No Hero

I'm 30 weeks today, but I'll save the picture posting for tomorrow.

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We attended the first session of our childbirth class last night and it was great- very informative and also enjoyable (our teacher is a woman I've taken prenatal fitness from and she's funny and kooky). It did spark some thoughts in me that may be a bit of a rant, but I'd like to share it with you.

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"You don't need to be a hero and deliver without drugs" is a statement I've heard a few times including last night, in reference to someone who says they would like to try and deliver without the help of an epidural.

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I don't think this woman last night really thought about the implications of that statement. I wasn't angry, but I did find it offensive. It implies that women who choose "natural childbirth" (without drugs) are doing it for stupid, superficial reasons. It suggests they have not put any thought or research into their decision, or that they are stupid and silly for not taking advantage of the convenience and comfort drugs provide.

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I am choosing to have a natural birth if at all possible. I don't have a birth plan, more like birth preferences; I know that if I arrive in labor and circumstances aren't ideal, I do still have options. But natural birth is the right choice for me- women have been giving birth since the beginning of time, several women in my life that I respect have had natural births, and I'm good at tolerating pain with concentration and practice. This is my choice, what is right for me. I am aware that an epidural is a relatively safe way to relieve labor pain, and I am delivering at a fantastic hospital where meds would be properly administered for minimum risk.

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I don't make judgments about women who want epidurals. I think an epidural is right for some people. As safe as they are they do have potential side effects and risks that come with them. No doubt these women have weighed these risks and decided it is still best for them. I don't think them cowardly or lazy for wanting one, so I don't really appreciate their judgment on those wanting to go without one.

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I have put a lot of thought into my decision to try and give birth without drugs. But in this technology obssessed society where anything easier is better, I seem to be in the minority. I don't judge you, so please don't judge me. I'm not trying to be a hero, and I also don't "want a medal" (another one I've heard). I'm making the best decision for me and my baby. It's the last gift I can give her before she leaves my body and starts living on her own, and if I can bring her into the world naturally and without medical intervention, then that is what I will do.