Epidural?? I'd rather not...

So I have long decided that I'm going to have a natural birth.  I know, I know, I know.  Trust me, I've heard it all from all the women who have gone with the traditional birthing method with epidurals.  But what it really comes down to is what works for me and what I am most comfortable with.  I've chosen to deliver naturally for a couple reasons and not just because I hate hospitals and all of the unnecessary interventions they tend to use, or because of the fact that I hate I.V.s and the meds that course through them that always make my skin crawl, but for the mere fact that one, I don't want my son to experience more intense and longer contractions due to Pitocin, and two, I trust my body to do what it was meant to do, what it knows to do.  Now I know many of you out there are thinking I'm crazy but I have to say this brings me the most peace.  I'm looking forward to my delivery and know without a shadow of a doubt that it will be harder than I can possibly ever prepare myself for, but it's totally doable.  Completely possible.  Now of course if for some reason I end up being high risk, or there are serious complications where it's critical for the baby to come out sooner rather than later, then I will do what the doctor suggests I do.  After all, I'm having my baby at the hospital (my insurance doesn't cover home births), but without interventions like epidurals, Pitocin, etc.  And I know that a lot of times these interventions are absolutely necessary.  I am not knocking the traditional hospital birthing experience, I just don't feel comfortable with those methods.  But I am trying to be proactive by drinking enough water, eating right, exercising and gaining a healthy weight.  My stress levels are almost non-existent which I'm grateful for, but again, I am doing what I need to do to weed out unnecessary stress and complications.  I feel in my heart that this is what I need to do, so I'm following my instincts.  :)

So after meeting with one of my best friends that I grew up with who happens to be a doula (anyone who lives here locally in AZ, message me and I'll get you her contact info:)), I feel even more excited and ready to start preparing myself for delivery mentally, emotionally, physically and spiritually.  She recommended a few books, two of which I picked up today at Barnes and Noble and the other I ordered from Amazon.com.  Included a pic for anyone who wants to check them out.

Here they are:

1. Natural Childbirth the Bradley Way by Susan McCutcheon
2. HypnoBirthing: The Mongan Method by Marie F. Mongan, M.Ed., M.Hy. (Includes a CD with relaxation and breathing exercises)
3. The Birth Book by Dr. Sears (this one I ordered from Amazon - here's the link since the copy won't cut/paste: http://www.amazon.com/The-Birth-Book-Everything-Satisfying/dp/0316779075/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1378788804&sr=8-1&keywords=the+birth+book)



I will be videotaping the birth and no... I will NOT post it for all to see...!  hahahahh Now THAT would be crazy. lol  But I will go back post delivery, watch the video and document the basics with what worked for me and what didn't, how the pain levels were, and so on.  (Baby Noah is kicking like crazy right now...I think he's kicking with approval on this whole idea of natural birth lol)

For anyone who has questions about home births or natural births, I recommend watching The Business of Being Born.  It's a documentary on Netflix, and now has a few more series that they have added to the original doc and it is amazing!  Really opens your eyes to a whole new world that has been long forgotten but seems to be making its comeback recently.  Again, this isn't for everyone and those who are high risk or have other complications, wouldn't be able to go this route.  But it's at least a good piece to bring awareness of what goes on with the meds that are administered both inside the womb with that sweet baby and yourself.  And even more importantly, just make sure you have a plan.  Whether that is to do natural or not, c-section or home birth, having a plan and even a back up plan will make the experience less frightening and will give you the control that you need to have during your birthing experience.  After all...it's YOUR body.  Don't let anyone else tell you what's best for your body.  Only you could possibly know that.  :)  If anyone has an experience of a home, natural or traditional birth they would like to share, please feel free!  I love baby stories:)

Ok, well this Mama is going to bed.  Well, after I feed myself yet again..hahahh...

Goodnight to all!!

LOVES...