Natural Child Birth?

Honestly....I don't care!

I guess I'm appalled at the fact that this other person chose to go out of her way to tell you that "you're wrong". On the rare occasion that that happens to me - the other person does not get such nice, and polite responses from me!
If someone has the audacity to tell me that there's something wrong with me for my beliefs, the gloves come off.

Good for you for being so nice to her. I could not have restrained myself. :)

I think people refer to "natural" as no meds. And of course you can't have a C-section naturally (in that sense!).
It makes me sick that women feel the *need* to *prove* that they are valid, relevant, valuable, committed, selfless, etc. by the criterion of having a child vaginally with no meds.

I feel the same way about women who have a BF agenda, as if formula feeding moms are in some way "less" valid, valuable, committed than BF moms.

There are tons of "naturally" delivered babies that happen to have complete idiots for mothers, as there are BF babies that are no happier, healthier than formula fed babies.
There are many ways to the same end. Happy mom + happy baby + success!

Natural child birth means you labor and deliver without the aid of any drugs or painkillers and the baby is born vaginally -just like it has always occured in nature. No, you cannot have a "natural c-section." Any interference or intervening via drugs or surgical procedures automatically takes you out of natural childbirth.

My cousin went into labor three weeks early and had an emergency Csection due to placential abruption. Ten days later I had my baby, vaginal delivery with no drugs. Three years later we both have beautiful, healthy, fun loving girls and we don't even talk about our delivery experiences!
There are parents out there who adopt their children and will never know "how" they were born, all that really matters is that they are here :)

While vaginal birth is the "natural" way...I had to have C-sections...Yep medical intervention or I would have died in childbirth. It is what it is. While I am sorry I couldn't deliver mother nature's way. I thank God for medical advancement and btw regardless of how the child entered the world...what matters most is how they are raised and nurtured :)

While I respect your opinion on this one... having had a c-section I will strongly atest to the fact that there is NOTHING natural about that procedure. It's surgical and completely devoid of "natural" and "maternal" experiences. I don't think that anyone has ever made me feel less valued b/c I had a c-section. It was either that or we were both going to die. I'll take the intervention, thank you very much!

Epidurals are not natural... chemical/medical procedure designed to eliminate the "natural" parts of laboring, but having had one... yes please!

Before my son was born, I was completely set on "natural" childbirth (meaning no c-section and no meds) b/c that's what our bodies are built for. However, circumstances arose and that wasn't possible. I don't feel like less of a mother and fully intend on trying VBAC on round 2 as long as it's safe. If the pain is too much, I fully intend on having the epidural again and don't feel guilty about it at all.

People make the same comment regarding people who go through fertility treatments. I don't think she was trying to make you feel badly- she was just telling you that no matter how you "spin" it, a c-section with anesthesia isn't "natural childbirth".

Three births. Naturally they were painful. Naturally I wanted pain drugs. Naturally I had epidurals. Except with my second child. Naturally he had the biggest head of any baby to be born. Naturally I wished I'd had the epidural but it was too late. Naturally I didn't make that mistake again. :)

I have to laugh. Now that my kids are in 1st and 3rd grades, if you put them in a lineup with all the kids in their classes, and then said, "Okay! Pick out the ones who were born "naturally!" - I mean, it's just stupid. In the long run, it makes no difference at all. AT ALL.

I don't think it is black and white. There are different births with different degrees of being "natural". So all births are a shade of gray. And it is very subjective.

And, contrary to popular belief, I do NOT think natural always means good/the best. We would be fools not to benefit from modern science. (Check infant and mom mortality rates in countries where women have to have "natural" births as they do not have access to medical care). It is a matter of finding the best balance that works for you.

By the way, I had a vaginal birth, no epidural. (I prefer to call it a "normal" birth). But I would not hesitate to use medication or go through c-section if it was needed.

