5 of 40

Write now Article Tools

Page 3 of 3

all attention in the room was focused on me. Not that I cared. Now that I was finally lying down all I wanted to do was go to sleep. The doctor told me to remember how they taught me in lamaze. Take a deep breath and then push. After my first attempt the doctor critiqued my performance. "If you keep that up we'll be here all night," I heard her say as I dozed off. With the next contraction I really tried, but I just had no energy. It was like in a dream when you are running but your legs won't take you anywhere because they feel like lead. Well, my whole body felt that way. The drugs were really messing me up.

After a few more wasted contractions I thought, these people aren't going to leave me to my nap so I better try harder. And I did. Over and over. Pushing and screaming and crying and giving up then resolving to try harder the next time. Finally, after two and a half hours of pushing the moment I thought would never arrive had. The baby was out, it was a boy! I could not believe it and I said that over and over. "It's a boy, I can't believe it, it's a boy, I can't believe it..."

I was so relieved it was over and I could go to sleep. Later when I watched video of me talking right after the delivery, my speech was still slurred, like I was drunk. I resolved if I ever had another child that I would do it drug free.

Then they put the baby in my arms and I forgot all about sleeping. In fact, even after I had been stitched up, cleaned up, shuffled to my room, and put to bed, I still stayed up for some time just watching that little guy sleep.

Learn more about this author, Rachel Doherty.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

• << previous page
• 1
• 2
• 3

Add your voice

Know something about Testimonies: Childbirth?
We want to hear your view. Write now!