Childbirth.

[jaelie]

I am so going to have a big, childish "So there!" moment after this baby is born. Maybe even accompanied by a foot-stomp and scowl.

That is all.

Comments

[jaelie.livejournal.com]

Not so much that as discounting my opinion about childbirth, all because I've never done it before. Most recently it was a close family member. I think that's why I still feel so irritable about it. Prolly those pregnant-rage hormones. :P

Matt had a good analogy for me (of course, he's part of the whole "preaching to the choir"):

Say there's a woman who has been studying a specific topic for a long time. Like, 18th century clothing construction. Now, she's never actually made anything, but she has thoroughly studied pictures of extant clothes and portraits of the time period. She's read many reputable documents written about the clothes of that time period and spoken at length to experts on clothing from that century. Finally, she's ready to make her first gown.

Compare her and her knowledge to someone who bought a Butterick pattern and made one gown. Maybe even two.

Which of the two has more knowledge about actual historical clothing construction of the 18th century? Which one is most likely to make the most historically accurate outfit? If you had questions about 18th century clothing, who would you ask?

Same thing. I've never had a baby. That much is true. But I've read several books on it. I've been thinking about it and discussing it at length for literally ten years with people who are educators in childbirth. Not just women who've "been there, done that." I'm not an expert on childbirth, but I am an expert on me. And barring any weird complications, I know what I'm capable of.

Sure, I bet some where along the line I'll really, really want those drugs. I'll wonder why the heck I didn't go to a hospital where I could get 'em as soon as I first whimpered. I'll be out of my mind and it'll be a crazy roller coaster ride of pain and rampant hormonal wackiness.

But I know I can handle it in the end. And when all's said and done, it's what's best for me and my baby.

And it's people who don't think I can do it just because I never have that make me really, really want to kick something!!

[jaelie.livejournal.com]

I think that too many women have the "Butterick pattern" kind of birth. The kind of birth that the doctor tells the mom is best and easiest for her, that allow the doctors to just induce them so that the docs can make it home in time for dinner.

Don't get me wrong. Butterick patterns have their place. If you want a costume, not an accurate piece, then it's totally fine and the seamstress's choice.

One thing, let me tell you, I am not going to join the "You can't have an opinion because you've never done it" club. That's one of the reasons I blogged this. So I wouldn't forget and let the pride or whatever it is allow me to treat other women the same way. And if a woman hasn't done the same research that I have, I'll do what I've done the past ten years - she's entitled to her opinion. I may disagree and tell her why I disagree, but it's still her opinion.

[elizagoth.livejournal.com]

They go one farther. They don't bother with the Butterick, they just grab a poorly made, one size fits all, costume from Walmart and tart it up to best effect.