I always think it means without meds and through no medical help...I did not do natural I got drugs...I don't think she;s saying you're bad for not having a natuaral child birth J. saying that you're using the term wrong...although shes probably not a nice person to talk down to someone and need to express her views so much, but by definition I would think epidural and c-sectio is not "natural" doesnt make it wrong...adoption isn't the natural way to get a baby either but its awesome none the less, J. like c-sections and meds!

My understanding has always been when someone says a "natural birth" they mean a vaginal birth without the help of any medication.

I think it's all pretty much relative. However, it's my understanding that when someone says they gave birth naturally, they mean vaginal, w/ no pain meds. Weather you agree or not isn't really the point. I think it's more important to just know what people mean when they say things. I don't think it's meant as an insult either. I had to have c-sections and was not happy about it, but if I were to have given birth hundreds of years ago I probably would have died because they couldn't do c-sections at the time. I completely understand the feeling of failure because I couldn't give birth "naturally" but try not to take offense to things other people say.

The person who PM'd you sounds like they have issues. Some people feel like they have to become outspoken on certain topics and feel superior to others. This is because they probably have insecurities. Anyway, I believe no one should be made to feel bad about how they birthed their child (or how they feed their baby, or if they sleep with/without their baby, etc). All that matters in the end is a healthy happy baby.

when i say natural i mean no physical medical interference and giving birth the way nature intended it to happen. but if youre hooked up to a bunch of machines, that isnt exactly natural. i include vaginal birth when i say natural, but if there were meds, even it was vaginal i would not say natural, instead i would call it vaginal/c-section. i would never call a c- section natural, but i wouldnt make a big stink about it if someone wanted to believe they had a natural birth having had a c-section, becuase frankly, it isnt hurting me so i dont care!

i had four natural births. three in the hospital one at home (which i LOOOOOVED doing, but couldn't afford the last two times)

my first birth, i didnt care about going natural, i just didnt want it to hurt! but everything happened so fast the drs and nurses couldnt do much but watch!
so i decided to not even have drs and nurses the second time around and everything went so smoothly and perfectly! and by the next two times i knew what i was doing so when i got to the hospital i handed them my birth plan and the only thing i let them do was check on the babys heart beat twice during labor.
i had great experiences going all natural and i would recommend it to everyone who is low risk.

sorry, i have to add one more thing. i noticed that the moms who were taking the most offense to the natural vs not natural birth are the mom swho had c sections or meds during labor. well i have news for you! nobody thinks you are less of a mom! i mean gosh darn it, you still carried those things for nine months! you still dealt with labor and birth and the worst part of it all is the healing process over the next six weeks!!! as a mother who gave birth "all naturally" i would NEVER look down on any other mother! and that includes moms who couldnt experience the beauty of child birth and chose to adopt! we are ALL wonders of nature who deserve the greatest respect!

I don't think just any way of having a baby is "natural". Its not as if the baby isn't going to come out, so just clumping all births as "natural" doesn't make sense.
I think of "natural" as at home, no meds, midwife perhaps etc, but some people think that as long as they don't get an epideral its considered "natural". I think C-Sections, although in VERY FEW cases are required for the health of the mother and child, are invasive and mostly not needed (I suggest watching "Business of Being Born" and/or "Pregnant in America" to get the full spectrum on the increase in c-sections, and how doctors will induce for their own benefit).

If you chose to have a c-section, thats one thing, if the doctor told you it was necessary, thats another. Its your body, you were the one having the child, and in the end, yes, you have a baby regardless of how it came out. Since you are asking about "natural" births though, I will choose to say that c-section is not a "natural" way of birthing, IMO.

–adjective
1.
existing in or formed by nature ( opposed to artificial): a natural bridge.
2.
based on the state of things in nature; constituted by nature: Growth is a natural process.
3.
of or pertaining to nature or the universe: natural beauty.

So, when my children were born by c-section, it was not an artificial belly they sliced open and they were real human beings that have become my universe. Therefore, according to dictionary.com (where the definition above was copied from) there is an argument that even c-section deliveries could be termed "natural."

