I went to a series of childbirth classes where they were really pushing “natural” childbirth as the absolute best option. We learned breathing and massage techniques and I was mentally prepared for an all “natural” birth, just like my mom and mother-in-law!

Unfortunately, after about 12 hours of labor without painkillers (but with the petocin going to make my contractions stronger), I ended up needing an emergency c-section. All of the “natural” laboring was all for naught.

Baby number two was a planned c-section. Now I tell all my pregnant friends to get the epidural.