Why I am Choosing Natural Childbirth

I’ve thought quite a few times about whether or not to post on this subject, but after hearing from you that you’re interested on my what my plans are, I decided, what the heck.

I’m a little hesitant to discuss my plans for natural childbirth for three reasons:

1. I don’t want anyone to think I’m judging other methods of bringing a baby into the world.  Whether induction, an epidural, a c-section, a water birth or hypnobirthing helped you bring your child into the world, you’re still a mom that gave birth to your baby.  And you’re awesome for that.

2. I don’t want anyone to judge my decision. When I’ve been asked if I plan on getting an epidural and have said no, I’ve gotten looks of disgust.  I’ve also heard statements like ‘would you get a root canal without pain medication? Then why would you have a baby without it?’.  I don’t judge others for what they choose, and don’t wish to be judged myself.  I can use all the words of encouragement I can, thank you.

3. I know I can only plan things so much, because who knows what will actually happen on the day I go into labor.  If things go crazy and my birth plan has to be thrown out the window, all that matters to me is that my baby makes it safely into this world. But will people throw I told you so’s at me if things don’t go according to my plans? I hope not.

That being said, yes, I intend on having an un-medicated, natural childbirth in a hospital.  I chose this method for a few reasons:

• I want to be as present as possible at the moment my child comes into this world.  I don’t want to feel loopy or sick.  I want to feel the rush of natural hormones that are released in the moment when I first see my baby.
• I want to do everything possible I can do avoid a c-section.  I’ve done extensive research on the subject, and many times when modern medicine is brought in, one thing leads to another.  For example: inducing labor when your body isn’t ready generally produces erratic and strong contractions.  Things generally progress more slowly when labor is induced, which can lead to an increased dosage of pitocin (the drug used to induce labor).  The increased intensity of contractions often leads the mother to need pain management in the form of an epidural.  Epidurals can slow things down, creating the need for an emergency c-section.  Epidurals also can take away your ability to feel the natural progression on labor, such as the need to push, making labor longer.
• I don’t want anything to effect the alertness of my baby.  I plan on breastfeeding and want my baby to have the opportunity to nurse immediately after entering the world, when their instinct in strong.
• I’m a firm believer that our bodies were made to do this, and there is even a part of me that wants to experience all of labor.  It is certainly one of, if not THE most intense experiences I will ever go through in my life.  Maybe this reason makes me a little nutty!

I am also looking forward to experiencing some benefits of choosing natural childbirth.

• I will be mobile.  They will put the saline lock on me, but I will not be hooked up to fluids unless absolutely necessary, which will allow me to move around as I please.  This will allow me to find the position I’m most comfortable in and help labor progress more quickly.
• I will have access to food and water.  I’m not talking about a cheeseburger, but honey sticks, fruit juices and peanut butter will help give me the stamina I need.
• I’ll be able to sit in the tub or shower. I hear it offers great relief from contractions, as long as my water hasn’t broken yet.

What I’m counting on to get me through:

• First and foremost I can count on my extremely supportive and loving husband.  Hubbs is reading the same books I am and we are on the same page (pun not intended) when it comes to our birth plan.  He will be my voice when I’m too focused to speak, he’ll be there to support me physically (his poor hands may fall off from rubbing my back) and support me emotionally, telling me I can do it and that I’m doing a FABulous job
• Reading. I’ve read The Bradley Method and Ina May’s Guide to Childbirth, as well scoured the web to read and watch all the natural childbirth stories I can find.  I’ve heard horror stories and stories that people say the experience isn’t as bad as people make it out to be.  I feel like I’ve heard the full spectrum of what I could possibly expect.
• Keeping the fact that this pain comes with a purpose: to bring our baby into the world.
• Trusting my body knows what to do, and understanding why I’m feeling the sensations I’m feeling.

My biggest fears:

• That my baby will be breach and I won’t even have the opportunity to attempt natural childbirth.
• Being judged by the nursing staff. I know that sounds silly, but I want to be left alone with Hubbs as much as possible.
• That my water will break before contractions start.  I really hope to go into labor and labor for as long as I can at home before heading to the hospital.  However, if my water breaks first, I’m told I need to head straight to the hospital because the baby has to be born within 24 hours or there is an increased risk of infection.

Whew- that was quite a lengthy post.

Have you done natural childbirth?

If so, please share your story or tips with me!

What are your thoughts on natural childbirth?