Birth Is the Beginning

Birthing is the beginning of life, yet more often than not, we hear that it was painful, traumatic or chaotic.. I want to tell my story because it was empowering!

My baby was born in a nest of positivity, care, and compassion. Not only was this the first 3 days at the hospital but it has set the tone for how I have parented her over the past 9 months.

I once visited a doctor who said there was no way we could have a child without hormonal treatment. This demotivated us and we almost gave up because I was also a little overweight. I conceived naturally a couple of years later and I was going to a popular hospital where I was handed out standard print outs matter-of-factly, without a clue of my lifestyle or eating habits.

I was told I have gestational diabetes and put on insulin injections. I was a sure prospect for surgery!

At 31 weeks, a friend of mine suggested Aastrika and I made an appointment the very next day. They had a double bed, and it didn’t look/feel like a hospital. I was surprised that the doctor gave me 25minutes to understand who I was, my lifestyle, my profession, even the languages my husband and I speak!

The doctor even gave me hope that I could have a normal delivery, which I hadn’t believed until this point. I immediately relaxed and went about my routine, now on Metformin tablets but this time I knew why I was taking it.

"It is possible to smile through an experience the world scared you about."

In fact, I was given all the information needed to be confident, like when to go to the hospital, how to prepare for labour, induction methods they would consider, the birth plan was also discussed in detail. This for me, is a form a respect!

I became a little wishful and imagined that I would have a short labour(4-6hours), my water would break(because that’s a definite sign), and I wouldn’t take pain relief.

By 36th week, my fluid levels went up drastically and my doctor had said that I needed to reach the hospital ASAP if my water broke. Out of nervousness, I started squatting earlier than I should have and my water broke at 36weeks and 5days, while I was doing yoga.

When I reached the hospital, we found that my cervix had given way too, but they monitored for an hour, ensured that both mine and baby’s vitals were stable before deciding to wait for labour to start naturally.

The pain began slowly, but intensified by 3.30am. When I said I couldn’t take the pain anymore, the midwife asked for my permission to do an internal check before confirming that I was fully dilated. She had stayed by our side for a few hours with a gentle smile all along. After 2 hours of pushing, our baby girl was born at 5.20am. I was fully awake and smiling!

I had had an unmedicated vaginal birth, just like I had imagined!

What followed was 2days of nurses helping me hold my baby, latch her, change her diaper and help calm her down. They explained every question with care and patience. I feel like I went on a staycation and came back with a baby because it is such a warm happy place, and we are so fortunate that my baby started her life among these angels!