As women we have fought for choice, we have fought for options with our lives, and we have fought for our voice to be heard.  What happened with childbirth?  It seems we have gone backwards.  We accept what the doctor says without exploring all our options, we suffer good patient syndrome,  and we lay on our backs to push because that’s what everyone else does.  It is time we take back our power over childbirth.  We are women of strength, and we are amazing! We need to give ourselves more credit! You really CAN do it with no epidural, I promise.

It saddens me that our c-section rate is going up and women don’t get that amazing pride of pushing out their baby. We have fought for the right to choice.  We so easily give up that choice to our care provider.  We have fought for options, however, we don’t explore them when it comes to having a baby.  If you are pregnant, research all of your options.   If your doctor tells you something and it doesn’t make sense, ask why.  If the doctor is concerned about something, go home,  do some research about it (unless of course it is life threatening to you or your baby), and find other women who have had the same experience.

For birth, the easiest way is to hire a doula.  If you can’t or don’t want to, do some research on different positions to labor and push in. The Birth Partner by Penny Simkin is well worth the investment!  If there is one book to get for pregnancy, find this one.  It’s a great conversation starter for your partner to help prepare him too. When you are in the midst of labor, you are more emotional and less analytical. Make sure you have a simple birth plan so the staff knows your wishes. Discuss your wishes with those who will be in the birthing room so they can speak up for you if need be and if there is a complication, they can rationally help you think through it.

Here is a post I did awhile back about advocating for yourself

Remember, if you choose a natural birth, when you start asking for drugs, you are in transition and pushing will commence shortly so hold on because you are almost there.

This has been one of those crazy weeks that leave you doubting your sanity and ability to juggle all the balls at the same time.  I had some extra kids, trying new parenting techniques from Love and Logic, and just the usual busy we have going on with 3 young ones (the oldest is getting ready for kindergarten!), a business, and a household (which reminds me, i really need to get my kitchen floor clean!  tomorrow??).  There have not been many moments to sit and breath.  Running with no headphones provides me those small moments of peace i am desperate for.  i went for my run yesterday morning as usual.  As i was chugging along (the joy of choosing a hilly route!)  All of a sudden i saw an older woman i would guess mid fifties running toward me.  She had short, just below the ears curly blond/gray hair.  She had on black spandex shorts with a turquoise tank and listening to some headphones (and in great shape i might add).  i can see her so clearly!  She looked at me with a big grin and enthusiastically said “You go girl!!”  This was no usual passing.  Usually i can see someone coming because i keep my eyes up looking at the landmarks.  i like to play mind games with myself so i don’t stop when it gets hard.  Usually i get a wave, a smile, or many times a quick hi.  After this woman passed my whole back began to tingle.  It started at the base of my spine and went all the way to the top of my head (all through my chakras if you believe in them).  In all of my experiences with the spiritual world, i have never before had this intense of a physical response.  i think i was just encouraged by an angel!