Induction is a blessing and a curse. In many ways, I really like knowing that the end is near, but I also know that the fun part called "labor" is right around the corner. So like many other women before me who have no idea what to expect, here are the crazy things I've been telling myself over the past couple of weeks:
- It can't be that bad, can it? I mean, if it were so terrible women would not be willing to do it multiple times.
- I can totally do this. I'm pretty athletic and flexible, so this will be a piece of cake.
- It's just like a marathon I'm sure. There will be a point when I want to quit and then I'll get over it. If I can run 26.2 miles for a shiny piece of metal, surely I can give birth to end up with a baby.
- My guess is that I'm probably one of those genetically strange women who won't really feel contractions. The nurses and doctors will all be amazed by my smooth and easy labor.
- My body was made to do this. I probably won't even have to do any work at all.
- It's only 24-hours of my life... it will all be over before I even realize it began.
I told my doctor at my last appointment about these rosy colored thoughts and he replied that it was a very nice place for me to be. And then he said, "in the next week, however, I do want you to prepare yourself with some more realistic expectations. Labor will become the new benchmark for all pain that you will feel from here on out in your life." Oh the slap of reality. I think I'll stay in my happy place, thank you very much. So here's to every woman's famous last words... how bad can it be??? I guess I'll find out soon!
YOU CAN DO IT. You're totally right - you're made to do it. That said, I think your doctor is right too. BUT... that doesn't mean you can't do it! You are always stronger than you think. I think the comparison to a marathon is very accurate. To quote a friend who had her baby on Thursday, "It was simultaneously the best and worst day of my life. SO INTENSE." Since then, however, she can't hardly remember feeling any pain. All she remembers is the victory she felt when it was over.
ReplyDeleteI'm so excited for you!!! My prayers are with you!
Coming from a huge wimp: It is not that bad at all. It's only super painful for a short time, and the reward at the end is much more than a shiny medal. :) I have no doubt in my mind that it will go great!
ReplyDeleteAre you having the epidural? I highly recommend it. I dealt with increasingly painful contractions for 7 hours or so, then got the epidural and it was a piece of cake from there!
ReplyDeleteIt wasn't terrible, until after they broke my water and the contractions were pretty intense. I then got my epideral, and some relaxation drugs in my iv (can't remember what it was, but it made me feel just dandy) and things were great. You'll do great, it's all worth it!
ReplyDeleteWith Houston my water broke on its own at 35 weeks so they sped up the labor process with pitocin, I recieved my epidural after a short period of moderate contractions... no big deal... However with McKennon I was induced and after he broke my water I went from being dilated to 3 to 10 in 20 minutes, with her beginning to crown before I even had a chance to have an epidural.... I will be honest the pain was inmeasurable BUT I hardly remember it now and it is all worth it because I have 2 beautiful children either way you go. I will say my recovery without the full epidural was much quicker! No matter what your birth plan you will do FABULOUS!
ReplyDeleteI'll post pictures and the story tomorrow (hopefully) when I feel a little bit more rested. But yes, no matter the story it's ALL worth it!!! He's here and he's perfect... details to come! :)
ReplyDeleteThis post makes me laugh because I thought ALL of those same delusions! In the days before Adam was born I distinctly remember looking at women at the grocery store thinking, 'ok, she has kids, she did it. She did, too... and I'm in better shape. This can't be that hard or the world population wouldn't be growing!" And in retrospect, the marathon analogy is spot-on! Just get this #@*^ over with! But then, we'd both rush to do it all again!! Love ya!
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