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Friday, April 2, 2010

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.

1 comment:

  1. AWWW Thanks friend. I appreciate that. I only WISH i could have done the same with Thomas. You will be able to do it. Your feisty enough. you can do it. Its also pretty amazing the feeling you feel after she or he comes out. LOVE YOU!!!

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