Can we just be positive?

Question

Obviously I'm well aware that labor comes with discomfort and pain. But whenever I tell women I'm going to have an unmedicated birth they immediately respond in such a negative way? 
"Yeah right, you say that now, you'll be begging for an epidural, etc."

why can't I get any support or encouragement. I feel as women we are criticized enough. Childbirth shouldnt be perceived as a fearful experience. It's natural and women have been doing it for years. Our bodies were made for this.

I believe that if I exercise and train my mind and focus on what my body is saying I'll be fine. Confidence is key. I'm not scared at all. I'm excited to finally meet my son. 
 I want to feel labor pains and feel empowered as a women! 
I can do this.

So if someone comes to you saying they're interested or plan on having a natural birth experience. Just give support and respect they're views.

Answer

Heh, I know this isn't really comparable, but my first tattoo was on my ribs, and I had people shake their heads at me. I was determined to not let pain stop me from what I wanted!
I'm hoping for an unmedicated birth as well. I will plan for it and my husband and midwife are going to prepare with me, but I have an open mind about needing some help. 
Regardless, I'm not sure where I was going with this, so I apologize, but best of luck to you and me, momma! Let's do this :)

Answer

I haven't told anyone other than my husband and mom that I plan to go unmedicated just to avoid negative comments. I have been finding I'm keeping more and more to myself about everything during my pregnancy to avoid unsolicited advice 😊

Answer

I couldn't agree with this more! Thanks so much for posting this. I'm 30 weeks in with my first and have been receiving the identical reaction from seemingly everyone...doctor, friends, family, etc. Luckily my husband is super supportive and we've hired a doula. But, so shocking that a goal of a natural birth is met with such negativity or disbelief. I would never think of judging a mommy for choosing an epidural or medicated pain relief.  Any ideas why natural is so uncommon and unsupported?

Answer

Exactly!!!!

Answer

I say "Well, you're a stronger woman than I & good luck" I went to 7 cm without an epidural, had I known I was 10 minutes away from meeting my baby maybe I could've made it. But hey, I had a beautiful, healthy baby so who cares.

Answer

Hypnobirthing! I've heard of women who didn't push and were soo zoned out that their babies just slid out. I'm looking into it since I'm doing a homebirth. We got this!!! Who cares what everyone else says. Let's prove em wrong.

Answer

Watching "The Business of Being Born" and "More About the Business of Being Born", really gave me some insight. Great advice from real women and Ina May Gaskin.

Answer

I couldn't agree more! I have expressed my desire to have a natural birth to a few people and got such negative responses that it honestly has made me think like wait, are they right? Can I do this? I'm trying not to let the haters psyche me out!!

Answer

First of all - well done :-) I think it's amazing that you can be so positive about this.

Personally at 16w3d with #1  im terrified... but I just keep telling myself it's just one day for a little miracle.  I have no idea what I'm going to do pain relief wise - I think much of it will be decided during labour.

But seriously good luck and I wish you all the best :-) xxx

Can we just be positive?

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