I am almost one year postpartum and the rituals and routines I have indulged in have enhanced the healing process.
As previously discussed, my first child was a scheduled induction because she was 7 days past her due date.
With my second child, I was scheduled to be induced because she was projecting to be 7 days late, as well.
I want to explain the process leading up to my vaginal delivery.
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About 6 days before my due date, I did allow the doctors to strip my membrane.
This is a process where the doctors take their finger, insert it into your vagina, and literally attempt to scratch or influence your water bag to burst so labor can start. Itβs supposed to increase stimulation so you can start dilating.
This method was not guaranteed to accelerate labor but was worth the try.
Needless to say, it didnβt do anything but cause discomfort for a few hours and spotting. The contractions after were very intense and honestly not worth the procedure. From my experience, it is best to honestly just allow your body to flow into labor on its own.
The emotional toll this takes on you, so frustrated and overwhelmed with the effects of the last trimester, save yourself the headache.
Instead, try indulging in pregnancy approved exercise, take long baths to ease your discomfort, drink more water, and rest your mind because your baby will only come when it is time.
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Everyone around me was delivering their baby before me and emotionally I was out of it! Being my second pregnancy, in fear of another c section, I was frustrated beyond words. Hormonal and exerting too much mental energy, I didnβt allow my mind to relax so my body could naturally shift into labor. Take it easy on yourself transitioning into month 9 or even close to 10!
Your pregnancy is not theirs and your baby will come when it or they are ready! Staying off of social media is probably my number 1 suggestion to ease this mental pressure.
Instead of emotionally overwhelming yourself, do whatever makes you feel more at ease. Eating, walking, resting, painting, dancing, drawing, or my pregnancy favorite; crying! Release those hormones through tears if you have to.
If possible, share with your partner, a close friend, or family member your true concerns and frustrations. Do not allow your emotions to drive you crazy because you may go beyond your due date or you could be the last of your circle to birth your child! Enjoy your process! Let your body take its time!
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Everyday and I mean, every single day, since the confirmation of pregnancy, I was active. Walking the park, up hills, stretching, and even increasing my sexual activity. NOTHING will shift your body into labor but your bodyβs time! I donβt even want to exaggerate and say these methods will increase your chances because they may not! Being my second go around I thought my body would shift a little easier with the influence of exercise but as we know due dates are estimates; that date is not the day your baby signed to be born. Do not overexert yourself trying to push yourself into labor.
Instead, nest! Spend that time with your partner enjoying the final phase before this new beginning. Music and resting were my best friends at this point. Leave the errands to everyone else! Prepare your babyβs space, write your birth plan, and cry. Let it all out because pregnancy, especially the end is a lot !
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I want to encourage more mothers to write a birth plan! In the event you are too preoccupied by the pressure to respond, you want everyone to know your wishes. This helps doctors and your delivery team be clear about your expectations. Your comfort is essential during delivery, so create the intimate space wherever you choose to birth, to enhance the ambiance. Share this plan with whomever will be present and doctors to ensure everyone is on the same accord!
With all this being said, the day I decided to not worry about going into labor, my body went into labor. My mucus plug came out at about 4am and the contractions had me in tears by noon. I couldnβt even speak without crying and the contractions were every 2 minutes at this point. Mommies to be, my BEST advice for dealing with contraction is MOVEMENT AND MUSIC. Moving around during contractions eased the pressure not the intensity! I promise, on the ride to the hospital, music helped me keep track of my contractions and also distracted me. I know, I was both breathing and whining like a baby while bobbing my head to the beat. The air from outside blowing heavily on my face was also very therapeutic for times I was just too taken aback by the intensity of contractions.
Mommies, I want you to be prepared for the real! Itβs bloody, itβs messy, itβs intense, and it does not HURT to push. Contractions on the other hand can take an army of the most masculine men out! You donβt know where they are coming from. You donβt know how to truly ease them. You cannot make them stop. You can only breathe through them. You cannot force your body into labor. You can only embrace your journey and wait for your bundle of joy to be delivered when it’s time.
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On October 11th, 2019 at 12:11 AM, after about 15 good minutes of painless pushing, Leilani Jiselle was born at 6 lbs 5 oz. I threw up leading up to pushing and cried because I was starving. Ladies FEED yourself through contractions if you can. I know what doctors recommend but I donβt subscribe to medical practices. My wish was to not deliver in the hospital but by circumstances, I went. Regardless of where you choose to deliver, know your body is going to release everything before delivery. You may throw up. You may sh*t. You may scream holy hell! But I promise pushing does not hurt, your vagina will recover, and your baby will be delivered and placed into your arms as you are welcomed gracefully into the world of Motherhood.
Moore Consciousness, Confidence, and Clarity For The Collective. 