When I decided that I wanted to be a mum, childbirth was one aspect I would have been happy to delete from the process. Is there not a fast forward button to move from pregnancy to holding precious (screaming!) baby in my arms? I was not buying those stories that it’s miraculous and you forget the pain…I remember falling over and cutting my arm at the age of 8. Was I seriously going to forget the pain of a small human being thrust of out my vagina? I think not!
I needed to find a way to prepare myself and ease my anxiety. I spent a lot of time researching options, speaking to doulas, attending anti-natal classes, and getting as much information as possible. And with the help of a hypnobirthing DVD, I convinced myself that baby would be out in no time….I was desperate to believe anything that would help!
I entered childbirth with a birth plan in hand and empowered with knowledge that helped me make choices throughout the process. So much so that I refused to let a doctor to use forceps on me, and burst into tears mid push, informing said doctor that there was no way she was touching this mama and her baby, unless absolutely necessary. I never did see that doctor again!
Thanks to my incredible midwives, Aren was delivered safely and without any doctor interference. I won’t lie and say you forget. You don’t. But you know what, I don’t want to forget. I have never felt so empowered and brave as I did in the moments of childbirth. It was if a lioness emerged, if only momentarily.
Special thanks to the amazing midwives at UCH hospital, London – I never knew childbirth could be such a blast. You women rock and I am in awe of what you do. P.S. Thanks for the extra hit of gas and air at the end!
