Monday, February 7, 2011

Who Controls Childbirth?

Being approximately 9 weeks away from my big day, I found this article super interesting. I really like the perspective this author takes. It seems like so many of the perspectives you hear about childbirth are dogmatic on one side or another, so I like that she's not. And, I really like her point that the whole movement of women wanting to "take back" their childbirth experience, as admirable as it is, probably stems from our need and desire for control--and to categorize everything as either a success or failure.

Who Controls Childbirth?: Health: Self.com

In case you're wondering, I do, in fact, have a "birth plan." My hospital/OB practice actually gives all its patients birth plan forms to fill out and indicate various preferences. Though it kind of restricts us to have choices only within the categories they allow choices, I like the system they have set up. It gives me more confidence that they'll actually pay attention to my plan.

And, to be honest, I don't care nearly as much about the method of delivery as I do about what happens immediately afterwards. I think the fact that my mom had an emergency C with me after about 30 hours of unmedicated labor has set me up with pretty low expectations. In my mind, labor is a means to an end, and I mostly care about surviving and reaching the end!

5 comments:

Lesley said...

That's a very sweetly written article... I agree that birth options are very confusing, and unfortunately the discussion tends to be dominated by fear-mongers on both sides.

AnxiousMummyto3 said...

This is such an interesting article! thanks for sharing it, the idea of a birth plan is certainly on my mind these days. I loved when she said she's not sure she was made to give birth vaginally. I really hope no matter what your birth experience is wonderful, friend! You are right about how our mum's experiences do affect your expectations. Remember if you need to ask any questions about c-sec let me know! Take care

Anonymous said...

great article! Thanks for sharing! I can't believe you are only 9 weeks away! :-)

A m a n d a said...

I agree...9 weeks?!? That's nothing!! So excited for you :)

I enjoyed that article...it puts a new spin on how childbirth is seen nowadays. I think you have the right idea. Just listen to your body throughout, focus on getting through it, and no matter how it happens, it's all about the baby!

Kakunaa said...

Great article! I have a birth plan, but with so much else with this pregnancy, I am well aware that it could go a completely different route, and in the end, all I want is a healthy baby next to me. Control is so beyond me at this point that I am learning to relinquish it and let things roll as they may. Thanks for sharing!