Thoughts About Birth

I read a blog about natural childbirth and I had to share my views on the opposing end of the spectrum.
I am in favor of epidurals and childbirth in hospitals. Here is my thoughts on why--you can agree or disagree, but I have to share my point of view. I am not trying to "justify" my choice at all. I am just sharing my experience.

1. My husband watched me endure enough pain. My husband has watched me endure many physical trials in our marriage--miscarriages, kidney stones, gall stones, surgery, and labor included. I did not feel that he needed to watch me endure any more. It almost killed him to watch me in as much pain as I was in already.
   
2. My labor was 40 hours long. I was in labor for 30 hours at home. I was in labor for 32 hours before I got my epidural. I was so exhausted by the time I got the epidural, that I was not mentally there. I wanted to be mentally present for the birth of my child.
   
3. I was able to rest before I gave birth. After the epidural I was able to rest, have a sweet discussion with my husband about what a great thing we were doing, and mentally prepare myself. If I had been in pain straight through, I would have not been able to rest or appreciate what I was doing or how great this was.
   
4. The birth of my child was a very spiritual experience. I felt fully present for the birth of my child. I was way more concerned about her, about how she was doing, about how blessed we were. My thoughts did not center on "getting through" this experience and toughing it out. I felt the heavens open when she came into my life. In my experience, being in less pain made it more spiritual because I was more open to promptings and not so worried about the pain I was in. I have heard other people insinuate that having a natural childbirth makes it more spiritual. I am not saying one way is more spiritual than another, but for me, my experience was a literal opening into heaven.
   
5. I was not going to take any chances if anything went wrong. I have a sister and a nephew who may not be here if they had not been in a hospital with all medical advances in the world available to them. That is pretty sobering. I also had two miscarriages and had some other complications, and was not going to take any more chances. I wanted every medical advance available to me in case something did go wrong.
   
6. My doctor, nurses, and my whole birthing experience was great for me. My mom was able to be there holding my hand and encouraging me right as I was pushing my daughter into the world. My doctor encouraged me and gave me such great support. My husband was there and supporting me. I wanted the experience to be about my baby coming into the world, and not about helping me to "get through" this experience. Everyone was very encouraging and supportive. But, we were all focused on this sweet little spirit, and not worried about me and how much pain I was in.
   

Now, you can agree or disagree. I am definitely not saying one way is better than another. I am saying, that for me, what I did was right. I am still a good mom. I still had a wonderful birthing experience. I don't think that women who have natural childbirths are better moms, women, or laborers than those who use medical advances to help them through labor and childbirth.
Women used to die from childbirth, and I think that not taking advantage of the medical advances available is a tough choice to make.

I am sorry if this sounds preachy, but I had to get my thoughts out there! Agree or disagree, we all have our own opinions.