One of the things I am thankful for is having a pretty normal and uneventful hospital experience compared to others.

I have heard many horrid accounts of hospital experiences of other birthmothers who have been verbally abused by members of the hospital staff, denied pain medication, ridiculed, denied contact with their babies, disrespected, and so on. I have heard the stories of other mothers who dealt with excruciating labor that seems to go on for hours and hours with no end seemingly in sight.

I was induced so I didn’t have to deal with the hours and hours of labor, pushing, and pain. It probably sounds a little odd, but in hindsight, I am even thankful that I had a c-section. Although, I am not thankful for all the problems I later had with my incision. But the c-section allowed me extra time and extra days in the hospital with Charlie that I probably would not have had if I had had a regular delivery.

I’m thankful for the time I was able to spend in the hospital with Charlie. I’m thankful that I was able to sing to him, let him know how much I loved him, and how hard of a decision I’d had to make. I’m thankful for those days in the hospital where we were mother and son. Period. No birth mother, first mother, etc.. Just mother and son.

I am blessed and thankful that, for the most part, most of the nurses and doctors I dealt with were kind and respectful. Although they did not completely understand the issues of adoption, they tried to be understanding to my needs and requests.

After hearing the tales of other birthmothers’ hospital experiences, I have come to the realization that mine was pretty normal and uneventful in comparison and for that I am thankful.

Other Things I’m Thankful For:
Open Adoption