Finding My Cloud Nine!

Try to sit really still in a comfy chair and think of all your muscles relaxing and becoming warm and loose. Really visualize yourself in the most serene place you could imagine - floating on a cloud. Stay in that state as long as you can, the cervix will open slowly and every time you have a tinge of discomfort, think this is a cue to further relax.

People can have dental surgery with no needles if they practice imagining themselves in a very serene location.

These words are from someone who has experienced it all first-hand, without the use of drugs. I was having a discussion with my aunt J this morning; she was asking me how I was feeling. Initially, I said I was fine, but then told her about my anxieties. I hate waiting, and as the days pass, the more nervous I am becoming. I would like to think myself as being strong and able to tolerate pain, after all, I have passed kidney stones several times, that should count for something. But, the thought of giving birth is really scaring me now. I am fearful of the unknown, of the pain I will encounter! So, after sharing my concerns, my wise aunt J gave me a few words of encouragement and shared some tips on relaxation techniques that helped her through a sans-epidural delivery not too long ago – she is a psychologist.

“The process happens in stages,” she said. “The first being the opening of the cervix, this is not painful; just imagine the door opening down there.”

The door opening down there? Isn’t that how I got myself into this situation to begin with? I am not concerned about the door opening…rather, how much it can open is what I am apprehensive about.

“That could last awhile and you can sit quietly or move around, but do not get tense. Every time you feel yourself tensing (you can do chores, swim, bathe, whatever) just say I'm going to sit and go on my cloud. This can last for several hours as the cervix is opening, all is healthy and normal,” she continued.

“Your water might or might not break as the cervix is opening, it knows what to do, it’s just like a gush between your legs, warm and watery, all good and peaceful.” YIKES!

She continued by telling me to just imagine any twinges of discomfort as way off tiny specks on the horizon, smaller and smaller. The discomfort of the birth is not necessary to attend to because it will be born naturally on its own, I shouldn’t misinterpret the pain as an indication that something is wrong, it is good discomfort, it means I’m getting closer to obtaining my goal.

Apparently, when my water breaks, at that point usually I will start mild contractions, but again I must stay calm…I must focus. Cloud....floating....breathing...cloud....floating....breathing… Cloud....floating....breathing...cloud....floating....breathing…

According to my aunt, the worst enemy of labor is misinterpreting it as bad. It isn't. It's like the discomfort at the dentist; you don't really have to pay attention to it, so why not focus on relaxation at the beach!

There you have it folks. It’s proven and attainable.

If anyone is looking for me, I am off searching for my cloud, making sure there's a comfy spot available right next to me for my coach!