Got Birth Plans?

By Anna Snyder

So, the baby is coming soon. Have you decided whether you are going to have an epidural or not? Have you decided what was going to happen? Sometimes we are ready, but sometimes things are no longer in our control.

Most of us are quite sure that we are going to have a "natural" birth, including drug free. Others opt for the medications that make us comfortable. This quite often depends on our pain tolerance. There is no shame in having medication to help us through this time. Because of all the research that has been happening over all these years, child birth is no longer a horrible experience with tons of pain. We now have options at our finger tips.

There is some exceptions to the rule in regards to pain medication. Some women are terrified of needles, or just want to have the least invasive birth possible. There are other options for them in this case (e.g. laughing gas). Some women just have no choice because of technical difficulties, and others just want to be comfortable.

As far as natural birth (whether with drugs or without) or C-section, amazingly we do have a choice if we want one or the other. Strangely enough, some women do choose to have the C-section and avoid the pain of child birth. I guess we are slightly blinded by the fact that yes, if we do choose that method, we do avoid the birthing pains, but what about the pain afterwords? Did you know that a Cesarean is major surgery? What about the pain after that?

For the epidural, have you thought of the complications that could happen during and throughout this? I guess as women, we don't think of the implications, we just want the quick fix. I won't scare you with the details of my experience, just be careful. Do your research about topics.

I have experienced both natural birth and C-section, and let me tell you, I would rather pick the natural birth, no matter the tons of complications that went with it. The recovery afterwords is so much easier and quick compared to the slow recovery of the C-section. After a Cesarean (since the major muscle was cut), you can't do abdominal exercises for 6 weeks or longer. That definitely can be a drag. Once again, my experiences with these two are quite grotesque, so I won't scare you with them.

What I am trying to say with this article is: do your research. Don't let other people scare you with their stories (that is why I didn't tell you my stories), but still be open minded to what is available for you. Educate yourself, and your spouse or significant other. Make a plan, and try to stick to it (unless circumstances change it of course). Each experience is unique, so please take it day by day and try to enjoy life. - 30525

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