Follow your instinct sounds perfect and very powerful. I am sorry if my post sounded offhandedly and not respectful to your view bella. I love the action and back up plans! Everyone needs them. I needed them to but my focus was just not on it being a 'painful' experience.

I grew up with a Hb MW mother. I had never heard of birth being a 'painful' experience, never. And I do believe that in many older cultures there is no relation to pain in birth. I feel incredibly lucky that I don't experience pain but that doesn't mean I don't experience them as challenging and hard work.

I have seen many births at work. Yes i have seen women in pain but also scared stiff. I find it hard to separate the two if that makes sense.

I have been doula for friends. Including four vbac women and none have experienced pain that required pain relief. These women have all been in a great place tho before birth.

When I say birth is not painful I am talking from my own experiences but I am NEVER suggesting it in a way that takes the right of another women to say their birth way painful! I respect that we all tell our own stories and we all must support each other!

Again I am sorry if I upset you. I totally agree with arming yourself with options