Mid-pregnancy Update
21 weeks, 6 days
The last 6 weeks have been eye-opening. I've spent a lot of time processing Amy's water birth story, which in turn opened me up to the whole world of natural birthing outside of a hospital setting. After some research, multiple consultations, and personal soul-searching, Mitch and I have decided to switch providers to a small, local midwifery practice run by people of color. We have our first official appointment on Monday.
I'm excited for the opportunity to see what my body can do. Hearing positive stories of childbearing has given me renewed confidence, challenging my fear and ignorance about what it takes to push a baby out of my body. I think I am also learning more about layered perceptions and presentation of vaginal vs. Cesarean section births, and of midwives vs. obstetricians. It is important to not judge women for how they gave birth when the system does not always put mothers first, yet I think it's all too reasonable to criticize the medical industry for unnecessary interventions and antiquated hospital policies. I'm more and more convinced of how political and economical the hospital sphere is. My body does not need that if it can help it.