Monday, October 31, 2005

Labour: it's hard work

Labour! It's hard work, thats why we call it labour, ok?

These were the kind, sensitive words of the midwife at our first booking in appointment. "Erm....ok" came my trembling response, not in the least bit put off by her stern and austere manner.

I guess there is no way in the world to make the process of labour seem like a walk in the park on a warm sunny day and at least she was being honest. So, let me tell you our plans for labour and how things are going to work out...

Contractions start, soon they are five minutes apart, by the way the contractions are relatively pain free. We arrive at hospital, "Ooh you're already ten centimetres dilated" and baby pops into the world. No gas and air, no epidural - four hours tops from start to finish! ("yeah right mummy", says Teplet laughing maniacally from the comfort of the womb).

Ok, so we could be lucky. Maybe this is how it will happen for us. It will won't it? OH PLEASE, FOR THE LOVE OF GOD SAY IT WILL!!!!!!!!!!!!

Actually, I feel pretty calm about the prospect at the moment. In all seriousness, let me really tell you about our plans.

During one of our antenatal sessions, the labour discussion was tackled and our co-ordinator said "labour pain is different to any other type of pain because it is a positive pain. You know what the pain is, why you are experiencing it and what the outcome is going to be". These words put things into perspective for me!

In my mind, I am going to be in pain and there is not very much I can do about it. I won't be able to swig a litre of red wine while I'm having contractions (damn!). Paracetamol? ha bloody ha! The truth is, I've just gotta go with the flow, ride each wave and focus. Within time I will be snuggling up to a baby. My baby. The baby I have carried and nurtured all this time. The baby we have been absolutely falling over ourselves to meet and the baby that my husband and I will love and cherish beyond anything we can ever imagine.

To help with the pain, I am planning on some pretty natural remedies. I have some reflexology treatments lined up in the next couple of weeks and I'm confident these will help to bring about a natual labour. Aromatherapy is also in my plan. Clary sage, lavender and jasmine are all recommended for child birth. Clary sage is a very good muscle relaxant and an essential oil for the treatment of PMT, while lavender, well lavender has the biggest entry in my aromatherapy booklet. It is great for exhaustion, headache, tension, pregnancy and stiff joints.

A friend suggested I try arnaca and gelsemium homeopathic remedies. Arnaca can help with healing and my friend, who gave birth about nine weeks ago, used gelsemium when her contractions slowed down. They soon got back into a regular rhythm and her midwife was quite impressed.

The single most important thing to focus on though is breathing. My husband wants to look me in the eyes the whole time, unless they're rolling around inside their sockets deliriously, and will be helping me concentrate on those all important breaths. We have some soothing music prepared, some face spritzer, cooling foot spritzer, a sponge and, the answer to everyone's prayers, a bottle of the amber nectar - beautiful, chilled, calming and oh so first quenching - water!

Having said all of this, we are of the opinion, that if we need additional pain relief or any medical intervention is required then, so be it. We are going into this with a completely open mind and certainly no expectations. Pain and discomfort aside, the safety of Teplet's arrival is top priority. Whatever it takes and however long it takes, the reward will be to see a pink and healthy Teplet, wrapped up in our arms after a particularly strenuous workout - 'cause that's all it is at the end of the day and Teplet will soon help us forget.

Sunday, October 30, 2005

WELCOME: Almost Full Term

Hello all and welcome to our new blog which will keep you up to date with the progress of baby Tepper aka Teplet.

We have decided to start this now as things are about to get very interesting!

Rather then bore you through the whole pregnancy with news of my latest aches and pains (and believe me there have been many), I thought it would be rather cool to pick up from the countdown to Teplet's arrival and beyond!

I am now in my 37th week and, according to Baby Centre, at the end of this week, we will be full term and baby could arrive any day. My hospital bag is packed and ready to be bundled into the car. Teplet also has his/her own little Peter Rabbit rucksack complete with winter clothing, scratch mittens and those all important nappies. Hubby has the route to hospital carved into his memory and is now "taking his mobile into meetings" in anticipation of that all important call.

Teplet is due to arrive on Saturday 26th November, so realistically we still have four weeks to go, perhaps even more if Teplet wishes to stay warm and cosy for as long as possible.

So far the pregnancy has been fine, with no major problems. I've only had to endure back pain, sciatica, shortness of breath, heartburn, swollen ankles/fingers, pelvic pain and some wicked stretch marks!

Of course, this will all pale into insignificance when we finally get to meet our precious little Teplet.