Peace, Love, Natural Birth
By week 30, there are a lot of items checked off of our “before
baby to do list”. However, there is still a lot of “checking off” left to do.
One of the major items on the list is preparing the birth plan! One of the most
common questions that people have been asking me is, “so, are you having an
epidural or not?” and my answer is “no epidural”. The reactions vary from
person to person, but mostly I hear “are you crazy?”, “why would you want to do
that?” or “so you’re wanting to be a tough girl, huh?”. Am I crazy? Yes, I’m
crazy (but it’s not because I don’t want to have an epidural). I’ve done a lot
of research, prayed for guidance, discussed the options with my husband and my
doctor and talked to many Mommies who have gone with the natural childbirth
option, so to me, the answers to these questions are simple.
“Why would you want to do that?”. I am choosing natural
childbirth for many reasons. Most natural childbirth techniques are not
invasive so there’s very little potential for harm or side effects to me or my
baby. With an epidural, I feel there’s a loss of sensation and alertness.
Without the epidural, I hope to be able to move around more freely and find
positions that help me stay comfortable during labor and allow my body to do
what it’s naturally made to do during childbirth. Many women who choose an
epidural are in need of interventions (i.e. bladder catheter, vacuum
extraction, forceps delivery or Pitocin - to make contractions stronger). I am choosing natural childbirth to –hopefully
– reduce risks that medication could pose for both me and baby Colton.
“So you’re wanting to be a tough girl, huh?”. Well, I
think that any woman who carries a baby for 9 months and then delivers that
baby – no matter the method – is a tough girl. But no, that’s not the reason
for choosing a natural childbirth. By choosing this method, I am accepting the
potential for greater pain and discomfort but I am also accepting the fact that
I will have greater control over my body. No matter how well-prepared and
confident I am, I realize that nature can throw me a curve ball and I might need
medical interventions to manage pain for the safety of myself and my baby. I
will not – in any way – risk the health or safety of Colton or myself to prove
a point or be a “tough girl”.
1.
Choose a supportive practitioner
2.
Select a place of birth that will help you
3.
Have a birth plan
4.
Hire a doula
5.
Learn about labor positioning
6.
Use a birth ball
7.
Take a childbirth class
8.
Read a good book
9.
Get support from like-minded friends and family
10.
Learn about pain relieving techniques
Some people say that having an epidural is the “easy way”
in childbirth. I have never had a child, but I can say there’s probably not an “easy
way”. Each birthing method is a personal choice and I don’t feel that there’s a
wrong or right way, only the best way that makes each of us feel most comfortable.
Having support from those around me makes
a huge difference in my decision. It’s easy to feel unsure, discouraged and
question my decision when I constantly hear how “crazy” I am for choosing
natural childbirth. I’m so lucky to have a supportive husband, family and
doctor who are encouraging me in my choice. I know that childbirth is going to
be hard and I know it’s going to be the worst pain I’ve ever felt. But, if I
can endure the pain, long enough to get my precious baby boy into this world,
then I’m going to give it my best shot.
Helpful Natural Childbirth Sites Reading Material I
found helpful
www.mothersnaturally.org Ina
May’s Guide to Childbirth by Ina May Gaskin
www.bradleybirth.com Birthing
from Within by Pam England
www.haveanaturalchildbirth.com Journey
Into Motherhood by Sherri L. Menelli
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