This week was the first week of our Bradley Method childbirthing class. I went solo, since Matt was out-of-town on business, but because it was the very first class, it was mainly introductions, how far along in our pregnancies we were, and why we chose the Bradley Method. The group is pretty diverse, we run the gamut when it comes to where we will be delivering, but ultimately, we all share a common goal. To have the best birthing experience possible.
Throughout this pregnancy, I have become obsessed with spreading the word when it comes to childbirthing, as most of you know. I truly believe that unless women become more educated about their options, our society is going to dictate how birthing is done. The same applies for a variety of issues: contraception, breastfeeding, pop culture…our decisions are constantly influenced by our peers and the world around us. It is up to us to “be the change we wish to see in the world”. And, I feel it is our mission to spread the gospel. We need to save women from unnecessary procedures, including Cesareans.
Now, don’t misunderstand me. There are VALID reasons for medical intervention when it comes to childbirth. Ultimately, we all want a healthy baby and healthy mom. But, many women don’t understand that having an epidural significantly increases the likelihood of a C-section. Maybe if women knew more, they would be reluctant to have an epidural. Unfortunately, breech babies are one-way tickets to a Cesarean birth these days. Partly, due to it being safer, but also due to the fact that doctors no longer know how to deliver breech babies, or attempt external versions. And, with some doctors flat out refusing to perform vaginal births after Cesarean (VBACs), women are either driving long distances to find a willing provider or laboring at home (and even in hospital parking lots) until the last minute to ensure a vaginal birth. There’s got to be an easier way, and a better way.
Which, brings me back to our class. Many, actually about half, of the couples in our class have chosen to have a homebirth with a midwife, by choice. If you have conjured up pictures of ponytailed hippies and broom skirts, you can quickly erase that image right now. Our class is not full of hippies. Rather, far from it. One woman is a research analyst for the government. Another, a lobbyist on Capital Hill. We even have a Labor & Delivery nurse who has CHOSEN to have a homebirth, and if anybody knows about birthing in a hospital, SHE does.
I know that as time goes on this class will become more and more tiring. A two-hour class for twelve weeks is going to be tiresome, but I believe that the more information we have going into the delivery room, the better the odds are that I will be able to do what women for generations before me have done.
This is just one of several controversial questions will be addressed and potentially discussed in further detail. Feel free to respond, but before you do, read the fine print.
However, be prepared. I might seriously consider a homebirth in the future.
