Although becoming a parent, especially experiencing motherhood, is one of the most beautiful moments of a woman’s life, as your body makes a new life, it is magical. Mari’s first pregnancy was tough, so this time, when the couple had conceived their second baby and only a few months were left for the baby to arrive, many people around suggested that Mari go for a C-section. As the last time Mari had to go through horrible pain was when her nerve got severely damaged, and recalling it is no less than a nightmare, she decided to consult a few mothers around.
She did not want to go through it all again, and after connecting with mothers and researching on her own, she was convinced to go for a natural birth. She did not want to get an epidural and tried to keep it all natural for her daughter, Charlotte. Pregnancy, this too was tough on Mari, as all this time, especially the weeks closer to giving birth, her back pain persisted, and she had to go through sciatica and vertigo. However, despite being in so much pain, Mari decided not to back off from the birth she had planned.
She did not want to get an epidural or be forced to push until she felt like it. Moreover, a calm environment that allowed her to move around was what she looked forward to, according to the birth plan she had made; however, nothing turned out as we had planned. When Labour began, things took a turn. It was at 37 weeks that, although she was not dilated at all, her blood pressure was high, and the contractions felt like it was time for the baby to arrive. Seeing her condition and the fact that pressure was elevating, the doctor stated that induction had to be done, as it would eventually get worse with no dilation.
With a fearful heart and a mind scared, she agreed, as in that moment, a mother does everything to save her baby, and so did Mari. Inducing itself was a terrifying process as it required four rounds of Cytotec first and then one of Pitocin till the water broke. After that, the pain became irresistible. They were continuous, and any technique or method to reduce the pain failed miserably, and soon, out of immense pain, Mari begged for an epidural, something she was so scared of. However, with the epidural came new challenges, although the pain eased. Soon, the baby’s heart rate was dropping, and when it was figured out that the umbilical cord was wrapped around the baby’s neck, nurses flipped Mari several times.
The doctor explained that they could no longer wait for more than 10 minutes for Mari to dilate 10cm; however, when no progress was seen, it was clearly time for a C-section. It was a moment that required great strength, and while lying in the OT, Mari prepped herself, the doctor checked one last time, and could see how Charlotte’s head was crowning! The nurses screamed and pushed, and Mari put in all her strength and effort. Right then, Mari’s husband rushed in to witness her little angel’s birth, and at 10:43 pm, she was finally welcomed into the world.
Although the baby had arrived around three weeks early, she was healthy and was delivered naturally against all odds, and hopes that were shattered when Mari wasn’t dilating. After giving birth, Mari recalls how her body was shaking and she felt numb; however, the feeling of being able to walk and holding the beautiful baby in her arms made her heart full of gratitude. She knows motherhood requires surrendering and patience, but the gift that comes in return makes you forget everything.
