Natural Birth Motivation

As some of you may know, I plan on having Levi naturally, meaning that I do not plan to use any pain-relieving or labor-enhancing medications during his birth. I know this means that I need to prepare for a whole lot of pain, but I also believe that, for me, it is the best way to give birth. I know it's best for a healthy baby because of the lack of drugs, and I really want to be able to fully experience the entire birthing process.

That being said, planning on a natural birth in a hospital takes some serious preparation, not just to prepare myself physically, but also to get ready to deal with a hospital staff that may disagree with your choice. Based on a recommendation from a friend, I read the book Natural Hospital Birth by Cynthia Gabriel. Click here to visit the website that goes with the book. During parts of the book, I was a little turned off by the semi-combative approach to hospitals and whatnot, but the final chapter made up for all of that. It tells the story of a couple who had two children naturally and their different experiences at two different hospitals. It taught me the importance of remaining confident in my choices without being rude or confrontational. Now I know that I need to stop telling people that I will "try" to give birth naturally, but that I need to openly own the fact that I fully believe in my ability to do it.

With that being said, I came across an old quote that has become my mantra for this whole experience: "I am not afraid...I was born to do this." - Joan of Ark. I know I can do this. If I have to have an unwanted medical intervention because of an emergency situation with Levi, that's fine, but I full believe in my physical ability to have him naturally and I am really looking forward to the experience.