c-section

More doctors are coming out now in favor of the idea that c-sections may be safer and better for mom than a normal vaginal delivery. This is a hard one for me to swallow. Now, research has not shown this to be absolutely true, but it got me to thinking. What if it was? What if c-sections were safer? What would I choose? Would I have a choice? Something deep down within me wants to run away from those ideas. Birth has become such a part of me that if someone were to tell me that I would be making a bad choice to give birth vaginally, I'm not sure how I would react. My births have helped define who I am as a woman, a mother, and a person...would that have been the same if I wasn't given the choice. I wonder if something sacred would be taken from us.

Now, I am grateful that we have c-sections. There are times when it is absolutely life saving to have that, and those who give birth that way are not any less mothers. I just don't see that as being the optimal way in normal circumstances. Of course, some disagree and more and more people are being led that way. I hear doctors who much prefer c-sections, and moms who are afraid ro give birth any other way. I just wonder, are we losing something here? And if we are, what is it? Or maybe I'm just unable to face reality...progress is progress. Technology is here to stay, and it is useful and lifesaving. I'm just not certain we always understand what progress means....

Soul searching

Some of the times I remember the most during my labors, is when I would start to feel lost, and my husband would look at me and pull me back in. I know he's told me he doesn't remember those times:). For some reason, though, they have always meant a lot to me. That and when a nurse I had one time, held my hand. It's funny the little things you remember. It's moments like these that I cherish about birth. I wonder if I would have thought much about it had I not gone through labor. It also makes me wonder if we were a little bit more aware of others and their own personal pain, could a simple hug or nod of encouragement mean something to them also. If we looked in their eyes would we see their need.....

As mothers, I wonder if we could do this more with our own spouses and children. How often do we take the time to search their souls to see what they truly need.