Before the Beginning

So! After about a year hiatus, I hope to start writing here again—at least occasionally. So…what has happened since last year? Oh yeah, we got pregnant again and had another baby!

Let’s start before the beginning, so to speak.

You all remember my last birth story, right? Right—I’m sure you’ve been retelling it to all of your friends for the last (almost) 3 years. J Well. Despite the most precocious little gift that we got from that August day, the whole event of the c-section scarred me a little bit. Scratch that. It really messed with my head and fueled my need for information, clarification, answers, reasons unlike any other thing in my life.

After Lierre was probably two or three months old I started researching. Researching impacts of cesarean section on mothers. Impacts of cesarean section on the child. Researching Vaginal Birth After Cesareans (VBAC). Brushing up on doctors in our area. Asking around about doctors vs. midwives. Doulas---are they really that helpful during birth? What would happen with a second c-section if we were to ever get pregnant again? I also stumbled upon Birth Without Fear facebook page and blog (I highly recommend it for anyone who has had a baby, will have a baby, or even just kind of likes reading about babies). I talked about birth. I read about the birthing process. Over time, it changed from a frustrated, angry driving force to, well… just a really fun hobby for me that gave me confidence in moving towards having another little babe. And just for future reference—if you ever have any questions about my experience, birth, babies, anything, please reach out to me! I’m not saying I have answers, but having an outlet it so important and this stuff is like catnip to me—I really, really love it!

Any who… After some interviews with my old practice, and a new practice, I decided to switch to a midwife in our area who was part of a practice that included multiple midwives and doctors. What’s that saying from Einstein? “The definition of insanity is doing something over and over and expecting a different result.” I couldn’t confidently move forward with the same potential doctors and mindsets.

I also hired a doula. What is a doula? What is the difference between them and a midwife? A midwife is basically a doctor who handles your medical aspects of pregnancy and often are much more hands-off in the process---less ultrasounds, less scare tactics, and as my midwife said at our first meeting “I deal with what is actually happening, not what could maybe happen.” Doulas are there, mostly at birth (but available for meetings ahead of time to discuss birth plans, positions, etc) to help support the momma and daddy. They do not sway the parents in any medical decisions. “You want an epidural? Sure. Let me help you. You want all natural? Great, let me see what I can do to help.“

After having the doctors lower the boom about the c-section when Tim stepped out last time, AND after being left alone for about 4 hours after my last birth, I refused to be without information, an advocate, or support at any point in my birth.

Now, on to the good stuff. My birth plan included: a quiet, dimly lit room, music if I desired it, all natural (gulp) if I could swing it—but if I decided for an epidural later that could be discussed, and that everything a doctor or nurse did with or two me must be discussed---down to “I am going to touch your legs now” or “I will now be putting in an IV.” Remember when I said the c-section messed with me? Yeah… I can’t stand being touched or anything at the doctor now (well..much better since Holly’s birth, but I digress)...

My last picture while pregnant

Now, let's get on to the good stuff....