It's not medical terminology. It is a word whose definition on the subject is "slang" at best. I say "My children opted out the chimney rather than the southern route" but I guarantee you that does not appear in my medical chart and I do not keep firewood in my uterus.

I have no idea why the hell this is such a contentious issue in the first place. I had two vaginal births with epidurals. I got the drugs and liked them! At no time have I ever felt inferior because I got epidurals for my labors. To each their own. Although I do believe that c-sections should be reserved for those with a true medical need for them, I certainly don't want to judge anyone for the decsions they make for childbirth. Everyone should just mind their own business and have respect for each other. If you don't want pain meds, then don't get them. Just don't look down upon someone that makes a different decision.

I agree with everything you said about how some people view childbirth. It saddens me that some view meds, an epidural or a c-section as making one less of a mom. Are we trying to prove something to the world by suffering through needless pain? Are we trying to prove something by putting ourselves and our child in danger by trying to go against medical advise and avoid a c-section at all costs?

Both my boys were boy via c-section, both were medically necessary and, to be completely honest, I was so completely thrilled that I was going to have c-sections.

I was completely terrified of going through labor and pushing a child out by body. Just thinking about the process sent me into periods of depression (not clinical, but really, really scared me).

Does any of this make me less of a mom? My boys certainly don't think so. Does this make me a bit of a wuss? Yep! But I can live with that.

Earlier this week there was another mom who was feeling Judged, because she was going to have a baby by C Section.. Here is my answer.

"The reason for C sections is for women like you that need the help.
And thank goodness. So many women used to die giving birth.

Giving birth is not a competition. It is not about who can go the most natural, who can go totally without pain meds, without making any sounds, without any assistance.. The longest labor, the quickest birth..

None of this matters, except that the newborn is healthy and the mother is safe and healthy also..

You do what is best for YOU. You need to be safe and healthy during the birth, just as much as your newborn needs to be safe during the birth.

Ignore ANYONE that would say such a thing to you. "

And to you, exhausted&lovinit, I ask, Who cares what this other mom said to you? Ignore her if you do not agree, or else reevaluate your own opinion there is nothing wrong with us questioning our reasons when others do not agree with us. It is not a weakness to admit we may have not totally understood, or we have made a mistake.

, and to that mom that sent you these messages, you do not need to set mom straight. If she has a belief that is different than yours, you cannot change others. Just do not respond at all.

Semantics, I wouldnt get stuck on the word "natural" if i was you. Thats like getting stuck on the word "normal" the argument could ensue forever!

Just my opinion though. "Natural birth" to me means, vaginal, with no drugs."vaginal birth' can imply both drugs and not drugs. And c-section----well that one speaks for itself.

I guess i dont consider a c-section "natural", but really, like i said, you seem to be getting hung up on a word and attaching an importance to the term.

*******when i tell people of the natural birth of my second daughter Im telling them how "not scary" it is. I really do believe that doctors and society as a whole do not give mothers the credit they deserve. Most of the time the body will take over and do what it has to and its miraculous. Im not hip to the mommy shame though. Mom should choose a birth plan shes comfortable with. I just like to try to squash the myth that natural birth is awful,,,,,it doesnt have to be.

I think the issue here is that the term natural childbirth refers to childbirth without meds. It is not saying that childbirth via c-section or with meds is unnatural. Sorta like saying that recycling is green. It is not actually green it is just a term universally know to mean that which is good for the environment, ya know?

I think the term ''Natural'' when it comes to child birth is too vague. I think that we have taken how child birth used to be and moved it to literally. If that makes sense.

Natural, for most, is in a hospital. Without drugs(but have them at the ready because everyone has the option to use them). Where you get to roam freely. Where you have nurses and a midwife or doctor near by that will assist you. They check you and so on.

