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.

4 comments:

City Hippy said...

Cool babe...great post...can't wait to compare how it goes to how we hope it goes eh?

MWAH

AL

Coby said...

Only time will tell now!

Anonymous said...

I am sure everything will be fine! you guys are soooo postive about "all things Teplet" that it will only go your way! And as they say . . . what will be will be! MWAHS Mrs Moo XXX

Dear Teplet, first you read emails now blogs! You are on smart baby - I am impressed! Anyway not long to go now, make yourself comfy cos its gonna be a bummpy ride but you will fine because have a really great Ma & Pa to look after you and mad Muncle & Aunty Moo to entertain you with their crazy ways! MWAHS Aunty Moo XXX

City Hippy said...

Hahahaha MOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!