There are things about the hospital that can slow down the natural process of birth. The logistics of hospital admission, the wait to get in a room, the lights, the staff, the initial fetal monitoring, and the limitations. I find it important to protect your space which is why my birth plan specifies dim lights, quiet, limited staff, minimal cervical checks, intermittent fetal monitoring, and free to move. I also noted not to mention the time and how dilated I was. I had no concept of time and cervical change in Violet’s labor and I believe it helped me stay in the zone and not focus on the numbers. Around 5 am was my first cervical check and I was 6.5/7cm dilated so my midwife told me since things were progressing fast and the baby could come at any moment.

While I am so happy with my natural birth experience, this isn’t to say that an unmedicated birth is better than a medicated one or vaginal over cesarean. It is to stress the importance of being informed, taking control, feeling respected, preparing, and removing fear out of birth. In my opinion, that is how you have a positive birth story.

I was really in a bad place. I felt guilty, depressed, overwhelmed and worried. I knew that we were headed towards giving him away. Anyone who knows me can attest that I was obsessed with this dog.

I think more awareness and knowledge are important. Also, if a mother wants to breastfeed and hits roadblocks or difficulties like I did then I would want her to know there are other doable options because it can be very hard on a mom to not be able to breastfeed as she hoped. We put pressure on ourselves to be the best mothers on top of all the societal pressures, but you need to do what is best for you, your baby, and your mental health.

All I can say is as a parent always keep pushing if you know something is wrong. People will tell you not to Google and drive yourself crazy, but there is a difference if your intuition is telling you otherwise. I think it is very important to choose healthcare providers that you feel listen to you and provide the care you expect.