The section

For this, my second time at the rodeo, I am more than likely having a C-section. I've pretty much known this was the way to go since before I got pregnant this time, but there's still some processing involved on my end.

For my last rodeo, I went all natural. It was one of, if not the, most amazing experiences of my life and I couldn't believe I had accomplished it. Everyone's childbirth is amazing no matter how it happens. For me, I dare say that it was so incredible that at the time I was so full of adrenaline that having this live baby as a result almost seemed like a bonus on top of it all. The pain was kinda like getting a tattoo. It hurts A LOT but as soon as you're done you want another one (probably for the better, almost 20 years later, I still just have the one tattoo.)

I need to document the whole birthstory fully before some of the more minor details evaporate out of my head. You can skip that post if birthstories are as thrilling to you as the world poker tour, but that brings me to my next point....


That experience made me fall in love with the whole process of childbirth. I won't lie, I've thought of becoming a doula. Sure, the hours would be odd, but you can get great parking spaces at odd hours. And supporting and observing someone in the process of childbirth just seems like fun to me.


Another reason the section is *something to process* is the lack of surprise. I like the idea of the baby coming out whenever he/she decides. For me, going into labor naturally didn't have the hysteria that it does on sitcoms, but it was exciting, in a fun way.

If I had ideal circumstances, I would probably have gone the birth center route this time around. My doctor and nurses at the hospital were very supportive, but I think it does make a difference to be in a place where a natural birth is more the norm than the rarity. While in labor I did kind of feel like the last polar bear at times.


Despite all this processing though, I'm totally at peace with a section. For one, there's no point risking injury to my sacrum if I don't have to. For two, there's no point in worrying about injuring my sacrum if I don't have to. For three, childbirth is the exception to the rule where the reward is in the journey. As everyone knows, with childbirth, the reward is the outcome, namely, the baby. I think a lot of us forget that sometimes, especially with first pregnancies. A lot of people (hello? me, for instance) get wrapped up in all things pregnancy and childbirth and then, poof, suddenly there is this baby you have to take care of and THAT'S a totally different experience.

So, while I might miss having the excitement and experience of my last childbirth, and from what I've heard, the C-section recovery is no Sunday brunch, I'm OK with it.


I'm grateful to have my stomach cut open.

Here's where I insert a smiley emoticon.