A Natural Childbirth...

I felt a need to write some information about Natural Childbirth. Throughout the end of my pregnancy, my decision to "Try to go natural" was not welcomed as much as I thought it would be. I was surprised at how many people are against it. Especially when they have never tried or experienced it themselves. I was also surprised by the people who are closest to me. No one thought I could do it, No one believed in me, and Everyone thought I was stupid or crazy.


98% of women get an epidural in the United States, about 1% receive other types of drugs through an IV, shot, or pill.

Only 1% of women give birth naturally.

 The odds are definitely against women in America. How cool would it be to be apart of that 1%? Pretty freaking awesome if you ask me! After all, women all around the world give birth naturally everyday. I was bound and determined to believe in myself. Believe in my body; believe that it was capable of doing what it was made to do.

It all started with wanting to be prepared.. just in case. Just in case my labor was fast, just in case I had to deliver at home or on the way to the hospital. Just in case I didn't have enough time for an epidural. I wanted to be prepared.. Just in case.

It started with a book. A natural childbirth book, written by a doctor, who was against doctors delivering babies. A book that was against hospitals, and all for home births. A book that of course was against any type of drug or medication. After one night of reading I was overwhelmed with anxiety. I found my myself caught in between two worlds...

I realize people will take offense and will be sensitive to the things I say. I have found through my journey that people get defensive about this subject. As people have their right to their own opinion. I want to first point out that this is my blog, and this is the place for me to express my views and thoughts. I wanted to write a separate post about how and why I decided to have a natural, unmedicated, childbirth. I also want to say that I had a "normal" vaginal, medicated delivery with my daughter Kaylee. I grew up knowing this was the way women had babies. Once I decided I would rather “try for a natural birth” I left the option open and was planning on having an epidural as a back up, as a plan “B option.”

 

It just so happened that once I read more into it I decided an epidural was not for me or my baby. I guess that is what you get when you open your mind, do some research, and see the other side of things.


I do not think less of anyone who has had or will have an epidural. And I do not think of myself as better than anyone else because I was able to have the natural birth I wanted. As I was planning for my birth experience, I was planning on experiencing the completely painless, unnoticeable contractions I felt with my daughter. This was not the case this time around! My labor was longer than I expected, and I felt everything! With that being said, I wanted an epidural on several occasions and I know exactly why women want, and get them. I do not want anyone to confuse the fact that I am PROUD of what I accomplished with being haughty. And I am not condemning anyone for their personal choices.

I would not consider myself tolerant of pain. In fact, when it comes to sickness, especially throwing up, I cry. I’m embarrassed by how much of a baby I am when I’m sick. However, I shouldn’t compare sickness to childbirth. A woman who is in labor is not sick. Kevin knows more than anyone else how well I deal with hardships. I think that is what surprised me the most when he was so willing to jump on board with me. I don't have any close relationships with women who have given birth naturally. It was crucial, for Kevin to fully, completely support my decision. My love for him has grown through this experience. He was such a great birth partner!

From the beginning, Kevin understood my disapproval of the way things were handled with my first birth. I showed up at the hospital in absolutely no pain, dilated to 6cm. Once the staff realized that I was in actual labor, I was hooked up to a routine IV. Pitocin was immediately started, even though I had progressed to a 7 in less than an hour and despite the fact they were painless, I was having strong, regular contractions on my own. The nurse quickly realized it was working my body to hard and it was turned off. I had no idea what was going on. Until I did my research, I had no idea that a person could have a baby without Pitocin. You actually have to refuse it. The resident showed up to break my water, the anesthesiologist arrived. I had my water broken, my epidural placed, and a cath inserted. I was then confined to my bed, not only for the rest of my labor and delivery, but for the rest of the night. I relied on help from nurses to get in and out of a wheel chair, and to go to the bathroom.

...One night I was reading, while taking a warm bath. It wasn't long before I was in tears. I was afraid. Afraid of an epidural, afraid of all these drugs and medical interventions. But I was also afraid of a natural birth. Afraid of pain, afraid of a new, dangerous experience. An experience I didn't understand.

I kept reading, Kevin watched documentaries with me, and the more I learned the more comfortable I was. We watched "Pregnant in America" and "The Business of Being Born."

I could go on and on about the many, many benefits of going natural but these are some of my favorite reasons!

The Top Reasons I chose a Natural Childbirth..

*Less Likely to have Postpartum Depression.

*Eliminate Risks of misplaced Epidural needle.

*Avoid pain of the Epidural injection.

*No Pitocin used.

*Avoid a Bladder Catheter, which can cause Swelling, and Bladder Infections.

*Free to move and walk during labor.

*Use of a warm Laboring Tub.

*No need to have Continuous Monitoring.

*Eliminate further Medical Interventions.

*Ability to feel and bear down during contractions.

*Rush of "Hormone Cocktail" Adrenaline and Endorphins!

*Avoid sleepy/drowsy baby after birth.

*Easier latch on for Breastfeeding.

*Baby born without drugs in their bloodstream.

*Able to walk and take a shower right after birth.
*More Energy, and better Recovery.


In the end, the reward is the same. All you can hope for is a healthy baby.

  It was definitely worth it!!
I would totally reccomend it.