mentioned that I could likely take my time getting ready, maybe even take a shower before heading in. I didn’t know at that time that I had a choice, so my husband began hurriedly gathering our things, none of which were packed or ready. A full month before I expected it! I called my provider and was told I must immediately come in. Imagine my surprise when my water broke with an audible “POP” at 10:45 pm, at exactly 37 weeks gestation. I mentally prepared for the challenges of a late and exhausting delivery. After all, my mother had taken 3 days to give birth to her first child. Being a first-time mom, the books and classes told me I would likely give birth past my due date, and I would probably have an average-maybe even long-labor. What I was NOT prepared for was the complete overwhelm and fear I would feel from a precipitous birth. After learning that statistically women had better outcomes with a labor doula present, I made the wise decision to hire one. I spoke with my mother about her births, as well as my friends, and I even took a Bradley Method® natural birth class, the most “natural” of all birth classes in our area at that time. To prepare myself I read every book, article and blog imaginable on natural birth. I wanted to prove to myself that I could do it, similar to a marathon runner’s desire to reach their goal but I also wanted to avoid potentially dangerous interventions for myself and my baby, and I wanted breastfeeding to get started on the best foundation possible. It’s true that I had desperately wanted a natural birth for a variety of reasons, (none of which included earning some sort of medal, BTW). After all, I had had the perfect birth:įast, natural, and healthy. She probably thought her question would be meant with joy. ![]() The hormones and sleep deprivation poured out, and tears began streaming down my face. At this point, she gently asked how I felt about my birth experience. We happily discussed how breastfeeding was going, as well as newborn care, sleep (or lack of it), nutrition, and finally the birth. Our labor doula had come to our home for a postpartum visit. I was sitting in the living room of our first home, holding my fresh, newborn daughter, Willow Grace, just 5 days old. I will never forget the off-hand comment that changed the course of my life forever. ![]()
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