I dont think we should shun and take the term ''Natural'' away from mamas how elect or have no option but to have a c-section. They still made it through the pregnancy. They still get the best prize at the end.

Alot of moms have no choice. They are either high risk and/or may be carrying multiples.

For the mamas who are warriors and can do it at home, in a tub with out all the bells and whistles..you need a more courageous name. I dont know what that would be. You have to admit it takes a very dedicated and determined mind to go all out like that. Some have no other mind then to do it the way old fashion way. I think that is amazing and I wish I was as brave as you.

I used to get a subscription to mothering magazine(great mag btw). I remember reading an article about people who are doing the birthing on there own. No doctors no nothing the husband catches, cuts and carries. Although the stories they shared were beautiful and all turned out more then ok, the possibility something scary could have happen like the mama not clotting or something is just, yikes, in my mind.

I think we owe it to our babies to have them in the safest setting possible. Every one will have their own idea of "Natural'' and ''Safe''. So, natural and safe for one may be having a planned c-section. Or safe may mean they have an emergency c-section. Or an epi. an iv you get where i am going..

I want to be a midwife when I am done rearing young children. I plan on going back to school and getting two degrees...my CNM and a teaching certificate of some sort. I am not sure what I am going to need. I want to have a midwife unit that works within the school system(this is not something that exists yet I am going to push for it once i have the credentials) . I want to educate and make kids that find themselves starting young families aware of what child birth is. I want them to know what all of their options are on giving birth and this will not make exempt the idea of c-section.

To have someone tell you that you are wrong, on what ''Natural''child birth is to you, is just nuts! Every one is entitled to their own mind on what it is.

Sorry I got on a soap box..I am jumping off now!...all of this is my opinion on the matter...

I think the accepted use of the term "natrual childbirth" (and what I think of when I hear natural childbirth) is vaginally with no drugs or epidural. I do often hear people refer to a vaginal birth as "natural", even though they may have had drugs. Some people seem to think that all vaginal births are "natural", as opposed to a c-section. For the record, I had demerol, then an epidural, then an emergency c-section after 23 hours of labor, 3 hours of pushing, and darn baby's head was just too big for my pelvic opening. I didn't care how he arrived, just that we were both safe and healthy!

Everyone has a right to their own opinion. I have had two c-sections. The first because a stupid doctor was in a hurry and the 2nd because my baby had problems. The 2nd was supposed to be a VBAC and my doctor did everything she could to help me get there. We were going natural - 42 hours of labor with no medication, nothing except a wonderful husband, doula, hypnobirthing and an angelic OB.

I do hear you, saying that you appreciate hearing that most women who have vaginal births, are not having "natural" births - because in our country, and especially in your state, the majority of births have a ton of interventions!!

I would suggest that you look up the non-profit organization International Cesarean Awareness Network, ICAN. The website is www.ican-online.org.
I am a chapter co-leader in Florida. Our mission is to improve maternal-child health by preventing unnecessary cesareans through education, providing support for cesarean recovery, and promoting Vaginal Birth After Cesarean (VBAC). Talking about your c-section experience with women who truly understand and have been there might be helpful to you. You are not of less value. In my opinion, you are more valuable - you went through major abdominal surgery and put your own life on the line to save that of your baby. There is no greater love and all of the women out there who birthed through their vagina could not possibly understand what we have done for our babies.

Hugs! C.

I do not think either way is BETTER than the other, and I have had both. I am not at all offended when people mean that vaginal is natural, because that is how you would naturally give birth without medical interference. It never struck me as judgmental against my c-section.

I had my first vaginally with NO drugs, and I don't even consider that "all the way" natural like the old days when women "squatted in the fields and pushed the babies right out". I was in a hospital with all kinds of monitors and all the drugs and equipment necessary standing by.

My second I had vaginally with nubane, so a bit less natural,

and my third was an emergency c-section with the WORKS. She would have died in natural labor because my placenta was detaching and contractions would have shaken it loose and she most likely would have suffocated. So hers was not natural AT ALL. SO what? Doesn't bother me. I feel lucky!

