We hired a doula. We took natural childbirth preparation classes. We planned for an unmedicated birth. We switched care providers at 25 weeks in hopes of having more support for our birth vision. Baby was found to be breech at 36 weeks.
Many mothers dream of that moment their baby is born. After the hard work of labor and birth, no matter what type of birth you have, snuggling your baby, skin-to-skin, is the ultimate payoff. It’s almost as if nature immediately begins the important work of helping us forget the challenges of giving birth. Time stands still and nothing else matters.
I am currently awaiting the birth of my second daughter – joining us earth-side some time in late June. I think I might be in the nesting phase of pregnancy because I am thinking a lot about what my birth and postpartum experiences will be like this time around. For the birth of our first daughter we did a lot of birth preparation and very little postpartum planning. I’ve turned that eqI am currently awaiting the birth of my second daughter – joining us earth-side some time in late June. I think I might be in the nesting phase of pregnancy because I am thinking a lot about what my birth and postpartum experiences will be like this time around. For the birth of our first daughter we did a lot of birth preparation and very little postpartum planning. I’ve turned that equation around this time. I’m much more focused on planning for a peaceful postpartum experience. Equation around this time. I’m much more focused on planning for a peaceful postpartum experience.
My first child was born via cesarean. I had a bit of time to prepare for this, as he was breech and I knew that if he didn’t turn head down, I’d be having a cesarean. (I couldn’t find a provider who would attend a breech birth). However, this was not what I wanted. And I was still relatively unprepared for what the experience would be like during and immediately after the birth.
I work with many mothers and mothers-to-be who are used to being relatively in control of their lives and their day-to-day happenings. I’m this way as well. I like to have a clear idea of what’s going to happen when, and a detailed plan for each day, life event, and major transition.