I feel amazing about my births, but sometimes I feel like I have to hide this truth in the closet.
I feel that I can’t say it too loudly that giving birth is extraordinarily wonderful. Of course it did hurt. It was definitely challenging, but there’s more to the experience.
I gave birth vaginally with the assistance of a midwife, without any medications and without any medical interventions. I define my experience as a natural birth, and I have no regrets.
I’m coming out of the closet to say – Wow! Birth is powerful!
I know after giving birth just how strong I am, in every way. The strength I found through birth gives me the power to mother.
Struggling through contractions I learned much that is not possible to fully put into words, but this I can say – I am certain of what I am capable of accomplishing. I gained confidence through birth.
The ability my body has to grow and birth a human being – is there a greater super power.
I’m coming out of the closet to be a voice that says don’t be afraid to give birth…
- With knowledge – understanding how the labor process works
- With coping techniques – like a nice bath that can ease labor pain
- With freedom to move – not stuck in bed
- With support – a trusted family member, friend, or doula by your side
A natural, vagina, unmedicated birth is possible and so worth doing because of the self knowledge and confidence you will gain.
I’m speaking out because as a doula and childbirth educator I constantly meet women who really want to know if they can. They doubt. They are fearful. They’ve heard that natural birth is foolish and extinct.
To all the women longing to know if their bodies are capable, wondering if they will dilate to 10 centimeters, not sure if they will be able to handle the contractions, or worried that their babies will be too big for birth – I remind you that birth has worked for an extremely long time. Think what would have happened to the human race, if birth didn’t work.
I am very much proud of both of my natural childbirths and I am not afraid or ashamed to say that I am “PROUD!” People are always going to have negative things to say no matter what the accomplishment is, their thoughts and opinions don’t matter though. I am proud of myself when I achieve my goals and you should be too! 🙂
couldn’t agree more! I feel much more confident as a mother after having my second child (first home birth)
I would never, ever be afraid to say you’re proud of something like this. Everything you said is true and even as a stranger I am happy for you that you are able to view bringing your children into the world this way.
I do have to say though that I also have birth to my son naturally and while yes it made me feel invincible afterwards and will always be something I’m proud of, I regret giving birth naturally if I’m being totally honest. I would go through it over and over again for my son whom I love with all my heart and soul, but I suppose that not all women and all birthing experiences are the same. I just regret parts of my experience because I feel like the pain I went through, and for other reasons, that I am done having children even though I have only one and I am only 22. I feel horrible that I barely remember meeting my son for the first time because even though I even managed to be well rested while giving birth and it didn’t take long to push him out, I was in such a daze afterwards that it took away from the moment I had been anxiously waiting for for months. I wish I had your experience and your viewpoint, but sadly I don’t.. like I said though, I am very happy for you and your experience..