Tuesday, November 18, 2008

Being Born

So those of you who know me know that I give birth naturally. I really believe in it and I am so blessed to have had such wonderful birthing experiences so far. Each birth has been empowering and wonderful. Certainly not pain free and oh-my-gosh I could cry just thinking about it, but liberating to say the least. Unfortunately, both of my children ended up in the NICU for unknown causes--but because I chose to give birth unmedicated, they were able to rule out that cause, and therefore rule out unnecessary treatment for my babies. The pros for a natural birth just keep coming...

I can only count on my one hand how many woman I know personally who have given birth naturally, so by saying this I am not trying to offend. Every birth is so different with very different circumstances. I feel blessed to have the experiences that I had, but I fervently believe that the reason everything went so well for me was because I came into it prepared. I'm an advocate of educating ourselves to know our bodies and make our own decisions when giving birth. It saddens me to know that so many woman simply do what the doctors tell them to do (because we trust them to know what is best). Unfortunately, what is best for the hospital routine isn't always what is best for our bodies and our babies.

Here's where this glorious documentary comes in. It's about the reality of giving birth in this country and how the hospital industry tries to take away our rights. I am not saying you shouldn't deliver in the hospital anymore, what I am saying is that we have choices. I will most likely continue to deliver my babies within the hospital walls due to my 2 previous NICU experiences, but even within those walls I have a voice and a right to own my experience there.

Okay--so here it is:

I just watched THIS..and I am seriously so happy. My voice is no longer speaking alone. I feel heard now that the volume is up, and proud, and optomistic for a world where women realize what rights are ours. Our body. Our child. Our birthing experience.
(Don't you feel a march coming on? Saturday-10am-cookies will be served:)

Hell YA!

Go rent it. Now:)

7 comments:

Sunshine Promises said...

Love the post, Carrie. I, too, advocate an INFORMED woman working with her doctor to make the best decisons for her and her baby. And for each pregnancy that "right decision" may be different.

My mom's first 4 babies were delivered naturally (the last 3 c-section) and thus she was a big advocate for that. So I delivered Emma naturally but unfortunately had a VERY excrusiating labor, delivery and recovery. I couldn't even sit for 4 months and had MANY painful complications.

However, I know that my experience is not what all natural births are. So women, take control of your health, your bodies and your babies. It's one of the the most important decisions you'll ever make.

Sarah said...

That looks great! I can't wait to watch it.
Birthing both my babies naturally was an experience that I wouldn't trade for anything. No, it wasn't painless (esp. Gabby!), but it was good! The Bradley method was crucial for me in giving my the info and encouragement I needed to make my own decisions and have a positive experience both times.
What an empowering event! It's just like she said on the preview, "if I can do this, I can do anything!"

Mary Seals said...

Are you making an announcement with this statement?

Carrie said...

good gosh--NO. I am not pregnant.

Mary Seals said...

just checking.

Anonymous said...

You are so right! I had Savanna naturally but the nurses fought me every step of the way. It's a long story that I'll have to tell you some time. I had already been in labor 12 hours and the doctor came in and said that if I didn't push her out in the next hour, they were going to take her by c-section. I got so mad and said, "no you are NOT" and even though it took a few more hours, I managed to bring my daughter into the world on my own. My sister-in-law planned better and had the benefit of a midwife. It was the best decision she could have made for herself. Every woman should have the benefit of a midwife at her side to be her advocate and make sure things don't get turned around on you.

J said...

I'll have to watch this! I've been thinking about you a lot lately. I bragged about you to my co-worker today....much love...peace out homie.

Blog Widget by LinkWithin