I've been hesitating about posting about Natural Birth on this blog. Mostly because I've never had a natural birth. I don't know what it is like. I don't know if I'll be able to handle it. I also know the arguments against going natural, the main one being "technology has advanced, why would you let yourself go through the pain, women used to die in childbirth...etc..." (I guess now is not the time to mention that I'm seriously considering homebirth with future babies...don't tell my mom!)
I wanted to have a drug-free birth with Alana, but to be honest, I didn't prepare enough. I didn't know what childbirth would be like, and I didn't know I could ask to delay pitocin a few more hours. (my water broke, no practitioner likes to let you labor more than 24 hours after your water breaks, and most have a 12 hour rule.) I didn't have a terrible experience with Alana's delivery (that's right, delivery, because I didn't give birth to her, she was delivered by my OB/GYN, I was too numb to push her out). But afterwards I realized that it wasn't very satisfiying, and I even felt disappointed in myself. I went through some silly reactions, due most likely to post-pardum hormones, but all my feelings left me with a firm resolve to try to keep my future labors as natural as possible, including using natural methods of pain relief, having a strong support system, and really preparing mentally for the difficult task.
There have been concerns from people who love me that my desire to have a natural birth is based on pride. "A real woman should be able to go all natural." That is not how I feel. If at any time I feel that it is safer for my baby or me to have interventions, I will discuss the options with my midwife. And there are some things you can't avoid, like having pre-eclampsia, which requires induction, or placenta previa, which requires c-section. But overall, listening to women's stories of labor, the underlying theme has been mis-education. Women do what their doctor thinks is best. Do I really NEED an IV if everything is normal? Does my baby's heartrate need to be continuously monitored? (I won't go into these subjects, but The Thinking Woman's Guide to a Better Birth is HIGHLY recommended for any one who is in any way involved in childbirth!)
The point of this post is for me to state WHY I want to go naturally. So, here we go:
1. I hated having an epidural. I was BORED, I wasn't in control (some might see that as a pride issue, but in every other way we are encouraged to control our bodies). If I was running a marathon, I wouldn't get drugs just because my legs hurt.
2. Why in the world would I spent 9 MONTHS avoiding anything remotely harmful to my baby (I don't even take tylenol!) and then suddenly, I'm in labor, and it's ok? Bottom line, any medication you put into your body affects your baby. Not saying everyone can do it drug free, especially if you have to have a c-section, but at least know the risks!
3. I think it's better for my baby. No woozy baby for me this time around.
4. I want to have an empowering experience. Of all the stories I've read of women who've given birth naturally who have prepared for it, I haven't found one that wasn't amazing. The body works wonders as far as the hormones secreted in order to produce some amazing feelings of euphoria after the birth of the baby.
5. I'm pretty curious. I want to know what it feels like. I think I can handle it, I'm preparing like crazy, but pain doesn't scare me. I mean, I am worried I won't be able to handle it, or I'll do something out of character, like yell and swear. But I want to experience birthing my baby.
6. Ideally it will make recovery better, and hopefully I won't have to have an episiotomy. Maybe I still will, I don't know.
Anyway, I definitely think each woman needs to make her own choices. I do see that many women don't even know their options, or the effects of different interventions. I didn't with Alana. I wish I had. But she's perfectly healthy, and everything worked out. Some women need to have pain relief in order to make the experience more enjoyable. That may happen to me if labor is just terrible. But I plan on it being a very difficult marathon. I also know that my plans may change, and that won't devastate me. I just wanted to share my thoughts! :)
11 comments:
I am impressed that you are studying natural birth in such depth! Knowledge is power and I think you should follow the Spirit as to what is right for you and your baby! You go girl!
I think how you want to have your children come into the world is like your own wedding reception--it's up to you and what you think is best :).
I bought the same book when I was pregnant with Chase and I loved it. I Agree with you on so many..we really should have a chat soon! We are having this next baby at a birth center with a midwife and Im so looking forward to having a natural birth! I think the main thing to remember is that you are in control and no one can force you do to anything you want to do. And the best way to stop things from happening is to be well informed which you totally are!
You can totally do it! Natural birth is a beautiful experience, and preparation for it is what's key. I think there is just way too much fear surrounding birth, that many women are afraid to trust what their bodies are made to do. Yes, it's intense, but I wouldn't say it's the worst pain of your life---it's totally possible to get through. I really hope you can have the experience you want.
I'm proud of you, Crystal! Natural birth and cloth diapers-you're hardcore! It sounds like you're definitely preparing-that's great.
Good for you! I really wanted to go natural with our last one but since he was breech that was no longer an option. Having an open mind and being prepared for anything is the best advice I can give. The next time I see you (hopefully Sat) I will bring a hypnobirthing book I read. Even if you don't use it or the method there is some really empowering history in the beginning of the book you should read!
I support you 100%! I have several books if you would like to borrow any. Call me and I can let you know which ones I have if you are interested.
That is a good post. I did give birth to Jacob naturally, and it was difficult. However, I'm so glad I did it! I know it was best for him, and for me. It is a very empowering feeling. I know not everyone can do it, because everyone is different. But, fear is the part that stops most from doing it. Fear=pain. I think the next baby I have will go smoother during birthing, since I know I've done it before. Hypnobirthing, the Mongan Method is what I used, and I love it! Whatever you do though, you have my support and well wishes!
Did I ever tell you that I was born at home with a midwife? Also, I have quite a few friends that have gone down similar paths, if you want their blog addresses for first-person experiences.
I've done both the epidural and the natural birth, although the natural birth WAS NOT planned. I think the only reason it worked was that Cooper was a tiny little baby compared to giant Peter. I think that I healed much quicker with the natural birth. I went on a walk less than a week after Cooper was born, something that I would never have even considered with Peter. I was actually thinking about it tonight, wondering if (in the far and distant future) I would choose to go natural with the next one.
Good for you for being informed. And for not just doing what your doctor wants to do. My doctor wanted to induce me a week early with Cooper because Peter had been so big, but I felt strongly that the baby would come when he was ready. And boy howdy, did he ever.
It may be controversial, but you seem to have quite a bit of support!
All I got to say is that if it wasn't for a heart rate monitor my baby would have died. Her rate kept lowering through out the labor, but at the very end it went from 160 to 40. I almost didn't have a beautiful baby girl.
Hi Crystal, it's Melissa Oakey...I checked your blog awhile back and read this post, and I've been meaning to comment on it ever since. I appreciate you writing this post. I'm not expecting a baby any time soon, but I just always figured when the big event came I'd go for the epidural because I don't exactly consider myself a tough person. My mom gave birth to 4 of her children naturally, and after reading your post I think I'd at least like to educate myslef on it. Anyway just wanted you to know I found your post to be insightful, not at all controversial!
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