Lately, as the birth of our son draws closer, I have been facing some discouraging comments. For me this is hard since I am typically one to follow the pack on many stances and rarely do something that isn't in the "norm." Even when I feel strongly about something, in the presence of strangers I tend to hide that opinion in the name of keeping the peace, but as you may well know (just check out my Facebook feed!) I'm very well educated when it comes to birth and breastfeeding related topics. I'm not always eloquent in the way I convey this information, but I know it and I know it well. I am constantly eager to read new studies, absorb information, read debates, and all around educate myself in every aspect of this subject matter. I'm hungry for it and I can't seem to get enough. It is because of this information and knowledge I felt confident enough to step out to the world and share that I was planning on birthing my child at home/in a home setting.
Here is were things got sticky and in walked the nay-sayers. The ones who don't believe I can do it. The ones who think I'm bat-crap crazy and the ones who think I am just doing it because it is the "trendy" thing to do. Here is where I say you are wrong, and NOTHING gets my goat worse than hearing these comments. Especially the comments to the effect of "You can't do it," or "You're only doing this because your friends are doing it." I'm not going to lie, those sting the worst. Not because of the words, but because it seems you have zero confidence in the fact that I have a brain and have used it for myself. Even those I love the most sometimes make these comments, and I would be lying if I said they didn't make me cry. Maybe not in front of them, but often times when I'm alone, that's when it happens.
This is what I say to you, please don't look at me like I'm crazy, especially as the birth nears. This isn't about what you would choose, and if you were in my position you have the right to choose differently. This is about what I KNOW through reading literally THOUSANDS of pages of research, books, and articles to be the right choice for me and for my family. Not many are as well researched on this subject as I am, but I encourage you to make a well informed choice before jumping to conclusions about those of us who choose homebirth and natural birth. As someone I look up to says, "Consider the BAR- Benefits, Alternatives, and Risks." Consider it before jumping to conclusions about those of us that have chosen this, its hard enough to make unconventional choices without the negative comments and reactions.
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