Women Mourn Death of Natural Childbirth

I too have had natural childbirths. My first was overseen by an OB/GYN practice in Frederick, Md., north of D.C., where as a patient you were required to see all 3 midwives and all 3 OB's. So long as you had no medical history and no complications you would have a certified nurse midwife (a B.S.N., with OB clinical beyond the degree) and an OB was available in hospitable if anything changed. I really enjoyed the way the midwife supported my goal to have an unmedicated delivery. When my H2O broke on its own I was offered prostaglandin gel (externally on abdomen) or I could see if I progressed on my own so long as it was w/in 24 hrs. It was a textbook labor - 9 hrs 1st stage at home drinking raspberry tea. Went in about 1 1/2 hrs before delivery. Had a hard time convincing my ob w/my 2nd child (we moved to Tulsa Ok) that I had had my 1st child natural and labored at home - didn't give him a choice - showed up at hospital 10 cm and 100% effaced - went to an ob w/3rd and 4th that was really supportive of natural childbirth - actual had 3rd at hospital where there was LDRP (labor, delivery, recovery, postpartum) too bad that hosp closed. Had 5th w/a young ob that I took pre-med classes w/who talked about inducing me from day one and sure enough that's what he convinced me I had to do (supposed low amniotic fluid) - just like women say pitocin throws u right into labor and it did - but when they all left to go get me an epidural (I decided to cave, I was 39! heard they were great was gonna give a try) I climbed up on the bed on all fours (not on purpose I was just miserable!!) and she fell out - nurse made it in to catch her... so other that the pit.... record still stands... natural can still be done!!!! :)

I've had natural childbirth 3 times...in 1989, 1991 and a homebirth in 1994. I loved my unmedicated births. Very empowering. My 13 year old daughter, if she has babies someday, plans on doing it natural too. You are very influenced by the "stories" you hear regarding childbirth, and they are almost never good. I maintain it is an experience which in parts can be agonizing, but the flip of that is pure ecstasy. No episiotomy. No nightmares. Pure & natural. I think it is reflected in my children too. I had one labor, my first very very long -- 72 hours. A second one -- short, hard, fast. And a third with about 10 min. of feeeling "uncomfortable." I did everything in my power to ensure favorable outcomes incl. no drinking alcohol, no cigarettes, etc. Focused on exercise and nutrition. But mostly I prepared spiritually. I just believe a woman's body is created to do the work of birthing. It's not that big of a deal! Just do it :)