Mary Hannah's Birth Part 2: My journey to a medication free birth

Right after Mary Hannah was born Daniel and Jerri-Anne were telling how awesome I was and how proud they were of me.  And then my family and friends heard the birth story they said the same thing.  But I have to admit that it has taken me a while to say it that I feel awesome, empowered and proud of what I did.  First I know that it was the Lord that enabled me to do it.  There many times during contractions that all I could do was pray "Jesus help me. Jesus help me."  But I was also afraid to offend anyone.  Everyone has their own opinions and desires regarding birthing and I didn't want anyone to think I was looking down on those who had and epidural or C-section or would never want to have a birth without medication.  I have been so torn.  On one hard I wanted to jump up and down and say "I did it! It was awesome! You should try it too!", but on the other hand I wanted to down play it so that I didn't make anyone feel bad.  

As time has past I have become very proud and thankful for the birth experience I was able to have and come to see that I can still share my story proudly with out offending anyone.  Years ago I laughed at the idea of not getting an epidural.  That was something other people can do but not me!  I am not an athlete of any kind! I hate to work out and I hate doing things that are physically challenging.  So the idea of having to put in marathon effort verses virtually painless with an epidural was a no brainer!  But when I got pregnant with Henry I had to know more about birthing and started watching videos on Youtube and reading birth stories. Of course most of them were unmedicated births and I got curious.  It seemed really hard but so rewarding.  Like I said before it didn't happen with him and I am ok with that, but the second time around I was determined!

The more research I did them more doable it felt.  And having Jerri-Anne made all the difference.  To have someone who could tell me how to lessen the pain or just encourage me was essential!  And the more I learned the more could see the benefits to me and the baby.  But more than anything I felt like I was letting my body do what it was meant to do.  Birth has become very clinical and most women don't even consider not getting medication.  Most women don't have a clue what their body can do if left alone.  I sure didn't.  If you haven't seen the movie "The Business of Being Born" I would highly encourage it.  Although I don't agree with everything they say, I feel like they gave a pretty balanced view.  They are encouraging women to do their homework and consider going more naturally but encourage medical intervention when needed.  Now, the idea of a home birth is still pretty out there for me :) and even at the birth center feels to out there, but if I am ever pregnant again I will definitely plan for a unmedicated birth.  

So in the end I have come to a place where I will share my story with anyone who wants to know, would love for all women to have the experience I did and would hope they would at least research and consider it.  BUT I totally understand that it is not for everyone! And there are women who would have loved to have a birth with out meds or intervention but that was not Gods plan for them.  And there is NOTHING wrong with that! Ultimately a healthy baby and mama is the most important thing. So if you are expecting do some home work! You might say "That is not for me!" (and that's great) but you might surprise yourself and do something your never thought you could!