Birth: Au Naturel

The GIF above is probably the typical picture we have in our heads about how birth happens. This is understandable given, that most of us never witness an actual birth until we go through it ourselves. We only know what we see in movies. I know it's how I thought all births happened. Looking a sweaty mess, while in agony, and screaming at every one in the room during this huge medical procedure. Yeah...No thanks, I don't want to do that. Thanks Hollywood... So if this is the picture I have in my head of birth, why on earth would I want to do it naturally (un-medicated)?!

Before I get into the details of why and why not, I just want to say that I, in no way, look down on anyone who chooses a medicated birth. If that is what you choose, then more power to you for making a decision that you're happy AND comfortable with. My only intention of this article is to let people know that they really do have options when it comes to bringing a child into the world. Whether you choose a medicated or unmedicated birth, my only hope is that you will give yourself the knowledge to make a decision that YOU are happy with. Not someone else. YOU! Whenever I would hear people say that they are having a natural child birth (without an epidural/pitocin) I honestly would think that they were crazy. I had no idea why someone would want to suffer and go through pain when they didn't have to. My second thought was that these were some hippy weirdos.

But I'll be honest, I've got a little hippy in me and I'm not ashamed! Just ask my husband. Ok back to the point. I didn't know why someone would do things this way until I became pregnant and did my own research. Here are the FACTS (not opinions) on why I'm going au naturel: EPIDURALS An epidural is a regional anesthetic. This means that only a particular area is affected. An epidural is going to block the nerve impulses that signal pain to the brain in the surrounding area. Resulting in reduced pain 🙌🏼 What this can also do to your body during labor is prevent you from feeling when your body needs to push in order to help deliver the baby. Because you may not be able to push the baby out yourself, forceps or the vacuum may be needed to assist which can potentially cause harm to baby as well as result in further interventions for mama, like an episiotomy. If the baby is not able to be delivered quickly enough, ultimately a C-Section would be needed which only increases risk for both mom and baby as well as increases recovery time for mom after birth. PITOCIN Pitocin is a synthetic form of oxytocin. Oxytocin is produced naturally in the body and is known as one of the "feel good" hormones. It also induces labor and causes uterine contractions which helps baby be delivered and also promotes bonding between mama and little one. When Pitocin is used, labor contractions are intensified. More pain is felt and the contractions are stronger and more frequent. This can cause the baby to be put in distress. If baby is in distress baby is at risk 😮🙁. When baby is at risk it is necessary to get baby out ASAP as possible (Office reference there 😏. Anyone else know the episode I'm referring to?). Most often, women who have an epidural will also need the assistance of Pitocin. Because Pitocin is a synthetic form of Oxytocin, it may decrease the amount of Oxytocin produced naturally by the body and interfere with Oxytocin's natural role and can:

• Cause increased stress in mom

• Lead to increased risk of PPD

• Reduce bonding between mother and baby after birth

• Inhibit latching, breastfeeding, and overall lactation

These are the two main factors when researching a natural or unmedicated birth, but really it is just scratching the surface of all of the choices that are necessary to make. When receiving an epidural or Pitocin you will also need to be hooked up to an IV as well as have fetal monitoring which can greatly limit your mobility, leaving you tied to the bed, on your back. Which is not an optimal position for labor! Lying on your back can inhibit your pelvic girdle from opening making it harder for baby to get out! You'll also be fighting AGAINST gravity during the process by being situated this way. I have yet to deliver my little girlfriend that's growing inside me, but as of right now I have made the decision to have an unmedicated birth. Who knows, maybe that will change once I'm in the moment or if circumstances make it necessary to have medical intervention. I am totally open to things changing to get my baby out strong and healthy which I'm sure is your ultimate goal as well! What I am happy about is that I have the power and knowledge to make the decision myself rather than blindly following what someone else says, and so do you, Mama! 😘 Whatever you choose is your decision! Choose it and feel good about it! Don't feel guilted or shamed into making a decision based on what someone else thinks. This applies to all aspects of birth and motherhood. Just because someone does it one way, doesn't mean it's right for you!