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Tuesday, April 26, 2011

A to Z Challenge: V is for Voice.

V is a letter I struggled with as there wasn't a baby product that immediately came to mind to review or discuss. Two words did come to mind and they are vision and voice. I took some time to think about these two words as they relate to motherhood and decided that V is for Voice.

When I say voice, I mean the voice I want to have as a mother. I often think about how I come across as a mother to the people around me. There is one area that comes immediately to my mind when I think about it and it is the way I chose to handle the medical care for my pregnancy and birth.

I know many people in my life perceived me as a little strange based solely on the fact that I chose to use a midwife and have a med-free, water birth. In fact, I didn't talk about my choice with too many people during my pregnancy unless they brought it up. I got tired of feeling like I had to defend my decision. I also got tired of hearing people make comments like, "Good luck with that," and asking questions like, "Well, you can always get an epidural if you need one, right?" The fact was that no, I couldn't have gotten an epidural unless I was transferred to the hospital. Plus, I never even wanted one. Many people also asked me all about the risks and what would happen if W or I needed help. I think they thought I was going to give birth out in the woods or something. Sorry, but I'm not quite that natural.

Now that I had a successful experience, I try and speak to people about it as much as possible. One thing I never understood about being pregnant was why so many women seemed to want to tell me their horror stories. To combat this I am determined to share my positive birth experience with any woman who will listen. That is the voice I want to be.

9 comments:

  1. I think it's good to hear both the good and bad. If I ever do it again I think I'll look for a midwife or a more holistic practice, myself. I doubt I would do a home birth though ... I loved my epidural!!!

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  2. I am with Nichole- I want to hear the good and the bad, because I want all the info I can get. But I can see how all negative reactions would be frustrating. I am glad you are developing your voice as a mother....

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  3. What a wonderful post! I agree that it's so important to understand the voice you create as a mother to give a solid foundation to your children's lives. They're little sponges and you are in their thoughts 24/7 helping them get through this new world of theirs. An awesome challenge.

    Hello, fellow A-Z Challenger! Here's my latest entry. Come visit either of my blogs when you can and leave some comment love:

    V is for Virtuosity and the Virtual Piano http://bit.ly/hBYZmI

    http://www.mainstreamsolarcooking.com
    http://www.rockinchairreflections.com (A-Z)
    Twitter: @SolarChief

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  5. Great post! Voice is so important. i'm no where near that point of having children, but when I do I want it to be all natural. I just know your experiences will become a wonderful resources for all those willing to listen!

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  7. Love your V for Voice! Great post. (My V post was for Venture - & written in much haste )
    I have 5 kids - and have given birth both with and w/o an epidural. Recovery time from the natural birth was much easier and faster.
    Blessings!

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  8. It is so important that we as mother's respect others decisions. It is terrible that other mothers felt the need to say your way was wrong. It was right for you which is what matters.

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  9. I think this is a great post! Nothing is more important than your voice as a mother AND trusting your OWN voice. Good for you!

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