So it shouldn't be a huge surprise that there would be some overlap in this ideology into how I plan to handle my pregnancy and birth. I had always known I wanted to "try" to have a natural birth, but never really looked into what that would entail.... until I met my husband, who is very passionate about womens' ability to birth naturally and the medical community's tendency to convince them they shouldn't. Before we were even trying to get pregnant (maybe before we were even married, I can't remember), he encouraged me to watch two of his favorite documentaries: Orgasmic Birth and The Business of Being Born. They really made me think. He is as passionate about natural birthing as I am about ending abortion if that tells you anything.
Anyway, I am not as passionate as some about natural vs. medicated birth (it's not a cause I would dedicate my life to) but I definitely know that my preference for bringing my own family into the world is to go all natural. I also know that I really like and trust my OBGYN (who is totally supportive of natural birth and who I trust to determine if a natural birth is not a safe option for me when that day comes) and that I want to give birth in a hospital, at least for my first. If it were up to Dan I would be giving birth in a tub in our basement... but I'm just not there yet.

We went to class #1 of twelve last night in Queen Creek and we are pretty stoked. Shout out to our teacher who we can tell is going to be a wealth of knowledge and a great resource and friend to us during this latter half of my pregnancy. Also a shout out to my doctor, who not only runs a medical practice where dignity of women, focus on family and sanctity of life are top priorities, but also is supportive of his clients who want to have natural births and doesn't insist on them sticking their feet in stirrups. And a major shout out to my husband, Daniel, who is going to be so enthusiastically amazing when the time comes for me to endure the athletic event that is labor and birth.
Now, on this lovely afternoon of my lovely day off work, I am going to go do my homework: daily birth squats, tailor sitting, butterfly, pelvic rocking, walking, and relaxing for ten minutes. Yes please.
Then I get to go finish our taxes...
(*On the topic of bioethics, this site has a lot of great and thorough definitions, although I wouldn't say I agree with all of the opinions presented. Also, I tune in to hear Fr. Tad Pacholczyk speak whenever I can, he's brilliant.)
Don't forget you have a cheerleader/sister-in-law just across the park who is soooo excited for more au naturale babies!! And Griffin babies in general whether they come au naturale or not :)
ReplyDeleteJulie, I went all natural and it was the best thing ever. Granted, I don't know any other way but I felt like I accomplished something on my bucket list. It made me feel empowered and also IN CONTROL. I, too, also watched the Business of Being Born prior to Ellie's birth and it was very informative. Knowing you, I know that you are strong and you are a good advocate for yourself - so you don't need to worry there.
ReplyDeleteHonestly, I feel like the whole experience completely changed me. I am a different person now.