Educate2Liberate

Finally, my comment has been posted and I am able to share with you what I wrote to this woman in response to her ridiculousness. It’s not as complete as I would like it to be. I basically took every point she tried to make and explained why it’s not scary. It was super late at night, so again I apologize for any errors. Here is the link to the original post: http://www.thefrisky.com/post/246-10-scary-childbirth-facts-thatll-alarm-you-more-than-your-biological-cl/

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What really drives me nuts is that both men and women have this idea that pregnancy and childbirth are this horrible and painful experience that just sucks. I don’t quite know where it lost its specialness. First of all - to all men and women who have not had children yet… (And to the ones who have, but thought it scary) The Top TEN Reasons Why Childbirth is NOT Scary:
1. It is true, you may poop, puke and shake when in labor. This is an absolute normal part of the process and honestly the last thing on your mind when in labor. You are concentrating on contractions, breathing and relaxing. If you actually researched and learned about the process, you would understand why it is happening and that it is normal - therefore NOT scary (but most women are not fully educated about childbirth - classes just are not what they should be)
2. Your vag will go back to its regular size on its own… no need to purchase anything to “exercise” your hoo-ha. Not only that, but if you truly wanted to do kegels, there is no reason to purchase anything - there is no equipment required. Also in an unrelated topic - doing kegels throughout pregnancy can help with childbirth
3. Episiotomies are typically NOT standard procedure anymore. Some docs recommend it still BUT, YOU have the right to choose what YOU want to do, remember? It is YOUR body… I would never let a doc cut me for three reasons - a) recovery from episiotomy stitches takes longer and is more painful b) less likely to get an infection c) Most women actually never tear…
4. Yes it is true, stretch marks do stay forever… but you really don’t care about them. Creating a human being is way too amazing and more important than worrying about some stretched skin. Having children is so awesome that you really just do not worry about the small stuff.
5. Mmmmm, yes the hospital bills. Well for starters, if women (and men) would do their research, they would know that OB/GYNs are expensive, longer hospital stays because you had an emergency c-section due to the fact that your OB/GYN talked you into inducing early (or you talked your OB into inducing because “you can’t take it anymore”) and the pain was so unbearable because you didn’t research how to work with your body during labor, so instead you used interventions such as an epidural which slows or even stops progression all to wind up having a “stressed” baby with all this crap you are putting into your body and completely doubting your natural ability to just push that darn baby out of your vag. Sure, the hospital bills will indeed add up. Know, have a home birth with an awesome midwife and doula with no interventions and awesome experience - much cheaper and priceless memories! not to mention you said formula - well if you fed your child the way nature intended and didn’t support all of these money making scammers (breast-feeding of course), then you wouldn’t spend any extra money. Diapers - yes they do cost a pretty penny, but there are always cloth diapers - you know, how they used to do way back in the day?? Before corporate companies tried to make a pretty penny on our tooshes. Not to mention, cloth diapers are nothing like they used to be. They are super easy to work with.
6. The after birth… first of all, it is nothing like the birth. You do not feel a thing really. I had my daughter all natural drug-free vaginal delivery and I assure you that it is nothing… and you don’t even think about it. You are too busy meeting your new little creation that you have known for the past nine and a half months, but was never properly introduced until now. The anticipation for those moments when you first hold him/her are priceless.
7. Yes, you do make lots of sacrifices while pregnant, but then again you will for the rest of your life. What’s a little nine months? And honestly, time flies so fast that next thing you know, your little one is walking and talking and who would have known… you don’t even care to drink or do anything that you used to. Who would have thought children be so important in your life that you don’t want to abuse drugs or alcohol?!?
8. Ah yes, the maternity clothes. For the next nine months you are going to look like grandma… the hottest grandma around. Maternity clothes are not what they used to be. Just like everything else has evolved - YES maternity clothes have evolved to over time. Shocking - I know!
9. Post partum depression is a major bummer - I agree, but there are many natural alternatives to which women can cure this “major bummer”. Ah, knowledge - amazing what it can do for your life…

10. Yes, people will ask when you are due, you get all giddy over it and share. You talk to the person, they share their story, their advice, their opinions and you feel like you have learned, observed and took it all in. You take what you care to remember and forget the stuff you don't. Hmmm, I am not sure what kind of mommy to be wouldn't want to familiarize themselves with an uncertain experience they will soon encounter.....

So in conclusion, the answer is No: pregnancy and childbirth are NOT scary, only when you don't educate yourself. So if and when you do decide to have children, educate yourself, get opinions, listen to stories. The best way to be successful is to consume all the wisdom you can! :) Prepare yourself in the most important way possible. Prepare for childbirth! Until tonight... peace & love!