Natural Birth no longer the norm!

Since when did having a 'natural birth' become so 'unnatural?' Hubby and I have been going to birthing classes to help prepare for this little one and when the instructor asked who was having a natural birth, only me and one other couple raised our hands (out of around 15 couples). I know the norm in this day and age is to get an epidural and as much medical intervention as possible. Why?? Because women can't handle it, NO, because it's something that we have been told by the medical community and other people. Our bodies were designed to give birth and we have everything we need within us to do so.

The instructor then goes on to say, well this course used to be 8 weeks long and we covered numerous breathing techniques for labor, unfortunately it had to be cut down into 4 weeks, so we only 'touch' on the subject of breathing. Great--so now you have to either stay after class or find another program I suppose if you want to learn more breathing techniques! 

The thing that bothers me the most are the reactions when someone asks me about labor and if I am going to get an epidural. Usually I get a look like I have just turned into an alien, people shake their head and laugh or simply just say, "you're crazy and wont' be able to do it." Well, thanks for supporting your fellow mommy-to-be!

I'm not trying to be a hero and I'm not saying that you are weak if you receive an epidural and don't attempt to have a natural birth. This is just something that has been laying heavy on my heart to do and I believe with lots of positive support from my husband and prayer, God will give me the strength I need to get through the rough parts--enough with the faces, I'm sure it's all rough ;)

Yes, this is my first child so I have NO idea what I'm in for. I know it's going to hurt....bad.....and maybe I will get to a point where I want some pain intervention, which I'm not opposed to getting if the baby is in distress and I'm too weak to push. Of course, you can plan to have this relaxing, calm birth experience and things could go the complete opposite way. That's okay if that happens, as long as the baby is safe, I hope to have her as naturally as possible. If something goes haywire and something needs to occur that I wasn't planning on for the baby's sake, you bet I will do to keep that little one safe. 

The biggest thing is to stick to your guns if you feel strongly about having a natural birth, try not to get to discouraged by others (I'm trying very hard!!) read positive blogs and practice breathing techniques to get yourself as prepared as possible. I know I'm in for a tornado of pain and sweating but it's only temporary and when I see my little miracle's face, that pain will be washed away :)  

Hospital Bag part 2!

Maybe I packed toooo much, but I thought I was being conservative with what I'm taking for baby girl! As a first time momma packing a diaper bag for the very first time, I realized how small they are! Well, maybe it's the giant, cuddly fleece blanket that I shoved in there that is taking up so much room! 

Here is what is in the bag for baby:

• 2 receiving blankets
• 1 warm blanket to cover up on the way home
• in the little green bag I packed a brush, nail clippers, vaseline & nasal aspirator
• 2 small bibs/2 burp cloths
• going home outfit & hat
• 2 long sleeve pjs & coordinating hats ;)
• "Daddy's Lucky Charm" outfit in case she is born or goes home on St.
  Patty's day :)
•  penguin wub-a-nub binkie 
• in the sheer pink bag I packed some socks & scratch mittens 
• I will be taking the boppy as well for breast feeding, but it's not in the picture! 

The hospital provides diapers so I will not be taking any of those--although the plan is to use cloth diapers, we will be using disposable for a little while. I also will be taking a variety of things that can't be packed yet, but are waiting on standby for hubby to throw in our bags once labor begins!

Those items not to forget are:

• camera/charger
• phone chargers
• nook
• earphones for iphone
• baby book so they can stamp her little feet!
• glasses
• pillows/blanket for hubby
• hairbrush/hairdryer
• makeup  
• SNACKS! My husband could eat 24/7 so this is a must! 

As far as a bag for the man of the house--He packed his own clothing but I made sure to shove in my toiletry bag his travel deodorant/body wash, etc.  because I am sure there will be some major sweating going on in the hospital!! 

In my many wonderful gifts that I have received, I got a cute little notebook that I have been writing everything in for the hospital. As you may know, pregnancy brain can cause you to forget even the most simple things!! 

In this notebook I wrote down my checklist for packing bags, what not to forget, my birth plan and telephone numbers that hubby may not have in his phone to contact after baby. I would recommend getting a little notebook to help be your brain :)