As for my friends who chose c-sections, they never refer to their births as "natural" because that is taken to mean at home with no drugs etc. They just say they had c-sections and don't sweat the natural part. The two camps judging each other is juvenile.

To me, natural means delivering your child in a safe and healthy manner.

If there is risk to the mother or the child or if that is the birth they have chosen, then a c-section is a NATURAL choice.

Why total strangers care about how you birth your child is baffling to me! No one gets a prize for doing it better. No one asks the kid at a college interview how mom got them out into the world. No one cares except for those who have nothing better to do with their lives other than push their narrow-minded views on everyone else.

I think there is something between the lines that should come out into the open: what does natural mean to you? What does it mean to the lady who thought c-section is not natural? I had no trouble understanding where you come from, and understanding that a baby born is a natural thing, no matter how, if you see natural as "from god". If you define "natural" as without major assistance by a doctor, then c-section is not natural. Which, said like this sounds really silly. I think there might also be a value statement hidden in: moms who do it alone, or vaginally, or alone, vaginally and without epidural are better than others. Which is silly again. I gave birth vaginally and without any pain medication twice. I am glad i coud do it. But giving birth was only a beginning, and i am not going to judge a mother by how she started such a big journey as motherhood. Thanks for reminding me of that, and helping me see my tendency to judge (which i have sorry to say).
D.

Natural to me means, "having children" not natural by society standards is not having children. Children are a blessing. Its just amazing how we women are blessed to walk around with such a special angel that no one knows about until one day when the roundness of the belly begins to show. I had my two girls vaginally and both with an epidural. Unfortunately, the first birth I had a tear and a blood transfusion and the 2nd a 4th degree tear, hip injured by pushing out on the first push - dang epidural, and nerve damage from the epidural. Spent a year recovering to get strength back in the left side of my body and strengthening the hip. We moms go through a lot to bring our little angels into this world and no matter how they are born vaginal or c-section; drugs or no drugs...it doesn't matter because in the end we have a part of us and our husband that will live on forever.

I have had one c section, and one "natural birth" no pain meds, vaginal.
My c section didn't make me feel like a failure, 50 years ago I would have died without my c section, and I nor either of my babies would be here.
So c sections shouldnt feel like a failure, because a healthy living baby could never be that, but "natural" is vaginal, and no meds, because that is "natures" way

Natural to me means vaginally with no pain meds. I had my second son naturally by choice and I wouldnt change my decision for the world, I was in and out of the hospital in 33 hours. For me it was the best choice.

natural childbirth means no drugs and no un warranted medical intervention, despite what your typical obgyn claims these days, natural childbirth can be done, you have less complications, no drugs, less chance of infection, and a much faster recovery time. dont allow yourself to be bullied by some obgyn who gives you horror stories about natural childbirth , they are just thinking of their next bmw payment, not you.gee, can you tell i have done natural childbirth ? if you want to go with a c section, thats fine, its your choice. but dont allow yourself to be bullied into believing that a c section is your only option, get a second opinion, and maybe even a third.
K. h.

I didn't read any responses, but I call natural birth one with no drugs. Natural in the sense that nothing artificial was used for the birth. I would not call a vaginal birth natural because their are many ways to have a vaginal birth, nor would I call a C-section natural. But their is no right or wrong way to have a healthy baby in my opinion. The best way is always the SAFEST way, and that depends on the mother and situation.

