Birth Story Epilogue

After reading my birth story two and a half years later, it's astonishing at how differently I view the experience now. Specifically about how I've changed my outlook on natural birth and no intervention.

The magnesium drip that I so desperately did not want and tried to talk the nurses, doctors, residents and midwives out of giving me probably saved my life. All too many women are dying in US hospitals for completely preventable causes like preeclampsia. I'm thankful that the lab error happened because it was the catalyst to start me on that awful life saving IV.

And thank the sweet Lord Baby Jesus for the divine medical invention of epidurals. To each their own and more power to natural birth mamas that can do it.

But it was not for me.

I am very passionate about educating oneself and knowing what questions to ask of your medical professional to ensure you're getting the right care. It's important to be your own advocate and have agency in the decisions that are made regarding your care. But my former perspective of "natural is best" seems foolish now. Trying to follow my "birth plan" and avoiding medical intervention during birth could have cost me my life.

Just sayin.