I have been around a while and count amongst my friends many many midwives, some obs and many woman advocates... I totally disagree that you can't be an advocate for natural birth but understand why c/section is a choice for some women. I really don't know how you can be an advocate for women and not understand that. But that is me and I am coming from my place. Your place clearly is very different.

There are very few women who front up and say: I want a csection without their own reasons. Do I always agree??? Absolutely not - sometimes it's very difficult to truly see why a person makes certain decisions... Would I try and explain the pros and cons - absolutely I would with gentleness and respect... Would I say well you're wrong for choosing this birth choice??? Not in a million years. Because I have seen so many times why women make their choices... Some women can share... Some women want to grow through it and work through it and choose to birth vaginally. Some women grow and work through it and choose to birth via surgery...

Do I think c/section should be less available? mmmm I think that all women should be given the facts without sugar coating... I think all women should be offered continuity of care with a midwife of their choice (this alone cuts c/section rates...) Do I think that women who have a natural, well supported vaginal birth have more satisfaction with their birthing experience. Well in my experience yes. However, I have supported a woman who had a previous still birth with her c/section and never have I seen a more empowered enraptured glowing mother...

However, we need to understand that we are not all made the same way Lisa. Some of us choose to grow in other ways. Birth isn't a competition that needs to be won. If you get that vaginal birth you have made it! No, if you feel empowered, in control, educated than you have made it... I do think that vaginal birth where it is safe and emotionally possible is a safer more satisfying option for most women.

I do lament that in our country the availability of a c/section is more ready than that of a water birth... But that's a whole other thread...

This is about supporting women who have made an informed decison. It is a growth thing (I believe) to be able to do that even when it may be a decision you may not make for yourself...

Be gentle with other women Lisa, we need each other for this long parenting journey that only just begins with the pregnancy...

ETA: I am NOT a homebirth midwife... And, I felt the need to recount my birthing history as it's relevant I believed... I think it's important to share our stories... It shows where we all come from...