The Business of Being Born

A few years ago a good friend of mine became pregnant and she planned to have a natural birth. At the time I thought she was out of her mind! I couldn't understand why she would want to endure all that pain when she could so easily ask for medicine to "help". She ended up delivering a beautiful daughter, without any medication. I have never told her, but I completely look up to her for this decision (I really do Nicole!). And until about one year ago I never thought I would be able to endure what she had. Then one day after reading about what really happens during a medicated labor, the risk's associated with induction and c-sections I thought a natural labor was what I would want when the time came.

Throughout the past year I have made mention of my desire to have an unmedicated birth to some friends and the usual reaction is a laugh and them telling me I have no idea what I am in for. So, I thought maybe I was crazy and I couldn't do it. After all, I have never experienced contractions, so maybe I was crazy to think I could do it. Then T and I got married and I have wanted to get pregnant since our honeymoon, so naturally I have really started thinking about pregnancy and delivery. I have continued to have the desire to have a natural birth and wanted to learn more about it, especially delivering in a birthing center as opposed to a hospital. And after reading several blogs of mom's who went in planning for a natural birth only to end up being induced or in many cases with a c-section, I thought a birthing center would make the most sense. It seems to me delivering in a hospital, nurses and doctors seems to throw out all birth plans and do what accommodates them before they accommodate your wishes. They want you in, and they want you out.

So I started researching birthing centers in the area, and I have to say I was shocked to only find 1 in San Diego. It's not like I live in a small town, there are over 3,000,000 people in San Diego, and only 1 birthing center. (Granted, there is another one being built as we speak, it's about time!) I have also discussed home birth's with my sister recently. Of course I thought a home birth was crazy at first, but then I started to read the statistics and I was blown away. So tonight I rented The Business of Being Born. I have to say, this movie really confirmed what I have been feeling and thinking lately. I also think every woman should watch it, regardless of the type of birth plan you have, it is very educational and amazing.

I now long for the type of birth I once thought was completely crazy! I hope that when the time comes I will be able to have an unmedicated birth and possibly even give birth at home. I still have a lot to learn, but I feel like in starting to learn all I can about it now, when the time comes I won't question my decision or feel that I wasn't as educated as I could be.