So tonight was a first for me, I went to my first prenatal yoga class. It was GREAT! First off, it was just fun to be around other pregnant woman. Secondly, the exercises felt great to my body and I felt like a strong pregnant woman. One of my goals during this pregnancy is to feel strong as my body changes. . . . instead of like a giant grapefruit which is sometimes how I actually feel.
I knew yoga was difficult but also knew it was great for my body in helping to stretch and invigorate my muscles. I think this is just what I needed to help prepare me for labor. Having never given birth I think about labor almost daily. Of course I've read books and even gone on youtube to watch different birthing videos (and you can see a lot on youtube). And it's been wonderful to see brave woman going against the grain and giving birth naturally.
We have chosen to use a midwife and give birth at a midwifery center. When you mention this the response by most woman, as they look at you with one eye half cocked . . . "your crazy!" Another popular one is "well, good luck . . why would you want to feel all that pain?"
My response to them is to say "it's just what we've decided to do." Because the reality is that most woman don't want to know why, they are convinced (as they grew up in American culture) that there is only one way to give birth and that's in a hospital with an epidural. Now I'm not knockin any woman who wants to do so but if I gave them my honest response it would sound more like this: I don't want to give birth in a hospital for the following reasons: I want to be free to move around as I please without an IV pole or monitor attached to me, I don't want nurses/doctors coming in and taking over my labor but rather be allowed to labor as long as it takes, I don't want to be pressured by pretentious medical staff to deliver by a certain time, I don't want drugs or any other "stuff" that they tell me is normal and safe, I want to be able to be outside in fresh air and labor in different areas and positions, I want my husband and I to be in a quiet, calm, environment with a king size bed where we can be close, I want to sit in a birthing tub where I can soak and sip on water and eat a bit of food, I want to know that the people around me believe in my ability to birth a child and support me with encouraging words and positive energy, I want to embrace every part of the birthing experience and be guided by woman/midwives who have been doing it for decades with more positive results than any hospital, and after the baby arrives I want to hold it to me immediately and not have it taken away by a stranger, I want to breastfeed it right away and when the placenta is done giving it all its nutrients then will the cord be cut!
Now, you may be able to find all that in a hospital but the chances are slim to none. And it would take me fighting tooth and nail against every last nurse and physician who thought I was nuts for doing it that way. So, that's why I decided to go with a world famous midwifery center here in TN. One who will allow me to be in control of my birthing experience and guide me along the way. I am so excited about this process that it makes me shake just thinking about it. Of course I'm nervous too, there's alot of unknowns here. But I am confident in my midwife and her experience. If she feels that the baby and or I may be in danger then we have arrangements at the local hospital. The hospital is very familiar with the midwives and the setting is one of mutual respect and understanding. The ObGYNs at this hospital group (of which all are female) will be aware of my due date and familiar with my situation so that they can be prepared if they are needed.
It's really the best of both worlds. I am in complete control of my pregnancy and delivery. I am looked upon as a powerful, strong, capable woman whose God given ability is embraced instead of hindered. I'm sure it'll be painful and uncomfortable and just plain hard, but that has never stopped me before. And with the motivation to see the life that has been growing inside of me for nine months, I know I can deliver this baby naturally.
The icing on the cake tonight (mmmm . . .cake) was that my wonderful yoga instructor also used the same midwifery center and thinks it's great that we are using a midwife. When you find people who say "that's great", instead of "your crazy", you know that your not alone. And you get more positive energy to draw upon as you get stronger and prepare for labor. Being pregnant is a wonderful experience and I look forward to sharing this experience with all those who are interested.
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