With both our first and upcoming second births, both mine and my husband’s families are supportive of our decision for natural birth. My siblings and I were taught years ago, from our mom, that “natural” was “normal” and that our bodies were built to bear children. She gave birth to all four of us naturally, so when I told her about my decision to have a natural birth, she was very supportive. My husband’s family, though there are differing opinions about childbirth, were also supportive of our choice and never said anything to discourage us.

With our first pregnancy we also received great encouragement from our midwives, our Hypnobirthing class instructor, as well as our second birth class instructor. We surrounded ourselves with friends and educators who would only nurture our decision and not try to dissuade us.

I’m not one for confrontation and I don’t like debating. It’s not my personality type. But when someone expresses anxiety about my decision to have a natural birth, I listen to their concerns and then I try to explain to them why there’s no need to worry.

There were a few family members, friends and co-workers who were surprised anyone would ever want to labor without the use of drugs to lessen the pain. I only received a few comments to the tune of, “Good luck with that” and “Just wait ‘til you’re in labor. You’ll change your mind!” But with those comments, I was even more determined to prove them wrong and show them that my body and mind could manage the pain…. not because I’m special or different or superhuman, but because I’m a woman who trusts in her body.

I usually handle the negativity or skepticism well.  I try not to be rude and I try not to force my opinions or beliefs on anyone. I know that natural birth isn’t for everyone. Some women would rather use drugs to numb the pain and they’re happy with their decision. I say to each his own. Sometimes when people respond negatively about my desire for natural birth, I kindly reply that drugs are still a fairly new “answer” to the pain of childbirth. I remind them that women have been giving birth since the beginning of time and our bodies were designed perfectly (by whomever you wish to believe designed them) to make and give birth to babies.  It’s the interventions and pain management techniques offered that have changed.

You can read more of Bitty Mama’s Birth Journey by…


…turning back to read more about the decision-making process… Decisions, Decisions (Part 2)

…reading the next page, what she is doing to prepare for this birth… Preparations