I was on google chat yesterday with a friend who has a toddler daughter. She was checking up on how I was doing, being so close to due date, and I started asking about her labour experience.
We were on the topic of the episiotomy - I told her that I was more freaked out by the episiotomy than the labour pains - to me labour pains no matter how bad do not involve cutting any part of my body. An episiotomy to me on the other hand, is psychologically very daunting. I feel queasy just thinking about it. And I know I'm not the only one - I've read pregnancy forums when tons of pregnant women ask the same question - whether there is any way to avoid The Cut.
That's when she typed back: "That's where you are wrong, my friend. Labour pain is the Mother of All Pain."
Elsewhere on the world wide web I have seen it referred to as the "Highest level of pain a human can endure."
As much time as I've had in this past 9 months to come to terms with the labour and delivery process, the sheer imminence of the event is making me quake. Even though I've had moments where I felt prepared....at this point I realise - I'm not.
I have not quite come to terms with the fact that in a matter of days, hours even - I will come face to face with this "Mother of All Pain".
Most regretfully, the fear is so foremost and prominent in my mind that even the thought of seeing my baby is not doing anything to assuage it, but I hope this changes during the birth process itself.
The only consolation (hope?) is of course, the epidural. As the hubby reminds me, there are always drugs and pain relief is worth paying for (thankfully we are fully covered under insurance). I am completely prepared to take the epidural - I'm not one of those gung-ho mom-to-bes who insist on a drug free delivery. And hopefully the epi will help somewhat.
Regardless of what I feel, there is no running away from it. Nope. Once you get pregnant, something is set in motion that you cannot reverse gears on (short of abortion, but that's not something I would consider). And perhaps this is a good thing - knowing that there is no running away makes me resigned that all I can do is be stoic and face whatever comes head on.
Of course, there's also the fact that innumerable women all through the course of time have gone through and survived this.
Guess I'm just overly melodramatic, or just fluctuating hormones.
Oh and I managed to catch the uncut Lust Caution today after all! I had imagined maybe going into labour or having my waterbag burst in the middle of the movie but neither happened!
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
6 comments:
Hi Dorothy!
You're still around. BB Sung's feeling comfy in your tum tum. I seriously cannot remember the episiotomy. I had it twice. Of course didn't feel it the first time coz had epidural but the 2nd time, couldn't remember it as being painful even though I didn't have any pain relief (not sure if DR gave me local anaesthesia), probaby because I was overwhelmed by the intense pain and urge to push. When you hear mothers saying that it felt like passing the biggest poo in their life, believe me it's true. It's like a massive poo (sorry for being so graphic and gross) is forcing it's way out whether or not you want it. But yes, go with the flow. If you really need pain relief, ask for some. Have a smooth delivery!
Just go with the epi. After, I was texting friends, flipping thru mags and simply waiting to be properly dilated. Bored silly.
I'm sure all will be well. It's absolutely natural to be having kittens over this.
And yes, don't forget to pray. :)
The Chans await the happy news soon!!
Gorgeous collection, btw!
Hi Dotrothy
Experiencing the GREATEST JOY in giving birth to your own child is worth the Mother of All Pain.
Pray for a smooth and safe delivery for both mother and child.
Lots of love from Aunty Irene & family.
hi ros, saggs & dear aunty irene! thank you for all your comments - i am most comforted by your thoughts and well wishes :) and sounds like epi is the way to go!
hey dorothy,
i read this post after the other one & i think that u should make the decision that works for u (epi vs no pain management), but after my sil's recent experience (she had her baby a couple of months ago), thought i'd like to share my thoughts.
if u do not already know, ask your doc if she's going to stop the epidural before u push. my sil had the epi when she was abt 4cm dilated & when she was fully dilated, the doc turned off the epi & she had to wait for another couple of hours before she could push. my sil wasn't told of this (& didn't think to ask) before she had the epi. i can imagine that the pain was extremely keen for my sil since her body did not have a chance to grow accustomed to the contractions. she probably felt like a brick wall landed on her! :P
of course, if your doc lets u push with the epi, all the better!
if it helps, think of contractions this way: they help bring your baby into your arms. chant baby's name when u are going thru a contraction to help u focus on why u r going thru this 'mother of all pain'. :)
I had epi and couldn't feel the contractions so wasn't able to push properly. In the end, DR had to use vacuum. :(
From my experience, both my deliveries were very different. 2nd one no epi, no drip, no VE. I just tried to relax with every contractions and imagined the cervix opening up. Bring with you a soothing and calm CD to play in the delivery room. Maybe you'd delivered :)
Post a Comment