Before welcoming your first child, what fears consumed your thoughts? I vividly recall my own. I wasn’t worried about the pain or the changes to my body. Stretch marks, breastfeeding, or messy diapers didn’t faze me. However, I did have one overwhelming fear that kept me up at night and led to countless regrettable online searches: vaginal tearing and episiotomy. The idea of my body being ripped open, either by my baby’s head or surgical scissors, was enough to make me cringe.
That fear became a reality when I gave birth to my first child, who weighed a hefty 9 lbs 1 oz. Without going into graphic detail, let’s just say it was a rough experience. With two more children, each over 9 lbs, my body was put through the wringer three times in five years. I can personally attest to the importance of allowing women ample time to recover after giving birth.
This sentiment resonates with many, which is why a Facebook post by Steffanie Christi’an has gone viral. Every woman who has experienced childbirth understands the significance of that last circle—the largest one. And she’s absolutely right: we deserve ALL THE THINGS.
Now, I’m not advocating for extravagant gifts like a designer handbag or a diamond ring (though if that’s what you got, congratulations!). After delivering three hefty bundles of joy, here’s what I truly desired:
- A nap.
- Help with my toddler(s) so I could relax on the couch with my newborn.
- My favorite foods.
Thankfully, I had a supportive network that fulfilled these requests, including my husband, who witnessed the chaos firsthand. Recovery, especially after my first delivery, was no picnic. Although I didn’t have a C-section, I still faced significant healing.
Reflecting on that intense journey leading to 10 centimeters of dilation and pushing for 90 minutes, it’s clear that recovery was essential. I had carried a human for nearly 10 months (not just 9, as every mom knows, particularly if your child decides to arrive late). After over 24 hours of labor—breathing through contractions, pacing the hospital halls, and trying various positions—I finally mustered the strength to deliver my baby. Post-delivery, I was barely catching my breath when my OBGYN needed to “make some repairs.”
Picture this: you just completed a monumental task, only to have your newborn immediately demand feeding while you’re still in recovery mode. And then, you’re sent home! Still wearing ice pack diapers, bleeding heavily, and likely struggling with basic bodily functions, the nurses cheerfully say, “You look great! Bye!”
What?
A week after becoming a mother for the first time, my bathroom resembled a crime scene, and I could finally sit down without wincing to nurse. I remember feeling desperate to venture outside. My mom suggested a quick mall trip, thinking it would be refreshing. But after just 20 minutes of walking, the pain became unbearable, and I had to stop.
Looking at that viral image illustrating just how large 10 cm is, it’s astonishing to consider why we expect ourselves to bounce back so quickly after childbirth. Society often overlooks the enormity of what a woman’s body has just endured.
While my subsequent recoveries after my second and third children were shorter, the experience of delivering my first child—navigating that 10-cm journey—was daunting. My fears about tearing weren’t unfounded, but I underestimated the myriad challenges of postpartum recovery, including the soreness, bleeding, and overall exhaustion.
I’m grateful for the support I received during this time. My nurses were incredible, providing encouragement and care that made me feel strong rather than weak. My husband, mother, and mother-in-law surrounded me with love and support, helping me believe I could achieve this monumental feat.
So yes, 10 cm is a lot more than just a number.
For more insights on family planning, consider checking out this resource on intrauterine insemination. And if you’re looking for an alternative path to parenthood, this blog post explores home insemination options. For healthy recipes for babies, visit this page, which is an excellent resource.
Summary: The journey of childbirth is not just about delivering a baby; it requires significant time for recovery. Many women share the experiences of physical and emotional challenges that arise after giving birth, and the viral image capturing the enormity of 10 centimeters serves as a reminder of the resilience needed during postpartum recovery. Support and understanding are essential for navigating this transformative experience.