A Natural Baby

My Mother would probably say it's fitting that I had a natural childbirth. She refers to me as her "natural" child. I buy organic foods when I can, I like to be outdoors and go hiking and I was even a veggie head for a while before I got pregnant. So, I guess it was only "natural" that I have a natural childbirth! It was really the best decision I could have made. I know it's not for everyone, but it was best for me.

Was it painful? Of course. Was it so horrible that I'd go for drugs next time? Of course NOT! I think I'd be more nervous of having an epidural or pitocin and being chained to the bed, not being able to feel anything than of feeling the contractions without drugs. I will say I probably couldn't have done it without the Bradley classes and me practicing relaxation daily. At the hospital I had my music and really just tuned everything out. Joel was wonderful: holding my hand, walking the halls with me, letting me hang on him and rubbing my back. My friend, Michelle, was there also, getting cool rags for my face and rubbing my back when I needed it.

Really, I just stayed focused and never once looked at the clock. I got to where I could tell when a contraction was coming on. A lot of the pain I felt was in my back, but I would also feel an extreme tightness in my belly at times. It was much easier to get through as long as I kept my breathing nice and slow. There was a time or two when I started to breathe faster and the pain was so much worse. Funny, I just had to let the contraction take over and not try to fight it...let my body do it's thing.

I was in labor over 12 hours. While it did seem long, I wouldn't have guessed it was that long. Miss Virginia was born at 133am and she was very alert and wiggly already! I like to think she didn't have that sleepy baby syndrome because she was drug-free. Also, she was hungry and went right for the breast.

If any of you are thinking about natural childbirth, I say don't listen to those that say you're crazy. Women have been giving birth without drugs and intervention for hundreds of years. Find what works best for you and trust your body! While I was prepared for medical intervention in case of emergency, I am glad everything went great and I got to experience labor in it's most real form...naturally!