Your First Night of Labour - or, how not to sabotage a perfectly good birth

[PumpkinZulu]

Isn't that funny? I *totally* 100% agree with all of that, not just the Doula in me, but the woman, birthing mother etc. But! Reminding yourself continuously that you should be in for a long haul can have a different effect, it did for me. I was totally prepared for a 14 plus hour labour, to let myself rest and build up to the grand finale. I spoke to my birth class instructor (Di Diddle) at length about it, a big part of class was even dedicated to it - getting too excited about early labour - and people on BB even said the same to me when I posted that I was in labour. So 6 hours after the first niggle, when I was holding my baby, I was kind of shocked lol. I never really had that lovely build up of labour, once my waters broke it was hell for leather. I was in denial for a large part of it because I simply didn't think I would progress that quickly. One hour after my waters broke (2 hours since first niggle) I was 7cm. My mind had to play catch up with my body, and I think if I had been more prepared for a faster labour, it would have been more like 4 hours. I had a lovely birth experience, but boy was I surprised after setting myself up for a marathon, I got a sprint.

Now, I'm in an odd place with regards to my outlook for my next labour. On one hand, I don't want to feel shocked at a faster labour and expect something slow and steady, but I also don't want to convince myself I'll be going into a 3 hour labour, only to find myself still going 10 hours later, if that makes sense.

I do think out of the two, it's easier to be prepared for a longer labour and experience a shorter one. From my experience at least, the effects are less adverse than exhausting oneself at the very beginning.

[Julie Doula]

boy was I surprised after setting myself up for a marathon, I got a sprint.

Now, I'm in an odd place with regards to my outlook for my next labour. On one hand, I don't want to feel shocked at a faster labour and expect something slow and steady, but I also don't want to convince myself I'll be going into a 3 hour labour, only to find myself still going 10 hours later, if that makes sense.

I do think out of the two, it's easier to be prepared for a longer labour and experience a shorter one. From my experience at least, the effects are less adverse than exhausting oneself at the very beginning.

Oh yes! If you one of those rare women who have their first baby in 8 hours or less, this advice could have you feeling "what the heck just happened?" So most important of all: listen to your body and trust your gut. It's just that as doulas we see the scenario so many times when a mama thinks she is much further along than she really is because she's had her "labour-meter" ticking over since the first cramp. And labour unfolding over 2, 3, even 4 days and nights is not unusual for primips.

PZ I'll eat my hat if you have a 10 hour labour next time! My money is on a "quick & easy" birth next time - especially if it occurs within 3 years of your first. I would lay on support and tools (like a birth pool) to help you have a lovely - though short - time.

My second was born in a shopping mall, within 20 minutes of me finally being convinced I was in labour. All up, it was 3 hours from the very first niggle (not painful at all) to when she was in my arms. It was fast, but it was still a fantastic experience. Hope yours will be too!