Love this take, Rachel. I have had two inductions by necessity (GD during pregnancy) and the experiences were night and day simply by my own 'agency' and how I felt able to make decisions. My second birth, I knew what I was in for and prepared accordingly. I felt confident and respected by the hospital team and had a very happy, present birth experience. (The first time I had gone in with the "NO EPIDURAL!" being shouted in my ear via influencers and was ashamed after 24 hours of induced labor to finally succumb to getting one - which, thank goodness I did - I finally progressed and had that baby!) If we have more children, I will gladly and consciously choose the hospital and I DO think there is a trend in 'natural' circles to view this is a 'non choice' or a less-than option which as you say, is just so disrespectful and not true. My good friend and godmother to one of my children recently had her second baby at home (after an emergency c section with her first) and she was thrilled and empowered by it. I was happy for her - just as she had been happy for me. How it should be!
Yes! This is what I keep reflecting on. We should celebrate what feels safe, sacred and empowering for each other's unique situations, bodies, and stories. Thank you for sharing!
I’m a fellow GD (3x) mom and I’m expecting my third this autumn. This will be my first time planning a hospital birth and it was really nice to come across your positive anecdote! Thank you for sharing.
I’m calling this a “cold take” — a refreshingly balanced and thoughtful perspective that is pro-family and anti-snark. Thank you for having the courage to speak firmly to both sides of this issue.
Love this take, Rachel. I have had two inductions by necessity (GD during pregnancy) and the experiences were night and day simply by my own 'agency' and how I felt able to make decisions. My second birth, I knew what I was in for and prepared accordingly. I felt confident and respected by the hospital team and had a very happy, present birth experience. (The first time I had gone in with the "NO EPIDURAL!" being shouted in my ear via influencers and was ashamed after 24 hours of induced labor to finally succumb to getting one - which, thank goodness I did - I finally progressed and had that baby!) If we have more children, I will gladly and consciously choose the hospital and I DO think there is a trend in 'natural' circles to view this is a 'non choice' or a less-than option which as you say, is just so disrespectful and not true. My good friend and godmother to one of my children recently had her second baby at home (after an emergency c section with her first) and she was thrilled and empowered by it. I was happy for her - just as she had been happy for me. How it should be!
Yes! This is what I keep reflecting on. We should celebrate what feels safe, sacred and empowering for each other's unique situations, bodies, and stories. Thank you for sharing!
I’m a fellow GD (3x) mom and I’m expecting my third this autumn. This will be my first time planning a hospital birth and it was really nice to come across your positive anecdote! Thank you for sharing.
I’m calling this a “cold take” — a refreshingly balanced and thoughtful perspective that is pro-family and anti-snark. Thank you for having the courage to speak firmly to both sides of this issue.
Hahaha, love this. "Takes" are perhaps best served cold!
WE WERE SO BLESSED BY YOUR PRESENCE!!!!!
So grateful to have been invited!