Having a baby is such an exciting time, not just for the new parents, but for the grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, friends, sisters and brothers. There are so many people that are invested in this new little person. They all want to be called the minute you start labor so they can rush to the hospital and wait.
But what if labor isn't like the movies? We know how often that happens, right? First contraction and the baby's practically falling out. Regardless, everyone is rushing around to get out the door and races to the hospital. There is this idea, even subconsciously, that if we head to the hospital, the baby will come.
I recently had a couple start good contractions on a Sunday. We thought for sure she'd have her baby and would not be in class Tuesday night. We'd text or talk every several hours. I knew her mom was nervous and wanted her to head to the hospital. This woman knew it wasn't time. She visited her chiropractor, and while it didn't seem to necessarily help speed things up, she didn't have back labor after that. A success, for sure!
I finally talked with her husband who had been a fun guy to have in class. He said everyone was asking if this was normal -- labor taking so long. All their comments were getting to him and he was starting to doubt their decision to stay home as well. The pressure from family and friends can often lead to going to the hospital too early, which can lead to interventions that the couple didn't want in the first place. Most people have never seen labor "take so long" because women don't labor outside the hospital very often. And in the hospital, time limits are enforced. So two days is unbelievable! Surely, something must be wrong!
I believe that we'd see this so much more often if women: a) waited until labor was very well established to go to the hospital, even if it meant days, not hours; b) were not dying to get an epidural, and thus, rushing to the hospital; and c) were not induced and simply allowed labor to start spontaneously. If this couple were to go to the hospital, labor would likely be augmented either with pitocin or breaking water. Were they ready to interfere with the natural process?
Needless to say, they made it to class Tuesday night. It sure was fun watching her contract all through class! Some were super intense and she handled them beautifully.
This type of labor continued for a couple more days. Baby B was born on Black Friday in the early morning. I got news while I was in a line at Staples, or was it Sports Authority? No drugs, no augmenting labor. Just trusting that this labor was just what mom, baby, and even an emotional new father needed. They are on cloud nine.
Another one of the couples from the same class has had a very similar week. Contracting every 3 minutes, lasting about 60 seconds. Still getting some good sleep. Eating, resting, walking. The story from the first couple has bolstered their confidence that this is normal. They have had to remove "the family" periodically as well for the same reasons. Both these women have amazing husband-coaches.
Like I always say, the baby will come out! Labor will not last forever, although you may get to a point that you can't imagine it ending. It will. Enjoy your labor. Take it as it comes. Don't rush through it. You'll treasure these hours -- or days! -- down the road. Do something memorable with your labor. Get creative. Stay in a hotel, see a movie, take some long walks, build a fire, enjoy a warm bath, eat a yummy candlelight dinner, get a pedicure, eat chocolate, get a massage. All these things can release endorphins that encourage oxytocin to get flowing. Remember, oxytocin is a feel-good hormone. It's hard to feel good when you feel rushed or watched. So when I say enjoy your labor, I really mean ENJOY YOUR LABOR!
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