Sarah
& Joshua's Birth Story Auckland
 My
husband Hayden and I were over the moon at becoming
first time parents and it wasn’t for quite
a few months that I stated feeling quite terrified
at the thought of giving birth, but more to the
point how I would cope with all my previous back
problems. I had read, as you do lots of birth
stories and in particular how painful the back
pain can get and it was due to another friend
who had used Sam through the pregnancy massage
“Bella Mama” that I found out about
Sam, what a Doula was and the role of a Doula.
After meeting Sam and hearing about what she does
and a lot of history behind childbirth, I began
to feel more positive straight away and we decided
to give a natural, drug free birth a go. I also
knew that I would have all the hands on help for
my back I needed from Sam who would be there with
us every step of the way. During labour, Sam gave
me reassuring, encouraging words without being
intrusive at all but always telling me I could
do it and what a great job I was doing. That in
itself is wonderful to hear when you think you
can’t give any more.
She coached my husband
and I weeks beforehand, resulting in my husband
giving me the space and courage to go through
labour drug free. He was there when I needed/wanted
him but understood I needed to do my thing.
Unfortunately after 11 hours,
we were told that our baby wouldn’t be coming
naturally due to his head getting stuck in the
birth canal and I had to have an emergency caesarean.
I was so proud of myself for being able to work
through the labour pains with the breathing techniques
Sam had gone through with us and basically “zoning
out” into my own world making it easier
for me to concentrate on the pains. I did however
welcome the pain relief after trying unsuccessfully
for 2 hours to push the baby out and enjoyed being
able to actually talk to my husband and put a
smile on my face!
Emotionally after Joshua’s
birth I felt really good, although the good ole
weepiness started on about day 3 (a day later
than usual for most). It’s quite funny because
I was in Warkworth Birthcare and talking to a
nurse who was lovely and I just started crying
for no reason. I even remember saying to her that
I had no idea why I was crying because I was so
happy. These things you really can’t control
and I balled for most of the day and warned my
husband that that’s what I was going to
do and that I couldn’t stop. He was wonderful
and kept the tissues in good supply.
My body had gone through a lot
– most of which I didn’t really understand
until well after Josh’s birth. I remember
– again staying at Warkworth one night being
so cold and shivering that someone told me much
later on that my body was in shock. That was the
only thing I remember apart from the pulling of
where the caesarean was which lasted for a few
weeks.
I did feel stuffed, but the
one thing I did from day 1 and have continued
to do was to have a shower in the morning and
get dressed. I felt like a new person and ready
to take on the day with my new baby. There’s
nothing like a hot shower in the morning to make
you feel human again.
After recovering at Warkworth
Birth Care for 4 days I felt wonderful. Although
the scar was quite sore, I was very mobile (well
as much as I was allowed). I felt like I could
drive after 4 weeks, but of course didn’t
until 6 weeks.
Ignorance is bliss – with
the first baby you have no idea really what to
expect other than what you read, so I felt completely
relaxed about things. Of course when the due date
got closer you do get quite anxious, but what
will be, will be and you can only do your best.
Believe that you can do it and
that the people around you are the experts and
that you’re in capable hands. Just remember
that every contraction means you are one step
closer to meeting your baby.
Sarah, 36 years old
Joshua Alan Reid – 16th February 2008
You
might be interested in the Joyful Childbirth 3
hour Antenatal Class for Natural Pain Relief |
|