To me natural child birth means vaginal with no meds. I did not have a natural child birth, I had pit and an epidural, but I do not consider that a bad thing or a put down. I think the problem here is not this moms definition of natural child birth, but how personal you are taking it. It almost seems like you have guilt over your C-section, which you should not have because really it does not matter how they get here, as long as they are here and healthy and happy!!!

vaginal, c section who cares? Bringing a child into this world is a miracle. I had 2 vaginal births. I didn't want pain meds, but I was induced both times and my labor was more than 24 hours for my first. So yes I had an epidural. Do I feel less of a woman.........NO! I think it is great if you can get through labor without one, I couldn't........mine was too long and I had hard labor for hours. Plus I pushed out a 9lb plus baby. Don't let anyone tell you what is natural and what isn't...........just having a baby is a gift and a miracle. So what some of us have a c section, vaginal, at home birth, etc....what works for one, one won't work for another. Don't let people make you feel less of a mom for doing it your way or having your own opinions.

I have always thought of "natural" as a vaginal delivery with no drugs. I never thought of it to be a "better" way or that it is somehow degrading of someone who is unable to have a baby that way for whatever reason. I certainly wouldn't have thought that it would hurt somebodies feelings or made them feel as they were of "less value" because they had to have a c-section, that is just a fact of life. I don't think that I have EVER heard of anyone who just requested to have a c-section, and I really don't think that a Dr. would do one without medical reasoning so I guess I just don't understand the hurt feelings or the offense from the term. I wouldn't take things so personally, I don't think that anyone intends to imply anything negative towards people who have had to have a c-section.

Sorry that your feelings were hurt. I haven't read the other responses, but maybe there is an actual definition of a "natural" childbirth that you could find and that would help you feel better??

Some women think their "natural" childbirth is a badge of honor and is the best way to go. I say, good for you, but whatever method brings your baby safely in the world is a badge of honor. I opted for a c-section with my twins (my first), and I could've pushed my doctor to let me try a vaginal birth, but I didn't want to. I am SO glad because when he was doing my surgery he told me baby A wouldn't have been able to deliver - his position wouldn't have let him come out vaginally. So, I saved myself the stress of labor and pushing only to end up having a c-section and having twins to take care of. Oh, and my babies combined for 16 lbs. Now, that to me is a badge of honor!

To me, natural is without drugs and vaginally. But I don't consider getting an epidural or having a C-Section unnatural. I guess for me it really means pain free or painful and without having to have any medical intervention!

I'm not going to talk about natural vs. "unnatural." I just want to point out the difference that a slight change in language can make -- Close your eyes for a minute, and see what picture comes to mind when you think "c-section."

Now, close your eyes and see what picture comes to mind when you think "caesarean birth."

Is it a different image? Is the focus different? I think that calling it just a "c-section" dehumanizes the experience, and makes it seem like women who have had a caesarean birth did not birth their babies. Yes, they birthed through surgery and not vaginally, but they still did give birth. We all need to remember that.

Just my 2c.

My sincerest apologies for the rudeness encountered associated with this topic. In most cases, Mamapedia is a supportive, encouraging environment - something all Mamas need and something we all should be doing for one another - building each other up, not ripping them down.

That said, I agree with your philosphy. I have often referred to my own birth experiences as being "non-medicated" or "minimally medically invasive". I had to learn to alter my speach because I am an "institutional skeptic" (despite being an engineer) whereas my Hubby is an ER RN and believes whole-heartedly that docs can do no wrong. My mom taught me and my siblings to always be our own advocate and to get second opinions too...

For our first birth experience, I compromised as I wanted a home birth and went with a hospital birth at Hubby's hospital, but we hired a doula (who happened to be a staff member of a unique doula program within the hospital) and used the Bradley method. Hubby consented to this third person and my choice of coping with my labor pains but I think it was his turn to be skeptical, lol. Honestly, I was pretrified of a C and I was scared to death that if things started moving too fast that he would not be able to leave his nursing hat in the hallway and take the time to help me understand what was occurring and why and for us to make an informed decision together. The doula was my "secret weapon", LOL. Through talking with her, I came to realize it was less about the C and more about a loss of control and I took that conversation and shared it with Hubby. I had a great experience and had a vaginal delivery.

We used the same formula (including the same doula) for our second and third births.

