Why did I want a natural birth?
I originally didn’t want a natural birth. I didn’t know much about birth; I just knew that I didn’t want a c-section. I work with numbers and statistics, so I researched the best ways to avoid a c-section. The numbers told me to stay away from most US hospitals. After learning about the benefits of natural birth to both mom and baby, my mind was set.
What did I learn from the experience?
I learned that most of the pain from birth is due to the fear of birth. The only time I was in really bad pain was when I was afraid. The stitches hurt worse than labor/delivery.
What it did for my baby?
My baby was very alert from the beginning. She was able to come home 5 hours after being born, and we were all able to get a great night’s sleep.
How has it changed me as a person? My family? My perspective?
I always wanted to adopt to avoid having to be pregnant and having to give birth. Immediately after delivering my daughter, I exclaimed, “I can’t believe I did it!” I was thrilled to meet my daughter and was very proud of myself. Giving birth at the Madison Birth Center made me want a large family. Although my husband thought I had lost my mind when I told him I wanted to give birth outside of a hospital, he is now a huge fan of birth centers, midwives, and natural childbirth. We look forward to expanding our family with the help of the Madison Birth Center.
