For any of you that don't know....Wade Brandon was born at 1:57 am on March 8th! He weighed 9lbs 0.6oz and was 21 3/4 inches long. It was a crazy experience, but I was able to have him naturally and I feel absolutely fantastic. I'm recovering very quickly and Wade somehow is surviving all the kisses and 'attention' his little sisters are giving him.
Unfortunately, my birthing experience in the hospital was not exactly as I would have liked. I was able to labor on my hands and knees in the hospital, right up until I was fully dilated. Here is an excerpt from my journal of what happened after that. (I apologize for the grammar in this. Hopefully you can understand my random journaling thoughts)
Another nurse showed up...which I immediately didn't like. I think her name was Angela. She briskly said, flip on over so you can push. Brandon said...can't she push like this? She said...she'll need to flip over. Brandon...but she's given birth like this before. She leaves to get the doctor. Doctor says...she needs to flip over so she can push. Brandon...this is how she wants to give birth, why does she have to flip over? Dr....it's easier for me. Brandon...what about her? At this point...I was near death...at least it felt that way and I was willing to do anything to get the baby out. I wasn't willing to 'fight' a doctor at that point. I could barely move. They immediately wanted me to flip over, which I was willing to do...but my body was in a contraction and I couldn't move. Finally I consented to their ridiculous request and my water broke. So...instead of using gravity and an easier position I was forced into birthing on my butt. They wanted me to pull my legs towards me and curve my back and tuck my chin and push. It was the MOST painful experience of my life. And the thing that was killing me is that I knew it would have been better in the position I was previously. So...while I'm going through all this pain. I said something like,...I can't do this, it hurts so much....which in my head was meaning...I can't birth in this ridiculous position, it's too painful. Lovely Angela smirked...'sweetheart, it's supposed to hurt'. Had I any expendable energy, I would have drop kicked her. Angela, sweetheart...it doesn't HAVE to hurt...not like that at least. Trust me, sweetie....I've done it before. Brandon eventually almost passed out from all this, and just as the baby was coming, he disappeared...meaning he had to sit down and take a few breathers. I was confused and wondered where my man had gone. He quickly came back to my side and Wade came out soon there after.
I don't want to take away from the amazing experience it is to have a child naturally. But, it is NO wonder to me why women have epidurals if they are required to birth in such a ridiculous and painful position. So...what did we learn?
1. What's easier for the Doctor is best.
2. Labor is supposed to hurt.
Those are two lessons I hope never to learn again.
12 comments:
So, you usually have birth on your knees?
I am ignorant, for I am without child.
Ah...yes...for me it is much more comfortable and you use gravity to get in the same position the doctor wanted me in...you're just kind of flipped over on your hands and knees. That probably didn't make much sense.
That totally bites that you had a doctor and a nurse who wouldn't "let" you give birth on your hands and knees. Have you considered talking to your doctor about this--telling her how much harder and painful it is to birth like that and that she should respect a woman's desire to push in whatever position she prefers? Doctors really need to hear this.
I can't imagine lying down to push. The thought is pure torture!
Wow - what an experience. Congrats on going "natural", even if the nurse/doctors were psycho. It's too bad that we won't be the first uncle/aunt to see the newest Cohen - we'd been doing so good up to this point.
You are so amazing! I can't believe you did it naturally in a hospital! They are so irritating. I hate that they won't let you do what you want. I am birthing at home next time for sure. I agree that the back is the worst pushing position in the world. Who cares if it is easier for the doctor! We are the ones having the baby. That makes me so irritated...
Anyway, I am so excited for you guys to have a boy join your ranks. Baby boys are fun. He is adorable... CONGRATULATIONS!
I guess I never really thought about it, but what you're saying makes sense. I'm really sorry about the pain. I might have slapped that nurse if I were you.
Jodie you are inspiring. I hope all is going well with the new kid on the block.
Congratulations Jodie! Sorry about the bad experience but way to go on giving birth naturally! I don't think i'll ever take that path, but who knows!!! Congrats though! It's so fun having a new baby!
Congrats on the new Baby Cohen! Thanks for sharing your "life lessons" after all it's important for all of us future mothers to know that we really should always think of what's best for the doctor especially during child birth. WOW.
Your post seriously made me lose sleep, since I had a similarly negative experience when my first was born and here I am about to give birth again for the 3rd time. I hope you let the Dr know what a NOB he was.
But Congrats on your big boy! Boys are so much fun. Hope you are both doing well.
Hello, I just happened to find your blog and read your birthing story. First, congratulations on your beautiful baby boy! Your story is similar to mine and makes my blood boil... with my first, I didn't have a clue what was going on and ended up pushing 'on my bum!' With my second I had the urge to get onto my knees, and hold on to the back of the bed. The nurses were begging me to turn so 'they' could see (be in control) but I didn't. Baby came out in one push, it was awesome. Third baby I said I wanted to do this again, doctor was scared, didn't like it. Fortunately he was out of the room when I began pushing so at least I got to be on my side...another decent position. With number four I actually went and hired a doula- a trained birthing partner. Great addition to husband, and wise enough to stick up for me and do what I needed her to do. People who haven't personally given birth should not be allowed to speak to a birthing woman! As Rachel said in 'Friends': No uterus, no opinion!
I'm so glad you commented on my blog so I could take a look at yours. It is so fun to catch up with old friends through blogs. You have a cute family. I'm sorry you didn't have a great birth experience with your 3rd. That Doctor was a dork! I had Bennett naturally and luckily had a great midwife. You are right , it doesn't have to KILL, if they would just let you run the show a little more. Anyways, send me your email address to julie.blodgett@gmail.com so I can invite you to my blog. Thanks!
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