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Blanche
My wife wanted to deliver naturally. She looked at me sheepishly and asked if I minded if she had an epidural. I said, "Hell no! It's your pain. You do what you have to do." I was behind her 100%.
posted by
avant-garde
on October 3, 2006 at 6:34 AM
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cosy
It was a nightmare come true. But, of course, it ended splendidly. I was so relieved.
posted by
avant-garde
on October 3, 2006 at 6:32 AM
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SYMPHONY
I can't imagine going through something like that. It looks horrible.
posted by
avant-garde
on October 3, 2006 at 6:32 AM
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Avant Garde, I'll bet you are glad you're not female after being so up
close and personal with the end result as a paramedic, not to mention father to your own three. I'm a little squeamish myself. I hear so many women say they forget all about the pain, in the joy of having a baby, but you'd have to give me something to knock me out, because I'd want to be anywhere but there myself.
Thank God for modern medicine, though, for keeping infant and mother mortality down, not to mention reduce the pain. I heard a funny story from my ex-boss. She's a very level-headed woman, but when she was in labor, and had been for hours, she grabbed the doctor by the collar of his scrubs and said, "Give me something for this pain, RIGHT NOW!" The nurse said, "I can give you something to take the edge off, honey". She was eternally grateful. Which makes me think of the difference between the words "empathy" and "sympathy". The doctor could empathize, but the nurse, being female, could sympathize.
My other friend who had a baby scoffed at natural childbirth, without drugs, as well. As a general rule, I don't like to be sedated or have my consciousness dulled, but I'm thinking I'd make an exception in this instance.
posted by
Blanche.
on October 2, 2006 at 1:37 PM
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Avante
wow...
I had enough trauma with my little "one", lol. Avante have you ever had experiences with third degree burn victims? P.S. you are refreshing...really.
posted by
cosy
on October 2, 2006 at 1:20 PM
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Wow - Thanks for sharing....
That's a pain I will not forget in a hurry....two children are enough for me...I do not want anymore....Thank goodness.....LOL
posted by
_Symphony_
on October 2, 2006 at 2:35 AM
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faholo
Thanks very much.
posted by
avant-garde
on October 2, 2006 at 12:55 AM
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noncomformist
It's all so utterly dramatic. I'm glad it's behind me and just a memory. Oh, yes. The families are eternally grateful. They want to know your names and everything. I just hope none of the kids is named after me!
posted by
avant-garde
on October 2, 2006 at 12:55 AM
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This is still a great post, Avant-Garde!
Thanks for your comment on my last entry. You are appreciated. Keep Writing,
faholo
posted by
faholo
on October 1, 2006 at 5:09 PM
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It's a wonderful feeling when you have managed to face up to something....
...you were dreading and got through it. But how much more so when it is a birth! You should feel really proud! I hope that family were really grateful to you.
posted by
nonconformist
on October 1, 2006 at 1:07 PM
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Azur
No. Nothing can be given. It's all natural. I am relieved at these times that I'm not female. It looks horrible.
The problem I have is taking on others' pain. I start empathizing and then I get very nauseated. But, it only happens when I'm not working on someone. If I'm doing the administering, I'm fine. Funny how the mind works.
posted by
avant-garde
on October 1, 2006 at 4:21 AM
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I imagine it must be somewhat better if
you are not the one going through the pain. The trouble is in that situation you cannot administer much in the way of pain relief
posted by
Azur
on October 1, 2006 at 4:19 AM
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OFFBEATS
Well, to be honest, I was reluctant and terrified all at once. I'm glad it turned out okay. Thanks for the read.
posted by
avant-garde
on September 30, 2006 at 9:46 PM
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AVANT
Oh My this is an incrediable story! How wonderful you got to experience that miracle! She was in good hands with you and Gene and the rest of the crew. I bet that is something you will never forget. Just like us women who never forget when our children were born...
Good job~
posted by
Offy
on September 30, 2006 at 9:43 PM
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Justi
I was present at all three boys' deliveries. It is a powerful experience. I bet it is doubly powerful for moms.
posted by
avant-garde
on September 30, 2006 at 9:24 PM
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Whacky
Just a day in the life of an adrenaline junkie.
posted by
avant-garde
on September 30, 2006 at 9:23 PM
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Mason
Thanks, my friend.
posted by
avant-garde
on September 30, 2006 at 9:22 PM
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Blanche
Those two were wanting to be anywhere but there. I had to tell them, "Look, I need your help here." They pulled through and they often kid me about doing another one when I go there. I shake my head and say, "Hell no."
posted by
avant-garde
on September 30, 2006 at 9:22 PM
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Bright Irish
You're welcome. Thanks for reading.
