Today was mighty fine day here in Sydney. It seems as though no matter the season is here, when the sun's out and the wind is down, it's going to be a warm day. It's not even Spring and we were out enjoying the sun with (gasp) short sleeves. This morning we ventured out for our info session at the Royal Prince Alfred Hospital's birth centre. Oh, and tacos in Newtown afterwards. Delicious shrimp and vege, guacamole filled, zesty tacos. Heck yes.
I still have so much to learn about anything baby. I'm so excited, but it can be daunting sometimes – I know there are women at the same stage of pregnancy as I that have already put prams, cribs, and other baby goods on lay-by. Some even have their nappy bag sorted! I have no idea where to start on any of these things, so I'm just going to leave it til later. Anyway, I digress. There is so much for me to learn, but there's one thing I've known all along – I want to have an active birth, with minimal medical intervention if possible.
Let's rewind a second. I'm one of those strange people that refuses to take painkillers for a headache – no no, with a glass of water and some rest, my body can deal with it! If I can avoid ingesting any unnecessary chemicals, then I will. And it's not that I'm a pro-natural hippy or anything of the sort. I love statistics, evidence and logic, and so there's a lot of medicinal therapies and solutions that I am all for. I'm not an idiot that won't finish my antibiotics. And yes, I realise that birth is going to be a little more intense to deal with than a headache (just a little!). I guess I'm just conscious of what I need, and what I don't. If there's a natural or sustainable option, I try to take it.
This is why going down the Birth Centre route appeals to me so much. At the Royal Prince Alfred Hospital (RPAH) here in Sydney, there is the regular delivery area as per the norm – the rooms are white and a little bright, there's unnerving resuscitation machinery looming the in the corner of the room, and the lovely nurses and midwives are dressed in uniformed attire.
In contrast, the Birth Centre is a private area of the hospital, tucked away out of view. No doctors enter these doors unless specifically requested. The midwives here don't have a uniform (what's the need? They're on your team). There are only three birthing rooms, each with a homely quality to them – bedroom furniture, framed prints on the walls, and a great big bath in the bathroom (oooh yes). Medical equipment is kept out of sight, and there's isn't much on the menu in terms of painkillers; there are no epidurals here. Nope. If you're opting for an experience in the Birth Centre, you're opting for wheat-packs, swiss balls and perhaps a hot shower to deal with the pain.
This excites me. Yep, I probably sound naive in saying this, but I really want to put in the 'hard labour' (lols) to reap the reward. My mama had myself and my siblings without an epidural in sight. My brother was the wrong side up (ie uber painful experience), and she was younger than me at the time. I believe I can do it, too. It's a massive test but I know it'll be amazing if I can.
If not, or if things become complicated, here's the good news – the hospital's delivery suite is right across the hall, just a 5 minute bed roll away. It's great to feel safe in knowing that I can try my best, but if it all falls through, then advanced medical help is at hand.
So anyway – Ben and I went along for a tour and info on the philosophy there. Luckily I booked in weeks ago (with three delivery rooms at the Birth Centre, monthly spaces are limited), and after today Ben and I felt really happy with our choice. I actually got secretly teary a few times. After our troubles earlier in the year, I just feel so grateful for the chance to do this. I feel so lucky and so special. After our visit (and after our delicious taco lunch), I bought my first pregnancy-related treat – some special belly/body oil. I haven't bought anything this far as I've been afraid of things going wrong, but since the 12-week scan, I've been feeling so much more confident. I'm looking forward to learning more and getting on with the show. Oh, except the waves of nausea can stop now please. No one likes feeling car-sick on a daily basis (but hey, for what the sickness represents, it's totally worth it!).
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