Birth without trauma. Birth in which the mother and baby are healthy and happy. Birth which leaves no lasting ramifications, either physical or emotional. A Perfect Birth. That’s what I have now experienced with the birth of my son.
Going into birth this time, I was ready. Ready, educated, and excited. My pregnancy before this delivery was rocky, to say the least. Symphysis Pubic Dysfunction, two hospital stays due to illness, and a last-minute run around regarding getting the delivery I wanted (and needed) posed real issues for me. However, the delivery, a delivery that myself and my doctor agreed to be most beneficial to mother and baby, was such that it set up “a perfect birth.”
My son’s birth story:
I went into the hospital at 11:30, with the understanding that the c-section would take place at 1:00. I was 38 weeks, 2 days and with no indications of imminent labor, I understood that my surgery could be “pushed” for emergency patients. I was made comfortable while waiting for my turn, and an IV was inserted, and any questions I had were answered. A little after 1:00, I was wheeled into the delivery room. I walked myself to the bed and was told how to sit for an effective spinal. All the while, the medical professionals present were kind, understanding, supportive, and reassuring. My spinal was placed without incident and then I was instructed to lie down. Once numbed, I was happy to see my husband arrive by my head. And then, the incision, the surgery, and less than 8 minutes from first incision, my baby boy’s screams as he was born. Perfect baby boy, who was immediately shown to me and then checked out by the nurses (with my husband by his side and in the same room). Once wrapped up, my husband held him by my head as they stitched me up. All the while I felt cared for, informed, and respected. A complete opposite to my previous birth experience. My husband, baby, and I ventured to recovery together where I was able to effectively breastfeed and bond with the newest member of our family. Later that evening, my daughter joined us and our family of four was “officially” all together.
Since the birth, I have managed my pain and was off all pain killers within the first week. I am able to walk now with the symphysis pubic dysfunction drastically diminished. I have nothing but positive memories of the birth and my daily interactions reflect positivity. I am looking forward to noting my progress at my 6 week check-up. The baby is doing wonderfully as well. Over eight pounds at birth, he continues to thrive, both feeding and sleeping as well as a 3 and 1/2 week old should.
The support I have had for this birth experience was immeasurable. Thank you all.
Thanks for reading,
Lauren
