back to reality
I am still recovering from having a house-full of beer-soaked boys staying in our house, but, SXSW is indeed over. I am entirely grateful to Chuck and Bryan for coming out so that Marc didn’t have to endure the rigors of the festival alone. I knew I wouldn’t be up for the Playboy parties, but, what I didn’t realize is that I wouldn’t even be up for the 8pm showcases. What surprised me even more was that the decision was such an easy one: couch, sorbet, Six Feet Under marathon … or … standing alongside hundreds of identically dressed (note to self: must purchase pink, green or white bandanna, as it is the essential fashion accessory of early 2008) music geeks feigning interest or lack of - it is sometimes tough to tell - in the performance at hand.
So, this means we are back to reality. Reality means some great new projects at work and getting ready for the little monster’s arrival. With 6 1/2 weeks to go and the deadline fast approaching the eagerness to be done being pregnant and meet the little guy is starting to get stronger. However, this also means coming to terms with the idea of labor in less abstract terms. Our first education on the subject, other than the hippie childbirth book we have (our alternative to “What to expect when you’re expecting”) was to watch “The Business of Being Born“. The Ricki Lake produced, uber-granola, let’s all go back to nature and deliver babies in our homes documentary. As with any documentary, you take it for what it’s worth. While, I have NO intention of rolling around in our living room, wailing at the top of my lungs for all the neighbors to hear, the film did raise some questions about the number of inductions, frequency of pitocin-use, number of drugs administered and rise in c-sections in the U.S. The most shocking statistic that came out of it is that the U.S. has the 2nd highest infant mortality rate in the developed world. Anybody who says our healthcare system doesn’t need a serious overhaul needs to get off the crack-rock. Because of this, I think we may opt to avoid induction as long as we possibly can. I know - wait until two weeks past due and we’ll see what song I’m singing. But, for now, that is the plan. Epidural - OK. Pitocin - NO. Research still pending on the other drugs that are offered. I honestly can’t believe these words are coming out of me right now… a few weeks ago I wanted to be as high as a kite for the whole thing.
Listening: Maritime
Yes, being induced sucks! Had it done both times and have always wondered how it would have been without. Try your hardest to stick it out- I’m sure it’s much easier and not nearly as painful.
yeah… like i said, we will see… but, not sure i’m ready to do the caster oil trick - ala sweet-juniper:
http://www.sweet-juniper.com/2008/03/grams-birth-part-2.html
kara is the better one to talk to about this, than me, but we had a relatively positive experience with owen’s induction. she is over my shoulder commenting on the importance of the hospital and nurses (ours were great — aside from the $7 tylenol.)
i’m definately going to check out the movie, but what i meant (that john typed back) is that i think it depends on the hospital and nurses, not the “importance” of the hospital itself. CPMC where we had owen is quite known for there prenatal, NICU and postnatal care it’s ranked #2 top places to have a baby in the nation. i certainly don’t have a natural birth to compare too, but the pitocin didn’t seem that bad. not sure how baby number 2 will come along but i’m sure the second birth natural or induced is different no matter what so i think it’s really hard to compare. do what ever you feel comfortable with. you don’t want to be stressed about how the baby was delivered.
Thanks for the clarifying…
I totally agree - and know that the mortality rates have WAY more to do with economic level and I think health of the mothers in this country… I guess my concern is the possibly lack of long-term testing around pitocin and how it seems to be totally common. The movie - is VERY biased. I am not signing on to their beliefs, however, it was an interesting eye-opener.
I feel the need to share on this one. Like Kara, I know nothing other than Pitocin and for a first birth, mine was short in terms of both labor and delivery and my recovery was super fast. My only “birth plan” was to not have a plan; to be educated going in and open to all options knowing that I really wouldn’t know anything until I was in the moment and then (with the help of Todd), I would make my decisions as I went along. Contrary to many of those shows/movies, you don’t go all crazy in the moment and start yelling “give me the drugs” or “get this baby out of here” - at least I didn’t. I personally think one of the most important things is for you to communicate how you want Marc to behave in the moment. In other words, do you want him all “rah, rah, you go girl” or do you prefer him to be more mellow. Todd knows from my running that I do best when I focus inward and really don’t need external encouragement to push through pain so I just reminded him beforehand of that and he was my very gentle, very quiet back massager, hand holder, drink giver, washcloth on forehead putter, etc. Do not stress.