some great comments here

Jodi
please dont feel like a failure because you had an epidural....we all do what we can at the time and do what we feel is right...I had an epidural with my first, and was bitterly disappointed with myself with the whole experience. @nd time round I worked with what I really wanted...and got it...bit of gas and bath

in regards to epidurals, inductions and c/s I agree that there is a tendency for Ob's to move things along, often before the woman has a chance to even get into active labor...stressing the mother, baby and leading to a range of intervention

but...lets remember that the Ob's are doing what they believe is in the best interest for mother & baby...and the way around all of this of course is for women to be empowered and be informed of what the impact of choices in pregnancy and labor ...education

I know its hard...remember I work(ed) in the system, so I do really know what goes on...but many couples go into labor and birth without preparing and turn themselves over to the system...I have worked hard on many occaisions to work with a woman in natural labor, only for her to swing immediately to anything the doctor says and end up with a range of medical intervention that was not necessary, because of fear perhaps and the feeling of 'he or she' will make it better for me...sigh

so what am I saying...it is really important for couples to educate themselves about their options of labor/birth...and that often means finding a private educator...once the couple is empowered and confident with their choices, then intervention levels are reduced and rates of natural birth will increase

we need to reduce the fear associated with birth...which is what BB is all about ...something I work towards every day...birth is birth, its giving women the knowledge and confidence to welcome their baby's with happiness, and enjoyment


xx yogababy