reasons why

reasons why i had such a wonderful birth with elliot.

i don't ever want to forget my wonderful experience i had with my midwife assisted birth, and even though things change, for the next time i want to remember what things i did to make it that way just in case a repeat is possible.

i don't know exactly which of these things was the contributing factor to that day, but i would highly recommend them to everyone. they seemed to work!

1. hypnobirthing:
aside from the water ( to come later ) i believe this was the biggest contributing factor to the day. kevin and i attended 6 classes of 3 hours each prior to the big day. we were coached by a fabulous woman tracy martin who guided us through different relaxation activities. we were aided to visualize different objects, landscapes, and colours to help distract and focus attention on something wonderful and relaxing. kevin practiced with me every other day, and i practised by myself as much as time would allow. we were taught to release any fear associated with birthing and to allow our bodies to take over and do what they were made to do. through the birthing process i kept repeating in my mind those relaxing words kevin had said to me in the past days, and i reminded myself to let go, and embrace and sensations and allow my body to do its business. i very much would reccomend everyone to try it out! i also recommend physically going to the classes, especially if you get bored reading instructonal books like i do. but in case you love reading, this is the book: hypnobirthing

2. evening primrose oil:
from 36 weeks onward i took a primrose pill orally in the morning, and vaginally in the evening. this is used to soften the cervix and it will help you dilate faster on the day of. it is not an induction method. well, if you read my birth story you will know the first time i was checked i measured 7 cm already and was fully effaced. could be luck.... could be primrose oil! i will use it every time and compare results to see if it keeps working for me.

3. induction massage / acupuncture / chiropractor:
i am lumping all of these together because i cant even count the times through my pregnancy that i had them done to me mostly because of discomfort with the pregnancy, but every time that i went to my chiropractor he reminded me "this is going to help with your birth. i promise it wont be longer than 12 hours of labour if you come to me every week from 35 weeks onward". and he was right! from first contraction to baby born it was 11 hours 45 minutes. if anything, seeing these professionals kept me sane and sleeping well through the last few weeks. ( concerning the induction massage. i went for an induction massage the day before i gave birth as soon as i hit 38 weeks. lo and behold i deliver within the next 24 hours. i later called my massuese to THANK her for a job well done! )  

4. midwife:
the greatest doctor i have ever had was no doctor at all. she was a saint, and she was my midwife. i love the personal care you get from these ladies during appointments and how supportive they are. i was able to opt out of all pre-testing and ultrasounds that i wanted to without a word from anybody. i felt like this pregnancy and birth belonged to myself and kevin. we were in charge and in control of wht was going to happen. on the day of, she mostly stayed out of the way, allowing kevin to be right there as my birth coach while she made herself available yet discrete in the background. she would offer suggestions during the pushing phase, but never made it seem like she was forcing me to do anything. i feel like kevin and i delivered our baby into the world as a couple.

5. omni massage roller:
okay, i have to put in a plug for this massage roller. my friend lauren suggested it to me as it did wonders through her delivery as well. kevin rolled this on my butt/back through every single contraction except when i was in water. he says that it would have been so hard to be massaging that entire time without the brilliant ball. thank you ball.

6. water birth:
this is the BIG one. the one that takes the cake. i believe this is physically why i had such a lovely birth. birthing in the water is HEAVEN. i felt so lightweight (which is a great feeling when you are 38 weeks prego) and the heat eased my butt/back pain down to nothing. contractions were so easy to handle. when it came time to push even though pushing was very hard to do (he was born sunny side up so the pushing was long and slow and miserable) i was completely relaxed and comfortable between each contraction. at one point i got out of the water to try labouring maybe squatting or on the toilet and WORST IDEA EVER! the second i left my cosy water haven i was slammed with owie.  i immediately got back in and continued with my happy birthing. the bathtub will always be my happy place.

well, that is it. i had a bigger list before i started, but as per usual, my really adorable 5 week old baby just woke up and is giving me his "mommy, where the heck are you i need to be fed right now" cry. i'm going to go cuddle him.