Birth – Part One

This post is one that I have spent insane amounts of time thinking about.  I’ve often asked myself if I would even write it, but in the end I decided to for 2 reasons:

1)  It’s not a subject I discuss with those who I’m not ridiculously close with – which means unless you are The Hubs, my immediate family, or my best friend – you’ve probably not heard me talk about it.  Due to this I have an overall abundance of thoughts on the subject, and I get warm and fuzzy when I talk about it.

2) I hate being in the American minority when it comes to this subject and would absolutely love to help turn those tables.

So, what am I talking about?

Birth.

We are planning a med-free, intervention-free birth.

I get a lot of funny looks when I tell people that.  I hear a lot of surprised women say “Why on earth would you want to do that?”  or “Just wait until you are actually in labour, then we’ll see how you feel.”  These comments are both frustrating and utterly inappropriate.  Why would you put someone down for wanting to do something that has no effect on you?  I have never made negative comments to someone choosing to have an epidural, or even a c-section.  When I speak to other women who had/have similar viewpoints as myself, all I hear is “You can do it.”  “It will be the best thing you ever do”  “It was the hardest thing I did, but worth it.”  “The worst pain imaginable, but it’s doable.”…So why is it there so much negativity from women who have never actually had a med-free birth?  It’s sad how much negativity bounces between women when it comes to birthing choices.

Med-free.  It’s just something I want to do.  For my whole life, it has been the only option.  An un-medicated birth was something I’ve always wanted.  For me.  I’ve prepared myself my whole life knowing that it would be the biggest mountain I would ever climb.  A huge challenge, but one that would be so worth it.  This is an experience I want.  Many other women want no pain.  I want that pain.  Okay, that makes me sound crazy.  It’s not that I want the pain, as much as I want whatever my body wants to throw at me.  I want to be in control.  I want to move around and not be locked to a bed.  I want to get in the shower when I want to, walk the halls when I get restless.  I most definitely do not want a catheter…(I freak about those things)  Most of all though, I want to feel that insane rush of endorphins that some sources say, can be altered when pain medications are involved.  None of my reasonings come down to wanting a pain-free birth.  I just want my birth experience.

Of course, there are millions of other reasons why I won’t take pain medication (including an epidural). For one, the idea of having a needle put in your back to numb you from something that is natural, just freaks me out.  Two, the very rare, but still existent list of potential complications are way scary to me – spinal headaches? No thank you.  Three, I have major problems with narcotics/sedatives/anesthesia.   I’ve woken up during a medical procedure after being double dosed.  I’ve overdosed on a regular dose of narcotics.  When you go through these things, you start realizing that maybe they aren’t for you.

The biggest thing though?

I’m just not scared of labour/delivery.at.all.  Since the day I found out I was pregnant, all I’ve thought about is how excited I am for that experience.  I can’t wait.  Birthing is a great privilege, and I want to experience it to the fullest.

Of course, this post is about me, and choices I have made.  I completely support others in whatever they choose to do, because I know that what is right for me might not be right for you.

Birth, bring it on.