So I have another two months before I give birth again. It's interesting seeing people's reactions when they find out it will be my fourth baby. I inwardly puke every time I hear "wow you're going to have your hands full!". As if I don't know that. Yes I'll have four under 5, yes I know what causes it, yes we knew we'd need a new car and yes we might even have more. This is the choice WE have made, to have a large family - by current modern standards.
Sorry. I'm very tired in this last last trimester of this particular pregnancy. I'm acutely aware of my older body since having my first and the need to look after myself, which is getting very hard to do. I am thankful however for Katie who at five is my right hand woman, running little chores for me about the house every day.
I'm currently reading a fab book by Juju Sundin called "Birth Skills", probably the most practical and down to earth book on labour pain management I have every read - and I've read heaps of birth books. What I really like about this one is that Juju doesn't gloss over the pain of birth. The pain is very real. However she gives very practical advice on what any woman can do in each of the stages. A natural (drug-free) birth is fine and dandy but personally I need more than just "listen to what your body is telling you" and "go with the flow"! I've yet to finish the book but I have come away with some very useful ideas on how I can distract myself from the pain such as using vocalisation, visualisation and physical movement. I'll be packing my hospital bag with stress balls, CDs, essential oils and cue cards for my husband to help me recall.
Being able to release all inhibitions is essential - who cares if your doctor/midwife sees you grunting, bashing stress balls, stamping, counting and repeating mantras during contractions? If it's going to help you focus on something else other than the pain you may be able to avoid the drugs. I've never had drugs in labour but I have had posterior labour in a home birth and it's not pretty. There's some excellent advice on how to manage this type of labour also. I'm praying for a straightforward birth this time round. That's not too much to ask is it?
Sorry. I'm very tired in this last last trimester of this particular pregnancy. I'm acutely aware of my older body since having my first and the need to look after myself, which is getting very hard to do. I am thankful however for Katie who at five is my right hand woman, running little chores for me about the house every day.
I'm currently reading a fab book by Juju Sundin called "Birth Skills", probably the most practical and down to earth book on labour pain management I have every read - and I've read heaps of birth books. What I really like about this one is that Juju doesn't gloss over the pain of birth. The pain is very real. However she gives very practical advice on what any woman can do in each of the stages. A natural (drug-free) birth is fine and dandy but personally I need more than just "listen to what your body is telling you" and "go with the flow"! I've yet to finish the book but I have come away with some very useful ideas on how I can distract myself from the pain such as using vocalisation, visualisation and physical movement. I'll be packing my hospital bag with stress balls, CDs, essential oils and cue cards for my husband to help me recall.
Being able to release all inhibitions is essential - who cares if your doctor/midwife sees you grunting, bashing stress balls, stamping, counting and repeating mantras during contractions? If it's going to help you focus on something else other than the pain you may be able to avoid the drugs. I've never had drugs in labour but I have had posterior labour in a home birth and it's not pretty. There's some excellent advice on how to manage this type of labour also. I'm praying for a straightforward birth this time round. That's not too much to ask is it?
Definitely go with some vocalization~!! You don't need much, but a little sure helps a LOT. :o)
ReplyDeleteHoping you get a very straight forward EASY delivery~!! :o)