There Was No Way That I Could Focus........

BG Birthing Gown Made in the USA

When I think of focusing, two things come to mind: my A.D.D. and giving birth.  Attention deficit disorder describes how my brain works.  Giving birth reminds me of how I had to train my brain.

If you remember how your contractions felt, you know what sheer pain feels like.  I decided that I wanted to give birth naturally.  Given technology, why would anyone choose to labor without pain medication?  Truthfully, the thought of a needle going into my back that close to my spine makes me nervous.
 
Plan B.  I had to come up with a way to give birth using nothing but my mind.  Yes, the same brain that is able to focus on any one topic for no more than, sometimes, a few minutes at a time.  Of the options and techniques available to me, the best one was my husband.

Pretty Pushers Made in the USA

I knew that the pain from contractions was going to be beyond anything that I could imagine.  We went to the birth preparation classes and listened to all of the advice that the fabulous nurse teaching the class gave us.  At home, practice for labor became almost a nightly ritual in the last four weeks of each of my pregnancies.
Each time I went into labor, those nights of practicing imagery and listening to music paid off.  My husband held my hand and reminded me of my happy place, of wonderful moments that we have shared.  Those 60-second increments were such intimate minutes that I look back on them fondly, instead of painfully.  He led me where I needed to be.  I have not forgotten the incredible pain.  I just appreciate how calm he remained while his wife labored in such pain.

I can say that it is possible to labor using the technique of mind over matter.  My labors lasted a combined six hours.  Divided by two, that's not a very long time to labor.  If I ever get the opportunity to do it again, I would love to labor in the jetted tub that the birthing center had.  What I would include in the bag that I pack is a birthing gown to wear when I get out of the tub.  I was not prepared for that.  My husband, bless his heart, scrambled to find something for me.

I found some birthing gowns that are made in the USA and decided to share them here with you.  If you are blessed enough to be expecting, I hope one of these gowns enhances your experience.

Please stop by and share your stories.  I would love to read them.
 
Karina

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The Longest Minute Ever......

This is my baby Bina when she was just born.  The picture was taken with a cell phone.  In the excitement of her being born, we forgot where the cameras were.

Bina came into this world in 3 hours flat (well, 3 hours and 10 minutes).  My water actually broke, which I only thought happened in the movies and in textbooks.  I remember when I got the urge to push, my midwife and husband coached me along.  They told me her head was out and then my midwife told me to stop pushing.  The cord was wrapped around Bina's neck and my midwife was removing it.  She was so calm about it.  Even thinking back to that moment, it still amazes me at how focused and calming she was with us.  She unwrapped the cord, suctioned the fluids out of Bina's mouth and nose and continued to coach me along to keep pushing.  She never missed a beat.

When Bina graced us with her presence, she didn't cry right away.  It may have been a second or two.  It seemed like an eternity before I heard her cry.  When I finally heard those lungs sing to me, I cried.  The funny thing is that for months after she was born, and even now sometimes, I love to hear that initial cry of hers.  I think that minute-long second has stayed with me and I love that sound.  It reminds me that she is ok.  I told my husband that people will think I am the worst mother ever because I love to hear that initial cry of hers.  I obviously comfort her right away, as I did that day that she was born.  I guess when you know the story, I don't seem like such a bad mom.

When I think of that moment, I also think of my midwife who delivered our baby.  I can't stress enough how calm she was throughout the whole process.  I am in awe of it.  Bina was born in a birthing center versus Lyla who was born in a hospital.  The birthing center was set up like a luxurious spa - the decor, the aroma, the soft music, the jetted tub, the extraordinarily comfortable bed - simply amazing.  What's more amazing is that my baby Bina came home with us, wrapped in blankets and love.

What was your longest minute?  Or what was your birthing experience like?  Share your stories.  I love to read about them.

Karina

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