Birth Evolution

I’m pregnant, so I’ve been thinking a lot about birth stories. Specifically, my own story from my first labor and the stories of my family members and friends. When you’re pregnant, there’s a lot of focus on what sort of birth you want to have. “Birth plans,” “care options,” and “standard procedures” become phrases you regularly use in conversation with other women.

I knew early in my first pregnancy that I wanted a natural labor. I wanted everything about my pregnancy and my labor and delivery to be as natural as possible.  It didn’t turn out the way I wanted at all. Some of the blame for my experience rests with the hospital and the care providers I encountered. The rest, well things happen that are beyond anyone’s control.

After my first horrible experience, I became an advocate for women’s choices. I noticed something that has been happening a lot… (Continue this story on the next page)

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