posted by
avant-garde
on September 30, 2006 at 9:20 PM
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Troosha
I was more traumatized than anything, I think. You go over and over it, trying to see if there was anything more that could've been done.
posted by
avant-garde
on September 30, 2006 at 9:20 PM
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Mystic
I think that when someone else has to take one. Better you than me!
posted by
avant-garde
on September 30, 2006 at 9:18 PM
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TAPS
Thanks. I was thinking of opening a third blog, composed chiefly of these types of stories. It is like being in a nightmare when you realize it's coming and
you're it.
posted by
avant-garde
on September 30, 2006 at 9:18 PM
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YPunday
Well, I think we tend to have romanticized ideas about these things. The actual thing is much different.
posted by
avant-garde
on September 30, 2006 at 9:16 PM
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faholo
It is quite a thing to witness. Thanks for going back there with me.
posted by
avant-garde
on September 30, 2006 at 9:15 PM
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Mari-am
Thanks, my friend.
posted by
avant-garde
on September 30, 2006 at 9:15 PM
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Jaz
I've done about seven of these, and they never cease to terrify me. There are just so many things that could go wrong, and we are not equipped to handle them. Luckily, all of mine have been normal deliveries.
posted by
avant-garde
on September 30, 2006 at 9:14 PM
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Avant Gard
That is so awesome. Oh I can remember having my own and I don't remember the pain at all except that it was there and horrible but the joy of the baby is so overwhelming it blocks all that out. Bless you.
posted by
Justi
on September 30, 2006 at 8:18 PM
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Wow! What an experience!
posted by
Whacky
on September 30, 2006 at 7:04 PM
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posted by
MasonGarrett
on September 30, 2006 at 6:02 PM
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I have to say it again, Avant Garde, you're a brave man.
That line of work is not for the faint of heart, nor those without a cool head. I'm always amazed at what I or someone else can do in the moment of a crisis, the instinct to live is strong, and following that instinct overcomes conditioning, which impedes survival.
I've never seen a child delivered, nor am I likely to have children myself, but it's miracles and dramas like that one, that are so powerful, they change priorities, and weed out unnecessary inhibitions for life. I'm sure this job, and the things you've witnessed have changed you for life. Still, even if you're nervous, you show up and do what needs to be done. It's a good thing your partner snapped out of it and started helping.
posted by
Blanche.
on September 30, 2006 at 5:36 PM
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avant-garde
You have had many experiences. Thank you for sharing this pleasent one.
posted by
BrightIrish
on September 30, 2006 at 5:23 PM
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Great story... bet you floated for the rest of the day having witnessed and participated in such a miracle.
posted by
Troosha
on September 30, 2006 at 4:45 PM
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avant
great story, better you than me.
posted by
MysticGmekeepr
on September 30, 2006 at 12:42 PM
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Great post, avant-garde. I have had much contacts with paramedics and have very high regard for what they do and how they do it. I love your stories about your work. This is an especially great one. I once thought that my oldest grandson was going to be born in my car as I drove across town with my DIL screaming in the back seat and my son trying to be helpful to her. It scared me to death. Though we made it in plenty of time, I never forgot that helpless feeling.
posted by
TAPS.
on September 30, 2006 at 8:04 AM
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erful write of a courageous act--winning over the fear & apprehension, Doc!
You are a bridge between worlds---the fathers are shocked too-as you imply- to see their zone of pleasure transformed into a vehicle for delivering life (out of smallness pass babies larger than life) --it may explain why after this, some couples do NOT want more babies. They revert to the pleasure principle?? shalom
posted by
ILLUMINATI8
on September 30, 2006 at 7:36 AM
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Avant Garde, as I read I was there with you! I have been
smiling since and recalling that experience which never grew old. The greatest thrill is that first burst of energy from that little open mouth filling the air with his/her first scream letting us know, "I'm here and I want everyone to know it!" Thanks for sharing this story! God bless,
faholo
posted by
faholo
on September 30, 2006 at 7:36 AM
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Avant
Good story
posted by
Rosetree
on September 30, 2006 at 6:27 AM
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A-G--- I felt a chill reading this. What an experience, helping another
into this life.
posted by
Jazwolf
on September 30, 2006 at 6:02 AM
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Tanga
Anything involving children is nerve-wracking. I've seen cool-headed people go beserk on these scenes.
posted by
avant-garde
on September 30, 2006 at 4:06 AM
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It is an amazing experience
I was there for the birth of both my children. Both were born naturally. I do not know if I would handle it though if it was not my wife and outside of a hospital environment
posted by
Tanga
on September 30, 2006 at 3:47 AM
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