I'm a little hesitant to write about this, because I hate to say anything and then end up getting an epidural. I've never experienced childbirth, so I don't really know what it's like. That said, we are taking a Bradley Method class and I'm definitely going to try for a natural birth. We have taken 5 out of 10 classes so far. I really like it so far, because it teaches your husband to be your coach. Actually one of Dr. Bradley's books is called Husband Coached Childbirth. They teach all about the different stages of labor, many different ways to control/deal with pain, different positions, exercises, etc. It's very interesting. The exercises have actually helped with my back pain already.
I have several reasons I want to try natural childbirth. First, I am really into eating healthy, mostly organic food. We shop almost exclusively at Wild Oats. I'm not fanatic about it, but I believe that is the most healthy way to go. After I was diagnosed with endometriosis, I did a lot of research about different foods that are good or bad for us, and I changed a lot of my eating habits (they were terrible when I was in college.) I stopped eating processed food, partially hydrogenated oils, basically non-natural things, and focused on whole grains, fruits and veggies, lean meats, etc. I felt better and lost weight without trying. I also learned that some drugs aren't good for endometriosis (and health in general) either. So I stopped taking some - specifically Aleve, which is what I have always used for pain. While I was doing all this research, I found the Bradley method, which I believe is the most natural childbirth method. We've learned in class that all the drugs have an effect on the babies, and that the babies that are born naturally are much more alert, more successful at breastfeeding, and aren't at risk for a number of problems that can happen with the drugs. Also there is a shorter recovery time for the mother, with no side effects from the drugs.
I also think that since women have been doing this for 1000s of years, why couldn't I? I think I'm going to try to focus on Jesus on the cross, Mother Teresa, and Mary (who had a LONG donkey ride in her 9th month and then gave birth in a stable). We as Catholics are blessed to know that there is a reason for suffering. My mom also gave me a small statue many years ago that is Mary lifting the baby Jesus into the air. It is called "Cause of our Joy." I think I'm going to bring that with me to the hospital. I know that the pain I will go through will have a reason and I will get a beautiful baby out of it!
My mom had natural childbirth with both of us - and she says it wasn't that bad either.
All of my friends have had epidurals though, and so I don't have anyone else who can tell me how it really is.
On a more personal note, we struggled with infertility for 2 years, I had 2 surgeries for endometriosis and 3 months of menopause inducing drugs in between them to stop it from growing. I offered all of this pain up for our future children. I am so blessed to have gotten pregnant right after the second surgery. I am so joyful about this baby, even happy about the morning sickness, aches and pains, and everything else. I'm offering all of the little sufferings up for Baby Girl. I think that going through childbirth and offering up the pain for her will be a great gift, and I'm going to specifically offer it up for her to be called to holiness, and that we can raise her in a way that she will be able to respond to that call.
