Instead of doing the traditional Lamaze, we took a class in HypnoBirthing, which is more of an approach/philosophy. The name is somewhat misleading as it's not really about being 'hypnotized' but about staying calm and relaxed and not freaking out. The idea is that there is no physiologic reason for childbirth to be painful (there's actually lot of 'data' supporting that). Rather in this culture (not in many others), we create the pain out of fear - fighting against your body creates tension and the tension leads to pain, which makes us scared, more tension, more pain, no progress ... and then you get drugged. So the idea is that if you stay relaxed and work with the natural process, then there's no reason to be afraid, and no reason to be in agony.
In preparing for childbirth, my biggest goal has been to 'forget' all of the things I've seen and learned in delivery rooms. I have experienced an inordinate number of complicated, unpleasant, things-gone-wrong. So I have been trying to get ready for baby in the most un-medical way possible, and part of that means not thinking/talking about all the interventions to 'be ready for' but rather working on positive imagery, relaxation and being excited about my own innate abilities to do something that women for eons have done (without fetal monitors).
That said, no one can plan what a birth is going to be like, and we're open to whatever it brings. Although I've read some great stories about women experiencing birth with ecstasy, I definitely don't expect that it'll be either comfortable or fun, but I am really confident that with Joey's amazing support (and he is amazing, if you don't know!), it will be a positive experience for all 3 of us, no matter what happens :)
4 comments:
M,
Wow, you're getting big! In a great way! "Joaquin" for a boy? Name of Mary's father...
Actually, I have a little secret to tell you. But I cannot disclose until after birth of belly. It regards gender.
Give me a call, need to discuss travel issues. p.s. "Everest"! Now that's sexy! kinda like "Graham."
I was just reading more about hypnobirthing (spurred on from another blog where people were talking about it), and it sounds really neat. Wonder why they don't encourage it more. Will you have a hypnobirthing person in the room with you, like a midwife? Are you going to try laboring in a tub? I'm so curious to hear how it all goes for you, should I ever decide to multiply, but I already know you're way stronger than I!
Don't know why hypnobirthing isn't more common - the midwifes at OHSU are very encouraging - I've never heard anything negative - it's just not our "culture" I think. I'm not having a specific hypo-person - except Joe :) - but the midwives know about it, and so does my Doula (more on her to follow ...)
Tub for labor for sure (at least in theory - who knows what really happens!) - but not waterbirth. - I have to say, I am also getting really excited to know what it's like - a new adventure! :)
I've been doing a lot of reading on hypnobirthing and looking into taking a class. I'll be really interested to hear what you think after you give birth.
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