Yes please!
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I’m one of those people who likes to have a full supply of painkillers on hand when I get sick. Nyquil, Tylenol, Afrin, Theraflu (which, btw, is no longer made. Tragedy), pass them my way! Which is why it came as a bit of a shock to some people (Michael, are you reading this?) to find out that I am planning on having a natural birth. After all, if someone hates being in pain, it should naturally follow that this person would opt for an epidural during childbirth, right?
Well, not this girl, turns out.
In all honesty, I’ve wanted to write about this for a few weeks but have struggled with putting the right words to my feelings. I have felt very strongly about going the natural route for awhile now, but I couldn’t quite figure out exactly why it struck such a cord with me. But (yep, get excited for this) I think I figured out my internal struggle.
Here’s the thing: I believe that some pain has a purpose. Sounds nuts (and not just a little eccentric), right? Just wait til I get going…
If you know much about me, you know that I am absolutely in love with running. And not just any running, distance running in particular holds a special place in my heart. To the point of obsession at times, actually… I mean you can’t run marathons without being just a tad bit obsessive, after all.
Anyway, here’s my point: I would never take drugs before going on a run. Even though I know I’ll be in pretty significant pain in an hour (or two, depending on the workout), feeling pain is important because it tells me if I’m doing something wrong. If I’m pushing a little injury too far, if a previous injury flares up, or if a new injury starts to form, it’s important to be aware so I can make adjustments. See what I’m saying? Pain with a purpose. When I get home from said run, I’m all about the Tylenol though, because I don’t see any reason to continue subjecting myself to pain.
I think of childbirth in pretty much the same way.
The human body is pretty freaking awesome. And the female body was made for childbirth (minus the stretch marks… I feel like there’s a flaw somewhere in the plan on that one). If pregnancy has taught me anything, that’s it. Even though I’m fully aware that it will be painful, I think there’s a purpose to the pain. Feeling contractions will allow me to work with my body to deliver my little guy quickly and safely. I don’t like the idea that I’ll have to be told when my contractions are going on, and I really don’t like the thought that I won’t be able to feel how hard I am pushing or should be pushing. Plus, just like with running, I think it’s important to know if I need to make adjustments in order to avoid unnecessary pain once the epidural wears off.
Btw, I don’t think the pain that goes along with the flu or a cold is really that productive. I take more of a “thanks, I’m aware that I’m sick, now stop bothering me” approach to viruses.
Long story short, I really believe that natural childbirth is the best and safest option for me. I have a really hard time with moms/books/professionals who try to impose their beliefs and values on others because each person and circumstance is so different, so don’t think I’m writing this to try and convince you one way or the other. I just wanted to explain to some of you out there (ahem… you know who you are 
) why I’m choosing this route.
Anyway, happy Sunday! Look forward to a bumpdate tomorrow For now, I’m off to bed!
No Thera flu? What!? I have been out of the medicine aisle too long, sad news for sure.
I did 100% natural with my Emma, honestly it hurt but looking back it was no that bad. It is nice that you have such a strong opinion and are doing it your way even if people would think you would go a different route. Good luck!
I think that’s the way it is with pain, you know? It hurts in the moment, but it goes away eventually. That’s what I’m banking on anyway…
Good luck to you too!
I hope you are able to go through with your plan! I’m the opposite of you…I pretty much NEVER use medicine (except antibiotics), but I totally got an epidural both times. I thought I might be able to do without it, but I guess I just don’t have a high enough pain tolerance. But, if things get too intense & you decide you do need an epidural, take comfort in this: I totally felt each contraction even though I had an epidural. I really felt in control when it came time to push and did not need anyone coach me through. So excited for you!!! You will do great!!!
Ooh, thanks! I feel like it’s easy to come up with a plan but really anything can happen when you go into labor, so that makes me feel better knowing that you can feel the contractions
dani. this is why i know we are soulfriends. i have also always imagined myself doing it naturally. obviously, because i’ve had no reason to, i have not researched this. but i assume you have. and since i trust you, i will continue to imagine myself doing it naturally. : ) good luck, dan. i love you.
we really are soulfriends. and i love it. and you!
You can do it!! You can so do it! My thoughts were very similar to yours, and I went natural for both my girls and plan to continue so. Just stay positive. Maybe it’s weird, but during the really hard my-body-is-on-fire contractions, I just thought about running. I thought about running 800s and hills, and how I dislike those workouts, and I would think “just one more, just one more” and that helped. You’ll figure it out. You’ll do great.
I hope little baby comes soon!!
i love that you thought about running during labor
every time i think about it my mind goes to the same thing. are we crazy?? haha i guess people who love running are just a little crazy by nature 
I’m a friend of Julie Grant’s and just happened to see she commented on your latest post. Anyway, I just thought I’d leave my thoughts on this. I had my first daughter naturally, and it was definitely the hardest thing I’ve done, partly just because I didn’t know what to expect it to really feel like. In retrospect, I think if I had done any sort of sport long-term, especially running, it would’ve be excellent preparation. Having the ability to push yourself and to keep focused on the end result will get you through the hardest of it. You might find it much more doable than you imagine.Good luck!
oh i just love julie, she is pretty great
i really hope you are right about running making it a little more bearable. i guess i’m going to find out soon either way! thank you!!