My journey really starts out just over 4 years ago, with the birth of my second child. Sure, I'd been a mother before that, but the birth of my first daughter triggered something. There has to be a better way!
My oldest was born in the hospital, epidural was administered after my water had been broken for me. I'd been given a time limit on how long I could labor, was threatened with a cesarean section, coached pushing and deep suctioning of my son for traces of meconium found in the waters. It was traumatic, but I walked away with the satisfaction of a healthy baby. So with my oldest daughter, I got the epidural before I consented to having my water broken, the whole thing was peaceful and we were crowning before we knew it (or felt it for that matter). But it still didn't feel right.
So for baby #3, I did my homework. I was more informed, and put up a fight with my doctor. I knew how this worked, and I wanted to do things right! I started talking about my birth plan probably halfway through my pregnancy. We agreed on just about everything, and when the day came I was still disappointed.
I had gone into the hospital at my husbands urging, even though I didn't feel ready. My labor went into a lull after consenting again to having my waters broken, and due to hospital policy, I reluctantly agreed to pitocin. My labor was long and hard, but done with out an epidural. My daughters cord was cut before I wanted it done. Again, looking back things just felt wrong.
I kept researching, and learning. I came to find out that we as a society interfere with labor so much! The things we do to try and help things along come with potentially catastrophic consequences. We inhibit the natural flow of hormones by administering drugs. We don't teach our daughters that pregnancy, labor, and birth are all natural processes. Akin to getting your period or growing breasts. So we go into the delivery room scared, all of these strangers poking and prodding, increasing our fears and adding to our pain.
So here I am today. I'm learning what it means give birth as God intended, and to teach others what I've learned. I'm also 32 weeks pregnant with my fourth child and planning a homebirth sans midwife. I'm trusting in my body and in my Creator. Armed with knowledge, love and faith, I'm ready to see what it was that God meant for us to do.
I've never felt better! Each of my prior pregnancies I'd felt terrible, and couldn't wait for it to end. Now, I've got a total calm in regards to my pregnancy. My nutrition is good, and my body is reacting to the care that I've given it. I've got more energy, and feel most days on top of the world, despite the cacophony of life that surrounds me!
