IF I HAD HAVE BEEN INFORMED…..

I have birthed 4 stunning little individuals and each has a story to tell…  There is much over the past 18 years that I have learnt around birth and infant parenting and the experiences to be had…

Because I was informed, I knew to breathe my baby out rather than to forcibly push.
Because I was informed, I knew that raspberry leaf tea was great in preparing the cervix to soften.
Because I was informed, I knew to start thinking of how I would manage labor pain.

• If I had have been informed, I would have used water.
• If I had have been informed, I may have explore water births.
• If I had have been informed, I would have used a TENS machine or at least explored the option.
• If I had have been informed, I would have questioned what I needed an obstetrician for with my first pregnancy.
• If I had have been informed, my baby would have been born without scratches on his head.
• If I had have been informed, I would have gone home instead of staying in the hospital overnight and getting bugger all sleep.
• If I had have been informed, I would have been thrilled to have been left alone with my baby naked for 8 hours straight, rather than wondering why I was left alone pretty much straight after birth.
• If I had have been informed, I may have been able to make it through transition with encouragement rather than being given pethidine.
• If I had have been informed, I would have learnt the importance of breathing techniques and practicing positions.
• If I had have been informed, I would have questioned whether natural childbirth really must equate to pain?
• If I had have been informed, I would have known how to express milk when my milk came in and known how to manage the whirlwind of emotions as the hormones adjust those few days after birth.
• If I had have been informed, I would have sought additional birth education classes.
• If I had have been informed, I would have practiced hypnosis for birth or some form of relaxation technique.
• If I had have been informed, I would have written up a birth plan/wish list of ideas for what I would have liked to explore whilst birthing.  I think that would have helped my husband ALOT!
• If I had have been informed, I would have used pregnancy and birth as a journey to self discovery as a woman and human being.
• If I had have been informed, I would have taken the time to relax and engage with my baby and my body.
• If I had have been informed, I would have been more patient in the process and enjoyed the last few weeks.
• If I has have been informed, I would have taken the time well deserved to look after my body, with Massage or Osteopathy, perhaps seen a Chinese Medicine Practitioner.
• If I had have been informed, I would have known my rights in childbirth and known what was natural and, what was an intervention?
• If i had have been informed, I would have organised home help for a couple of weeks.

If I had have had a Doula, I would have been informed!

Author  

Dionne Finnegan – Mother, Daughter, Friend, Aunty, Niece and a woman and Doula coming into her own to inspire, support, inform and educate other women and their families

http://www.butterflybeginnings.com.au