What Birth Plan?

I don’t consider it a job. It’s truly a privilege and a honor. Lauralie has been more than amazing since day one. I’m beyond blessed to be her mother.

I read all the books and articles I could find. I was a first time mom and beyond excited. I was determined to breast feed as long as possible. I didn’t want her to use a pacifier and I wanted to give birth naturally. I know, I know, I was being over zealous. But I had a game plan because that was better than having no plan at all.

Lauralie was born September 13th. Just the week prior, we were preparing for a massive hurricane. I was praying that she would stay safely in the womb until after the storm. No one has time to be giving birth during a hurricane! Thankfully, she listened like the good girl that she is. 

I was induced and super excited. One of my best friends Becca drove me to the appointment and we scarfed down a pizza in her car in the hospital parking lot. I wasn’t nervous, just ready. We took funny videos and talked about how we had been waiting for this moment for 9 months. I was grateful to have her there and I wouldn’t have it any other way. She stayed with me until the dad to be was able to join me after work.

I had my playlist ready filled with Janet Jackson, Jlo, Missy Elliott and Tamia (among many others). I tried to remember the breathing techniques I saw online and I kept my focus on the end result..a happy and healthy baby girl.

It took 2 rounds of pills for the dilation to start. It was wild to say the least. It was a pain I never felt before, but it came in waves which I was OK with. The dad to be hated seeing me in pain, but he did a great job. I was appreciative  of his support and calmness.

I went with the “laughing gas” first. It took the edge off but not enough. My water broke but I was dilating slowly. I finally gave in to the epidural. Everyone handles pain differently and I think I have a high pain tolerance. But nothing can prepare you for birth. The epidural helped and once I started pushing, my baby girl arrived in about 10 minutes.

I kept telling myself as I was pushing that no one could control how fast or slow she comes except me! I wanted her out and in our arms, so I pushed with all my strength. She finally arrived and I couldn’t believe it. I joked that she looked like a little cute Asian baby. 

Although my birth plan didn’t go the way I planned, it didn’t matter. I’d like all moms to remember that. We can’t plan or control everything. As my good friend kept telling me “All that matters is that she’s here and healthy.” So don’t feel bad if you have a C Section or if you give birth naturally or if your birth plan changes. Our bodies are beautiful and are able to give life! Just bask in that for a moment.