Wednesday, July 5, 2006
Babies Must Come Out
I've been through it twice, so the mystery aspect is gone. However, giving birth still gives me a small case of dread. I usually combat that with images of seeing and holding that little baby for the first time, which is amazing enough to renew my courage about labor. I choose to labor without an epidural, which is not very common here in Dallas, TX. Before labeling me some sort of super-woman let me just say that my main reason for not having an epidural is fear! Immense fear of the epidural needle. Why anyone would want a thick 4 inch needle stuck into their back dangerously close to their spinal cord is beyond me. I would much rather endure labor pain. I have other reasons for not having anesthesia though. I am of the opinion that labor is a natural event, that although somewhat painful, is do-able and I feel it's rewarding to be an active part of the birth process. I am glad to not have any powerful pain medicine in my system or the baby's. I think recovery is quicker and easier (although I guess I can't really compare since I've never done it with an epidural.) I know people think why feel any pain if you don't have to? I guess my response is why cover up pain if you don't have to?
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2 comments:
"I am of the opinion that labor is a natural event, that although somewhat painful..."
Somewhat painful?!?! My very few hours of labor that I endured before begging for that thick needle was not just somewhat painful, but excrutiatingly painful!! Stubbing my toe would be "somewhat painful"... labor was extremely painful! However, my mom had 2 births with pain medication & her last birth with no pain medication (that was me). She did say that the recovery after delivering me was much, much easier than the recovery with my sisters. So, she is highly in favor of delivering without pain medication, as well.
I still think you are a super-woman, though!!
- Amberly
Becky, you are a stronger woman than I am! I lasted an hour of being in pain with Caleb and had had enough of the pain after that! :) The epidural was not a big deal for me at all. I hardly even felt anything at all, and the relief I felt afterwards was worth it.
Anyone who can go through the whole labor process without medication is still my hero though! :)
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