The more I read blogs, the more and more I end up reading birth stories. There’s something innately special about a birth story. It’s at the same time a personal and universal experience. There are endless ways to experience it – vaginal, c-section, medicated, unmedicated, in a hospital, in birth centers – the list goes on and on. Despite all these different methods, in the end its still the amazing act of bringing new life into the world, and its one of the reasons I love to read birth stories – they are so so different.
Lately, it seems like the tables are turning more and more toward natural childbirth, and that is incredible. It wasn’t too long ago that a natural birth was the only option and people were clamoring for pain relief. I love that nowadays so many women are opting for that experience, and that they have that choice. That’s what we should all have – choice.
You see where I’m going with this, right? If you’ve read Abbie’s birth story, you know that I was not one of those brave women. I knew I couldn’t do it that way. I am a big wuss when it comes to pain, and knew I needed an epidural to give birth.
And you know what? I’m PROUD of that. I am proud that I got that epidural, and proud that it enabled me to give birth the way I wanted.
The beauty of it all is that I know myself, and I know my body. I knew that I needed an epidural to feel strong enough to deliver Abbie. I knew that I needed to have that calming effect. In my case, the epidural worked well – with the exception of having to even it out a little (it was stronger on one side that the other at first), it did just as it’s designed – took away the pain, but not the pressure. When it came time to push, I knew when to push without being told, but I wasn’t in the pain I know I would’ve been had I done everything naturally. And you know what? That’s okay! That’s why epidurals were created in the first place.
Because it was my choice. I had the choice to do what was best for me and my baby. Having an epidural allowed me to have a vaginal delivery. It helped me remain calm for most of labor. It was the right choice for me.
So yes, I had an epidural, and I’m damn proud of that. Every mom has a right to be proud of her baby’s arrival into the world.
26 Responses
You go girl! I also had an epidural with both of my kids and I am also proud of that! The cord was wrapped around them with each pregnancy and they had enough stress going on without me being in unbearable pain. i’m happy that I was able to make some part of their delivery a little easier on them and I would choose an epidural again! And I agree, I love birth stories so much!
Glad I’m not alone! I did NOT need that stress while I was trying to have a baby!
Love this! I think if science and the medical field has come up with a way to make things a little easier on you and it helps you get through it, why not?? It’s just as much of a birth story and just as valid as any other! I’ve never been pregnant but if I ever do have kids I can pretty much guarantee I will be getting an epidural or some form of pain meds because like you, I just know myself, I have a very low tolerance for pain and I think dealing with that much pain would freak me out so badly!
It’s ALL about knowing yourself and what your individual needs are.
so proud that you sticking by your choice, because you’re so right…it’s a choice 🙂 Mom’s should be nicer to one another about things like this, we get enough “pressure” everywhere else
OMG, it’s so crazy the pressure. Birth is birth!
Considering I cry every time I stub my toe, I don’t know if I could endure a natural labor, haha. And Queen Victoria was actually a major proponent of using pain relief during labor (even though she used laughing gas).
Haha, of course you bring up Queen Victoria.
It feels like natural birth is a huge trend right now — BUT YOU JUST HAD A BABY! You go girl! (And congrats!)
It was actually almost 2.5 years ago… but thank you regardless 🙂
Good for you girl!!! I didn’t have an epidural… not because I wouldn’t have gotten one but because we got to the hospital too late. To each their own and kudos for being proud of your story!!!
Thank you!
This is a great post because we all have our own story to tell when giving birth. Like you said, the best part about it is that we have the choice. I had three very different births and each one was very special, with and without the epidural. Thank you for sharing! Please link up and share this as I know others will love it, over at http://www.wrightsimply.com/2015/05/wordless-wednesday-linky-giveaway.html
Have a wonderful night! xx Ashleigh @SimplyWright
It really does vary so much, and each story is beautiful.
Totally Jess. Loved this post and completely agree, except i didn’t like when you said you’re a wuss when it comes to pain and referred to women who don’t get an epidural as brave. I think every woman who gives birth, no matter how, is amazing and strong and brave, the complete opposite of a wuss. 🙂
So far I have had three epidural-less deliveries, but it’s not due to wanting to prove something or because I have a high pain tolerance or anything like that, but because I was terrified of the epidural. Needles do not scare me, but having one stuck into my back freaks me out to no end. Honestly, I wish I had been brave enough to get one for my first delivery, it was 19 hours maxed out on PItocin and I think my experience would have been much better if I had just gotten the epidural and allowed my body to relax.
You are so right – I didn’t even think about it that way!
And honestly, I’m afraid of needles. I think I was only ok about the epidural because a) I knew the relief it would bring and b) I couldn’t see the needle. I think I would’ve passed out if I did! I even look away when my blood is drawn for anything!
You get 100 “AMEN’S” from me, momma! I had 2 epidurals and one natural (not by choice) and I absolutely HATE it when I start to feel “less-than” because I opted for the drugs! Like seriously?! The one birth that I did without the drugs doesn’t make me any more of a superhero than my other two (one which resulted in a c-section). Like you say, every woman knows her body best and every woman should just respect each others choices and realize it’s OUR choice! We shouldn’t be shaming anyone for how they go about delivering their babies…in the end, if everyone is safe and healthy, that’s all that really matters! Thanks for sharing! xox Christine | Amidst the Chaos
Thank you my dear!
Good for you girl! Whenever women do what’s best for them and their families, it’s totally worth applauding! I’m 100% planning to have an epidural for the same reasons. It’s even helping me to feel calm many months in advance of delivery. I told my husband that his most important/immediate job on that day is to get me to the hospital in time to have one!
Haha YES! I was induced, and I literally asked for it the moment they started Pitocin. Seriously!
Very simply: Give me all the drugs.
That is all.
(No really, that is all. LOVE THIS. Every single drop.)
(You see what I did there?) XO
So, I know you commented this OVER a week ago but…
I laughed so hard when I read this.
And again just now. 🙂
We’re all different, so no cookie cutter, one size fits all works with childbirth. We accept that we all are different in other ways and most of us are tolerant of our differences, so why can’t we have different ways/paths for bringing our child into this world? I think it comes down to us, the mothers. We’re hard on ourselves and feel bad if we don’t do it “right” and “well” and “as expected”! I had two c-sections and they were both so different and horrific in different ways. But, I ended up with my two sons, so it was worth it. No two births are the same! Have a great Mother’s Day!
Susan
All so true – I always love your comments, Susan. Thanks and hope your Mother’s Day was amazing!
Yes, yes, yes! I didn’t have the choice to get one with my second, but with my last, I definitely got one! Made it such a better experience for me.
Yes! We all need to do what’s right for us!