My Birth Plan

I strongly believe that we all have the power to choose our directions in life. On the same note, I believe that I had the ability to choose the outcome of the birth of my daughter.

Something that saddens me is knowing that a lot of pregnant women do not realize that they have options for childbirth. Safer options. Options that allow the child to enter the world in a peaceful manner. I wish that every woman was properly informed on this subject. Afterall, information is power.

Now I do not suggest that the medical system is at all bad. But (given most circumstances) it is unnecessary. Birthing a child is not a disease or a problem but I find that in most hospitals it is treated as such. And I realize that in some special circumstances, medical attention is required, but it should only be addressed if absolutely necessary. In fact, the word "obstetrics" comes from the Latin word "obstare" which means to stand by. Therefore, obstetricians are actually only supposed to "stand by" just in case any rare emergencies occur.

Now saying that, I had a very strong idea of how I wanted my birth experience to be:

No drugs and no hospitals.

No induction, no pain killers and especially no epidurals. All of these things contradict what the labouring body is designed to do. They cause more complications and more risk for the unborn babe. I intended on having a water birth and the water birth would be my epidural, my birthing "spa."

The idea of continuous beeping and things poking into my body did not sit well with me. The bright lighted rooms are too alarming and those hallways that have that foul hospital smell made me feel sick to my first-trimester pregnant stomach. I wanted to labour in peaceful, comfortable environment.

I pictured my "perfect" birth every day. I wanted to do most of my labouring at home. I also wanted the most pain-free experience as possible. I enrolled in Hypnobirthing classes where I learned about the power of the mind and how it affects the body.

I found myself registered at the beautiful Lucina Centre in Edmonton. At this birthing centre, my birthing goals could be achieved. It is a beautiful facility, with everything that I needed: A comfortable atmosphere, heated floors, a birthing tub, a huge shower, dimmed lights..... and they even served waffles with fresh fruit as a victory meal! The midwives at the center took the time to provide me with information that I deeply valued. They answered all my questions with honesty and gave me options and respected my decisions.

After my brain was packed with priceless knowledge, I felt ready, and definitely excited, to have my baby.