√ Mother’s instinct
√ Gestational diabetes
√ Natural birth
√ No episiotomy
First-time excitement and anticipation began with that tiny spot on the ultrasound and hearing the heartbeat.
Sometimes I had to wonder if I was indifferent, until I was diagnosed with gestational diabetes and realized the bond with the little one inside me.
I always believed childbirth was natural, and pain was a part of it. I never imagined that medical interventions could cast any shadow over a woman welcoming a new life.
As this was my first pregnancy, and given my age and gestational diabetes, I was constantly anxious during the early stages. Despite consulting various doctors and reviewing numerous resources, I found many uncertainties. Fortunately, my condition wasn’t too severe initially, so I managed it through diet until I needed medication at 33 weeks. After starting the medication, different doctors recommended inducing labor at 38 weeks.
This disrupted my plans. Even though 38 weeks was full term, my intuition told me that my baby would arrive around the 11th or 12th (39 weeks). If labor were induced at 38 weeks, it might lead to a cesarean section if induction failed. I was determined not to have a cesarean, and after learning about gentle birthing, I was confident I could have a natural delivery. No matter the situation, I kept reminding myself to aim for a natural birth and communicated with my baby every day to work towards it.
At every check-up, I expressed my gratitude for the baby’s steady growth and maintained hope, which strengthened my belief and intuition.
I felt that the baby was like the rising sun and probably loved the morning light. My intuition suggested that he would be born in the morning, and I imagined him greeting the dawn.
During the 37-week check-up, the doctor scheduled my hospital admission. I said that the results were good and preferred to wait, following my intuition to induce labor on the 10th. At that moment, something even more exciting happened—I heard two “pop” sounds in my belly. After confirming that it wasn’t just my digestive system, I asked other moms and searched online about whether babies make sounds in the womb. When my baby was born, I heard the same sounds, confirming it was a message from my baby, encouraging me.
As the due date approached, I felt the baby moving downwards, and we made final preparations for delivery. The day before induction, I started experiencing contractions.
On admission night, the internal exam showed a cervix dilated to 1 cm. I thought the timing was just right; otherwise, the chances of successful induction might be low.
After resting overnight, the morning exam showed only 1.5 cm dilation. At 8 am, my water broke with only 3 cm dilation. The doctor said it might take until the afternoon to fully dilate. Contractions became more frequent, and my supportive partner used light touch massage while I practiced calm breathing, successfully resisting the nurse’s strict instructions not to push. As contractions progressed, I could no longer hold back and said I needed to use the restroom.
At 10 am, dilation was 5 cm.
At 11 am, it was 8 cm.
At 11:15 am, I was fully dilated.
Everything happened so suddenly; I didn’t even have time to empty my bladder. Once cleared for delivery, I began using J-breathing, unable to control what should or shouldn’t come out. After 44 minutes of effort, my baby successfully caught the morning light.
Reflecting on it, I realized that I gained from what initially seemed like a setback. At 28 weeks, I had an emergency hospitalization due to muscle inflammation in my right hip. As part of my rehabilitation, I exercised more frequently, including daily yoga and swimming three to four times a week. After the government reintroduced CMCO at 36 weeks, I integrated yoga ball exercises into daily activities, even bringing the ball into the delivery room.
I deeply feel that my delivery process was smooth and beautiful. There was no agonizing scream or unbearable struggle. I remained calm, confident in my beliefs, and prepared with my baby to welcome the morning. The joy was only marred by mild tearing, without an episiotomy, and the wound healed in less than two months.
Despite the challenges, I felt blessed throughout the pregnancy. I believed that my baby would be born in the ideal way, and thus believed in achieving our goals together and completing this mission.
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【Mentor’s Note】
I remember Michelle being calm and composed during our classes. When discussing her gestational diabetes, her confidence and optimism were evident. This natural state as a mother is both very natural and valuable.
Her partner, Leonard, also displayed constant smiles and thoughtful gestures during the classes. Their presence in Zoom classes was always bright and full of happiness.
We often say that childbirth is an innate instinct. When approached with awareness and belief in one’s intuition, one will know what to do. This was once again confirmed through them.
With wonderful couple interaction, self-trust, and a close bond with the baby, it was truly beautiful.
