For my third child I decided I wanted to go unassisted. My major reason
for
going unassisted was to increase my chances of a painless
childbirth. I
felt childbirth was intended to be safe and had no fear about going
unassisted. I prepared both mentally (knowledge), physically (exercise
and
good diet) and most importantly, spiritually (lots of prayer and scripture
study). Being very sensitive to people around me, I was careful of who I
asked/allowed to be there. My mother, who was completely freaked out by
the
idea, was one I strongly felt would NOT be safe for me and the baby to
have
there. Not wanting to hurt her feelings, I prayed that she would for some
reason not be able to attend. As an answer to my prayer, I delivered the
last day of her out-of-town vacation. I suppose the Lord felt the same as
I
did.
I was in painless labor for several days before I delivered. I felt the
tightening but no pain. The night before the delivery I was getting
contractions 3-5 minutes apart but there was absolutely NO pain. The
evening wore on and the few family that was there helped us pick out a
name.
Not sure if I was in real labor (I was acting normal as ever), my
sister-in-law and her husband went home about 3:00 A.M. I went to bed
about
3:30 A.M. The contractions became very strong and I felt my bag of waters
pushing through my cervix and then it popped. This did hurt, as I had
strained it several weeks earlier. I got up and changed into the gown I
planned to birth in. I knew I was in transition. The contractions were
strong and intense, but not painful. I felt the need to walk and move so
I
paced from bedroom to kitchen. After a little while my pacing became
shortened to the bedroom. I decided to climb into the tub to try and
relax
some. Having people around me was a little nerve-wracking. About a half
hour later I climbed out, had the priesthood blessing I planned, and after
about four pushing urges, out came my 8 pound baby. My biggest baby,
easiest delivery. My husband caught him. I tore but healed up
beautifully
and painlessly, since I had no stitches. (I tore with my previous two and
received stitches. It was horrible to heal that way!) I only had a total
of
an hour and a half of intense, active labor, which I can't describe as
painful. But interestingly enough, my father-in-law observed me as being
in
pain throughout that time. I can see where a misinterpretation of
childbirth may occur.
I am currently expecting my 4th baby. Family is driving me crazy with
their
fears and it's hampering my joy about both the pregnancy and pending
delivery. My goal for this pregnancy is to have another painless birth
but
to not tear. (I was a little impatient pushing the baby out with my last
one.) I would also like to catch this one. I think we will limit this
birth to just my husband and I, and any of the kids that may happen to be
around. I will be more comfortable that way.