Emotional birth experience

Birth is emotional. That's no surprise right? What some may not prepare for is the after experience. The "life goes on" experience. Moms spend time thinking about what they hope for during delivery, when they get an experience that wasn't quite expected, there are many emotions that go along with that. What about the births that go perfectly? The moms that can't complain about a single thing during their delivery. Sounds ideal right?? You may be surprised to find out, those births can actually be a bit of a let down for moms. It's like that great vacation that you are planning and so excited for! It comes, and it goes and then, it's over. I remember when I had my babies, the pregnancy was typical, with monthly, biweekly and then weekly visits to the doctor. You get into a routine of appointments and preparations and then delivery day comes, and you are in the hospital for a few days, you have visitors and flowers and lot's of special treatment and all of the oohs and ahhs over the baby. You get home and you suddenly have no more weekly appointments, no more hospital room service, the visitors stop coming and life is "normal" again. I remember feeling sad as I adjusted to reality. I loved having the hospital experience, I loved the food, I loved the constant check ins (well, not so much in the middle of the night) but there were always people around me and I love being around people! My point today, your feelings and emotions are valid. Just because you had that perfect birth that others would love to experience, doesn't mean you can't feel let down or a bit bummed that it's all over and that it was for lack of a better word "uneventful".

What kind of birth to you want?

Simple question, that packs a punch! I meet many couples that have a clear vision of what they would like their birth experience to look like. As we discuss in more detail, my next question is usually do you plan to attend any childbirth classes? If so, which one?
I found a great  handout that I give to expectant parents, it lists every choice you will be faced with for the childbirth process. Full list of birth options; by Preparing for Birth
For example, a few of those choices, in no particular order:
Own clothing vs. hospital gown
Monitoring options
Hydration options
Position options
Cord cutting options
Feeding options
Lot's of choices. You may be a person that would like to go into birth with an open mind and willing to fully listen to the staff at your birth and you may be a person that finds comfort planning every detail. You may be a person that will be disappointed if things don't go as planned, you may be a person that doesn't care if things go as planned, as long as things are OK in the end.

Birth is often compared to training for and running a marathon. The definition of marathon is as follows:

mar·a·thon

ˈmarəˌTHän/

noun

1. a long-distance running race, strictly one of 26 miles and 385 yards (42.195 km).

   • a long-lasting or difficult task or operation of a specified kind.

Interesting! "A long lasting or difficult task or operation of a specified kind". Can you think of a better way to describe birth? I don't know anyone that would enter a marathon without preparation and training. Do you think perhaps birth should be prepared for and trained for as well? What could you do to be ready for your child's birthday?