We need to think about birth methods differently so that we are more supportive of all the choices and methods available. IMO, there is no "right" or "wrong" way or a "natural" or "unnatural" way - there is just birth, a process through which a precious child enters this world and creates a Mother.

~C.

"Natural Childbirth" is an outdated term, it can mean different things to different people. I think it is wrong for women to pick on each other over their method of birth, it is sometimes out of our control anyway. I have 3 children and after a VERY BAD experience with an epidural with my first, the next two births were unmedicated (well, not really, I had to have IV anti-biotics so I guess that may be "unatural" too!) The thing that bugs me is when I get pegged as some crazy hippie or glutton for punishment because I had unmedicated births with a midwife (at the hospital) instead of heavily medicated births with an OB. In my small town it seems most women are very pro-epidural and they are agast at my choice not to have one. So, just so you know, the discrimination goes both ways!

Well, technically a c-sections is not natural. When people say they had natural child birth, I would believe that to be vaginal birth and no meds(no epidural). A c-section is not the natural way a baby is to be born, but thank God we have the technology to perfom them when it is needed. Meds are not natural either, but I have had all three of my children by c-section, it's not natural but who cares. A baby was brought safely in to the world and that is all that matters. It's not a competition.

Well, you are certainly not stupid and shouldn't be talked down to! My view is that natural childbirth is vaginal without meds, but I certainly appreciate that you view the child as the prize, and not the method of birth!

I am so glad that you posted this! I have a "friend" who is absolutely rabid about childbirth. She rants about c sections, doctors, nurses, pitocin, epidurals, and on and on, ad nauseum. She doesn't even care about the new baby in a mom's arms, just grills the new mommy about HOW the baby came out! After my friend Liz had delivered her baby via C-section, she tearfully asked me and a few other ladies to run interference for her because this other lady was trying to corner her in the bathroom at church. AND you have to nurse in the car if she is around because she wants to see your "technique", ask you if you are supplementing at all, and asks to see your nipples and wants to know if she can hold your breast to show you how to better fit it in the baby's mouth!
Seriously, all the moms in our community have to avoid her because she is absolutely controlling and fanatical about natural childbirth and makes everyone feel horrible about having a c-section.

No mom should be made to feel less valuable because their baby came out with medical intervention! I have never had a c-section, but I came close after a very traumatic birth, but I will never make a mother feel less empowered for having a c-section!

I love your attitude!!!

I had a cesarean - it is not a natural exit for childbirth. A surgical incision that is ripped apart by two OBs so they can yank the baby out of a organ that is inside your body, then flop that organ on top of your abdomen and sop up all the blood and rip out the placenta... then try and place it back in the place it was in, and stitch together multiple planes of muscle, fascia and skin - is nothing near to natural. I've watch 5 of them - NOTHING natural, sweet, empowering or normal about them.

I've watched dozens of home births, birthing center births and water births. I am having a home VBAC with #2 in July. I'm a Nurse too... medical interventions of any kind are not normal or natural - tho sometimes necessary. 1 out of 3 births being cesareans is neither necessary or healthy for a nation.

I had a cesarean with #1 and I don't try and sugar coat my birth story with the pretense of it being natural just because I got my beautiful child out of it. It was a medical intervention - which if no interventions were enacted to begin with - I would have most likely had a normal vaginal birth.

I think it's not natural to obsess so much about HOW a baby comes into the world. Some women are so obsessed about the process that, should they need a c-section, they wind up all depressed, and it overshadows their 1st days, or even weeks, with their new baby. I think that's really unfortunate.

I don't mean to be insensitive, but I just don't get WHY some women get all hung up on a "natural" birth. If we want a baby, and then are blessed enough to get a baby, who cares how the baby got here. Vaginally, with meds/ without meds, C-section, or even adoption.

Babies are blessings however they come to us :)

I have to agree 100% with you actually!

I consider natural childbirth to be a vaginal delivery w/out the use of drugs and/or medical interventions.