Easter Weekend Reflections: Labour and Gardening
This Easter weekend, we've been fortunate to enjoy sunny weather here in West Lothian. Unlike regions with consistently good weather, we cherish every moment of sunshine and blue skies, knowing it might not last long.
Like many of my neighbours, I spent the day in the garden tackling a spring clean-up: mowing the lawn, cleaning the patio, and sorting plant pots. I also decided it was time to paint the raised beds we installed a few years ago to give the garden a fresh look.
With paint and brushes in hand, I eagerly started transforming the unpainted wood into a beautiful light green. After a couple of hours, I looked around and admired my work but realized there was still so much more to paint. I began to wonder how long this would take!
Sitting on my mat, I changed positions frequently as my legs ached or my bum went numb. I switched the paintbrush between my hands, stood up to stretch, and moved my hips to loosen my joints before getting back to work.
While painting, I realised how similar this task was to labour. Looking at all the woodwork I had yet to paint, the job seemed enormous and never-ending. With psoriatic arthritis, I was concerned about staying comfortable and not aggravating my joints. At times, it felt overwhelming.
When labour begins, there's often a rush of excitement and nervous anticipation. You find a rhythm to manage contractions, perhaps through breathing, moving your body, or finding a comfortable position. You focus on coping with one contraction at a time. That was me with my paintbrush, moving my body to stay comfortable as I painted each piece of wood.
Labour can feel overwhelming when you worry about how long it will last and how you'll manage the physical sensations. It's mind over matter; the present moment demands all your physical and mental resolve. Thinking too far ahead can be daunting.
I felt a bit deflated looking around my garden, realising how much work was still ahead despite my hard work. In labour, similar thoughts can cause anxiety, leading to increased adrenaline production.
Anxiety during labor = Adrenaline
Adrenaline = slows/stops labour
Worrying about labour duration can become a self-fulfilling prophecy. It's better for your body and mind to focus on the present moment. Don't worry about what might happen in an hour; concentrate on managing the current contraction.
Sometimes, trying to grasp the whole picture is too overwhelming. Be in the moment and roll with each contraction:
Use gas and air
Practice breathing techniques
Sway your hips
Make noise
Listen to hypnobirthing tracks
Use aromatherapy oils
Do whatever you need to manage each contraction. Once it's over, catch your breath, take a drink, mop your brow, kiss your partner, sing a song—do whatever you want before preparing for the next one.
By taking labour one step at a time, just as I painted one piece of wood at a time, you'll eventually be holding your little one without feeling panicked or overwhelmed.
I managed to apply two coats of paint on my beds, and I'm really pleased. It took a long time, but it was worth it. Now, I'm enjoying a relaxing day, tired and achy, and in true Scottish style, just as we finished the garden, the rain is back!
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