Natural Childbirth, The Second Time Around

I opted for natural childbirth with my first-born. I never really questioned if I would be able to do it – that’s the stubborn in me, I guess. We took the Lamaze classes and I read all the books. Without really knowing what to expect, I was “prepared.” I just kept telling myself it was like running a race, mostly all mental. And it certainly was a mental game of focus. But it was obviously very physical, too. Nearly a week late, the little man wasn’t leaving his cozy home without a fight. Or at least a hand on top of his head to get him stuck a few times on the way out. It was nine hours of pain and required every trick in the book to help welcome him to the world. I was more exhausted than I ever could have imagined. But I did it.natural childbirth

Fast forward three years later with baby number two on the way. I had done natural childbirth once, so surely I could do it again. There were no Lamaze classes this time, and I barely picked up any books the whole pregnancy. Everyone says the second time around is easier, and I was counting on their statements being true. I knew what to expect this time, but that proved to be a blessing and a curse.

My water broke and the contractions became dramatically more intense. The breathing techniques kicked in without even having to think about it. As I progressed, I remembered last time, needing every ounce of my being to focus on breathing and moving past each contraction. People spoke to me, and in my head I responded. But there was no multi-tasking at that point. Speaking would have to wait. I knew that last time, when I hit that point, I still had hours to go. I had been so exhausted I could no longer tell when it was time to push, or even how to muster the strength to do so.

So when I hit that same point only two hours in, I was scared. I was 7-8 centimeters and my energy was draining. Fear crept in that it would be the same as last time; that I still had hours to go. Suddenly I was doubting myself, even though I knew I had done it before. The nurse must have seen it in my eyes because she assured me it would be much faster than last time – we didn’t have too much longer. She told me I could do this. I didn’t believe her. She single-handedly prepped the room for delivery, as if baby was coming any minute. I wondered why she was in such a rush. She said I would just know when it was time to push. But I was too exhausted to know last time – how would I know this time?

Another position change, a couple more contractions and suddenly I heard myself uttering the words: It’s time. I was still in disbelief. It couldn’t actually be happening yet. When the doctor confirmed that yes, in fact, it’s time to push I don’t think I have ever been so relieved in my life. A few good pushes and it was all over. I did it, again.

The second time around, in many ways, certainly was easier. But natural labor, or labor in general, is no easy feat, especially when doubt sneaks in. So a big thanks goes out to all the nurses and cheerleaders in the delivery room, getting us mommas through it. Sometimes a stern look in the eyes telling someone they can do it is all they need.

Kelly Moore
Kelly was born and raised in California and moved to Baton Rouge shortly after graduating college. A few years later she married a southern boy, Travis, and now they are parents to son, Luke, and fur baby Juliet. Kelly began blogging after they purchased their first home in Spanish Town as a way to share the renovation projects and experiences with family back home. As a full-time working mom, she cherishes her evenings and weekends with her family. If she isn’t walking around downtown with her crew, Kelly can be found cooking, digging in their vegetable garden, trying to make her kiddo giggle, and working on their endless house projects.

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