Bonnie Carolan

I have given birth three times each a unique experience and each one quite different from each other. When I got pregnant with Annie I was young (26) and read everything possible- my sister is a midwife so she was my go-to person. I was determined to give birth naturally-to me that meant no drugs. I totally took care of myself when I was pregnant-ate well- no alcohol-got plenty of sleep. I remember reading a book I believe was called Immaculate Deception. I began to question doctors and not blindly let them take control of my self and my baby. When my water broke I called the hospital-I lived in California and my insurance was such that you did not necessarily have one doctor but rather whomever was on call. I was told to come in immediately-which I did. I was there a few hours and labor had not progressed so they gave me Pitocin. Pitocin induces contractions. I remember being worried that the drug would hurt my baby-I was assured that it would not. Labor began and it was a relatively short labor. Intense because of the Pitocin but I took no drugs for pain. John (my husband) and I have made a cassette of music to listen to during labor. The doctor liked our choices but seemed to me to be in a hurry to go somewhere- my legs were strapped in stirrups so I coul not move around comfortably- he was telling me to push and I felt so tired. The nurses were wonderful-like cheer leaders telling me you can do this. The doctor than grabbed forceps- which looked to me like salad tongs and said let me help you out a bit. Fire came over me and John said if my feet hadn't been tied I would have kicked the doctor in the head- and I told him-quite firmly that I would push my baby out. With all my strength I pushed and this perfect-round headed little person - Annie Lorraine arrived in the world.