Often mothers of kids in cloth get looked at as nutjobs and why would we do that???? We’re either deemed poor or hippies. That’s ok.
I use cloth because:::
It is healthier for the environment.
It saves you money.
They are adorable!!
No chemicals. That’s right folks, disposable diapers contain lots of yucky chemicals that can harm your baby.
On that note, it is healthier for your baby!
- the anesthetic drug used in the epidural is derived from COCAINE!!!
- the epidrual lowers the release of oxytocin in your body
- on average the first stage of labor is 26 minutes longer in women who used an epidural and the pushing stage is 15 minutes longer
- a study done in the UK found that women were twice as likely to experience postpartum hemorrhaging when they had an epidural
- Babies whose mother had an epidural were more likely to lose weight in the hospital - Several studies have shown that women who had no drugs during labor were the most satisfied with their birth experience
- In a UK survey of 1,000 women who has an epidural reported the highest levels of pain relief but the lowest levels of satisfaction with the birth.
-Epidurals can slow labor, and as a result, oxytocin (Pitocin) will be administered through an IV. Pitocin brings on unnaturally strong contractions and almost always causes fetal distress. Pitocin also increases the chance of a forcep or vacuum assisted delivery, as well as cesarean section. (All of which can cause even more unpleasant side effects to the baby.)
-An epidural will also require electronic fetal monitoring, which I believe is highly inaccurate and prone to error. Inaccurate signs of fetal distress picked up through electronic fetal monitoring can lead to an obstetrician’s hasty decision for an unecessary c-section.
-An epidural requires that a precautionary IV be put in place. Any fluid overload from this IV can cause fluid in the baby’s lungs and/or blood chemistry disturbances.
-Epidurals can cause a considerable drop in maternal blood pressure, which may endanger the baby.
-Anesthetic is delivered into the cerebrospinal fluid, then passes into the maternal blood vessels, crosses into the placenta, and into the baby’s circulation. It may act directly to slow the fetal heartrate. As Henci Goer states in her book “The Thinking Woman’s Guide to a Better Birth” : “By the time you are hooked up to an IV, an oxytocin delivery pump, a fetal monitor, an automated blood pressure cuff, an epidural pump, and have a bladder catheter, what was a perfectly normal labor has been transformed into a high tech event.” Congratulations, you have now pretty much sealed the deal on an “emergency” cesarean.
Ladies, there are REASONS why God created us to experience pain during labor, and it ain’t just because Eve ate the forbidden fruit.
Pain during labor tells your body what to do. Pain will drive you into the most comfortable position, and that position is the one which is perfectly suited to effectively bring your baby into the world. Your body responds to labor pain by secreting massive amounts of adrenaline and endorphins. Adrenaline gives you stamina, keeps you going, gives you strength to push through. Endorphin levels at the time of your baby’s birth will be THIRTY TIMES HIGHER than normal. Natural oxytocin secreted in your brain will elevate your mood and will cause amnisiac properties. (This is why we forget the pain of childbirth and want to do it again!) The pain also prepares your baby for life, readying his lungs to breathe, mobilizing glucose for energy, protecting your baby against lack of oxygen during labor, and pushing blood into the baby’s brain and heart. THE PAIN IS SUPPOSED TO BE THERE, IS HAS A PURPOSE! As a young, uneducated mother, I birthed my first two babies with the aid of an epidural. I was completely paralyzed from my breastbone to the tips of my toes. I felt nothing, and I thought that was a good thing! I couldn’t walk until the following day, couldn’t go to the bathroom on my own, had extensive tearing and bleeding, was exhausted, and felt like sh**. My babies were sleepy and jaundiced. I failed at breastfeeding both times. My last baby was born at home, completely natural. My body felt strong and alive. I could feel my baby’s head as it crowned. I felt in control of my body. When he was born, I felt like I was on Cloud 9. I felt energized. I was able to get up right away and walk around. I had minimal bleeding. My baby was alert and healthy, and scored perfect on his Apgar’s. And maybe best of all…We are now into the 10th month of breastfeeding.
Credit goes to two very special women on Babyfit!!
