Actually, I’m Just Normal
I read this great post called “Natural Birth Isn’t Beneficial.” It argues that we should stop talking about the “benefits” of natural birth (and breastfeeding) and accept it as normal. We are made to give birth without drugs, so let’s acknowledge that fact and shift our discussion to the risks of interventions.
I loved this post because, frankly, talking about J’s birth sometimes makes me feel like a freak of nature. When I tell the story–a story that can be summarized this way: I was pregnant for 42 weeks then gave birth naturally to a 10 pound baby after being induced with Pitocin–the listener looks at me like I have 3 heads. But I’m just normal. I did what my body was made to do. I didn’t think the risks of deviating from that path were justified.
I hope this post and its concept spread quickly.