Expectations

Rm you are right about the birth. A c section for one woman is what a natural birth is for another. Agree or disagree with either, but the choice is hers to make.

Truth is we are all judged and I think most by ourselves.

I agree Desiree, Its not all a bed of roses, but then again you never know until you actually experience it yourself

Well said Desiree!

I have learned that along with becoming a new Mommy, I had to deal with suddenly being judged by those closest to me!

I was judged for having a csec, then I was judged for not having successfully breastfed, then I was judged for not having been the perfect picture of what 'they' expected me to be, I wasn't happy enough! I wasn't overjoyed, I cried too much, I was miserable instead of glowing with pride at the birth of my first child - I was weak in their eyes because I admitted to having PND, basically I did not fit their picture of the perfect new Mommy!

I have overcome and I am so happy as to where Connor and I are now, I adore my son, I'm happy with my choices, and the only thing I can say to those who so harshly judged me is that I truly don't give a rats ass what you think anymore - my choices are working, my little family is strong and despite not having breastfed or having pushed my baby out, our bond is strong!! I am a Mommy, hear me roar!!!

Please allow space for moms who might now want to feel so "primal."

There is also pressure on us to "have" to be all natural and mother earth, and maybe that is also not really our path or our journey to motherhood and to our children.

And as flippant as we do act about these things, often it is tiresome having to defend a decision not to go vaginal and to breastfeed - because maybe it just does not feel right for some of us.

I also understand that we approach situations with our pre-determined beliefs and principles, but the reality is that everyone gets to motherhood differently and we often choose different journeys.

Again, Julz, I agree with you about caregivers and their not supporting pro natural moms... I was lucky that all my caregivers were on the same page than me. My births were fantastic - and I so wish every mom can be given the chance to feel so "primal"

EP I do try to keep in mind that we all have reasons for our choices.

I am pro natural for sure, but also wanted elective c section years ago and I know why I changed my mind.

I am more upset about mom's not being supported in the quest for natural birth by their caregivers.