Yes to epidurals if needed....

September 19, 2006

Thanks for the email below. Yes, the epidural was a blessing for me. I

also planned for a “natural” birth.. took a hypnobirthing class, had a

wonderful doula.. but the physical position of my son was also unbearable

(and I can handle extreme pain).. so I requested an epidural.. we tried

everything before (different positions). I was so happy to have that option

of getting an epidural. What we should all be endorsing is being open.

Each birth is different…

_____

On

Behalf Of Alexis Middle

Tuesday, September 19, 2006 11:26 AM

Re: fluoride

or a blessing - I wasn't planning on having one until I was in labor - my

son was posterior so it was in my back and unbearable, I had an epidural and

ended up having to have a c-section as well. I was glad I had the epidural

as you need the anesthetics for the surgery but nonetheless felt guilty for

several months after as I was unable to have the natural childbirth I had

hoped for. In the end a healthy baby and mother is all that matters so pls

try not to pass judgment and add to the guilt of others if they are not able

to follow the same path as you.

robin koloms <rkoloms (AT) (DOT) <rkoloms%40> com> wrote:

Epidurals are evil!

Kadee M wrote: Sort of good to know I wasn't alone in having a Nazi involved

with my pregnancy. With my daughter, the doctor tried very hard to get me to

watch the epidural video " just in case, " even after I told him I absolutely

was not for any reason going to get an epidural. I ended up shouting and

crying at one nurse who absolutely would not leave me alone about it. I wish

they'd just trust some of us to be good parents!!

Kadee Sedtal

earthmother wrote: i don't know much about fluoride, but i know that three

of my husband's

siblings have those spots on their teeth and they only got them after the

water in their area became fluoridated. also, when i was pregnant with my

first, i was initially in a CNM practice and she pressured me very, very

hard to get a prenatal vitamin that had fluoride in it. i refused after

doing some research and finding out that the effects of fluoride in a fetus

are indeterminate. (i ultimately left that practice for a homebirth one --

nazi midwives indeed who won't let me make decisions for myself!) so i

definitely do not recommend that. i don't know all the arguments for and

against fluoridation but i did fluoride treatments in elementary school and

i won't be having my kids do them. they do it that way for everyone in

hopes that they'll catch the one or two kids whose parents don't make them

brush (same reason they give all newborn babies shots and drops for STDs).

my son brushes just fine, i don't need a school or government or health

department deciding what is and is not acceptable to put in my kids'

bodies. we use the tom's of maine or burt's bees toothpastes and they are

vegan indeed.

September 19, 2006

I think the most important thing is that women are empowered to make decisions

about their birth. All births are different. We all must weigh the risks and

benefits that come along with medical interventions, and make choices along the

way. Hopes for a normal natural birth are wonderful, but don't allow changes in

your plans make you feel guilty. I know that I was disapointed with some

situations that arose in my labor, and people will tell you -just be glad for a

health baby. It is of course true, but give yourself sometime to come to terms

with your birth and know that you are a strong woman and mother regardless of

changes in your birth plan.

Karen Miller <karen wrote: Thanks for the email

below. Yes, the epidural was a blessing for me. I