You’re a Viking! A trooper! A superhero-esque creature when it comes to all things pregnancy. Or not. Labor day (and not the one that means the pool is getting ready to close for the year) is just over the horizon, and your birth plan needs some buffing up. Natural birth leaves you med-free and focused, while the other option involves some sort of doc-lead intervention. It’s a one-of-a-kind type of day, and you want everything to go the most “right” it possibly can. Weighing the pros and cons of natural birth is a totally normal part of during-pregnancy planning. If you’re on the fence, check out some of the reasons to (or not to) go natural!
1. No: You’re a pain wimp. Okay, so no one is making fun of you here. It’s perfectly normal to get kind of creeped out when it comes to things that hurt. Did you stub your toe and scream loud enough for everyone in LA to hear you (oh, and you happen to live in NYC)? Well, maybe natural childbirth isn’t for you. Hey, that’s okay. There’s no labor and delivery prize for shouldering the most pain.
2. Yes: Focus is your friend. You’re a meditation master. When you have a pain (any pain — even a migraine-level pain), you can focus it away. Your friends are in awe at how well-trained your mind seems to be. If you’ve got the breathing focus thing under control, the natural way may make more sense than dealing with drugs.
3. No: You’re beyond exhausted. Sometimes things don’t go as planned. This includes childbirth. You’ve been contracting for hours, and you’re exhausted. That’s it. You’re done. Mama out. You can’t possibly stand one more moment of pain. If this sounds like a possibility, consider the idea of medication. This doesn’t mean that you’ll get an epidural the moment you feel the teeniest, tiniest twinge. Instead, keep the option open just in case an overwhelming wave of tiredness takes hold.
4. Yes: You’ve totally got this. Positivity is on the brain, and you’re 100-percent sure that you can do this whole childbirth thing, medication free! If your mind is completely made up, then go for it. As long as the doctor doesn’t have anything to say otherwise, stick with your gut and let your confidence flag fly high. Your Mother Nature-esque mindset will help to carry you through the childbirth process, without asking for meds.
5. No: You totally don’t have this: Childbirth is scary. You don’t know what’s going to happen and you’re scared, excited, happy, anxious and impatient all at once. When you’re wavering and not sure that you can manage the pain of childbirth, talking to your medical provider about your options is entirely in order. This doesn’t mean that junior has to be born all drugged up. But, consider the possibility that a little medical helper might make you feel better about the whole birth process.
6. Yes: The idea of being medicated makes you squirm. When you had your wisdom teeth removed, the oral surgeon offered you something super strong. You filled the script, but left the pill bottle in your medicine cabinet for the next four years. Unless you absolutely need them, you tend to shy away from meds. Obviously, if there’s a real medical issue and your doc says they’re a must, you take the medication. If not, au natural may be for you.
7. No mama’s better than another. Whether you go completely natural or you’re all about feeling nothing from the waist down, keep in mind one thing — this is your decision. You need to do what’s best for you, and not what you think other people expect. Don’t worry about what anyone else says (unless it’s your doctor, midwife or other medical pro who is part of your pregnancy process). This is your pregnancy, your delivery and your baby. Not some judgy mommy friend’s choice. Just be you!
What’s your take on natural vs. medicated birth? Share your ideas and tweet us @BritandCo !
(Photos via Getty)
Getting the word out about your brand takes time, drive, and ingenuity. And it doesn't come easy for many entrepreneurs. As part of our collaboration with Office Depot, we're chatting with Selfmade alum Taylor Morgan McPherson, founder of Sustainable Sparkle Bar, about ways in which she scored press as a solo startup brand and what she learned from Selfmade to take her brand marketing up a notch.
B + C: How did you know Sustainable Sparkle Bar was your business to start?
Glitter has always been my thing, so when I started my event company I decided to make it my niche. I started telling people I threw glitter-themed parties where people would get sparkled with glitter body art and makeup. Six months after that I applied to my first festival and to work with SUR restaurant in West Hollywood.
B + C: What's one strategy that's helped you start your business?
I honestly can't say that I've had a specific strategy that I've followed when it comes to getting my business off the ground. I have a PR background so I was just constantly pitching new business and posting on social media.
B + C: What's the biggest challenge you face as a small business owner?
I would say creating a stable income and revenue stream. With a seasonal, event-based business it can be very up and down.
B + C: What was your most valuable takeaway from Selfmade?
The relationships I made and the push to start an email database.
B + C: How do you stay motivated?
I love what I do and I believe in myself 100%. Staying motivated isn't the hard part. Pushing myself to do the work and staying accountable is the hard part.
B + C: What's your best organizational tip? Do you use any apps that help you manage your business?
I keep multiple to-do lists, hand-written and digital. I also tell clients and partners that I will have something to them by a certain time or day so I have to stick to it.
B + C: What's one piece of advice you would give to female entrepreneurs on the brink of starting?
Just do it, take the leap. And don't worry about what anyone else says to thinks.
B + C: Who inspires you in the entrepreneurial space?
Issa Rae, I'm so inspired by everything that she's created being a creative and a black woman. It's my dream to have my own show one day based on my life and where I give advice and talk about the world. She's doing it and making people laugh and giving people joy. And it's based in LA. Watching Insecure only further cemented my dreams of wanting to live in LA.
B + C: How did you hear about the Office Depot scholarship?
One of my friends that I met through Camp No Counselors saw an IG ad for it and nominated me.
B + C: What has receiving the scholarship to Selfmade done to help you start/grow your business?
It's completely helped me level up and take my business to another level. Selfmade helped me host my first virtual event and taught me how to set up my website to sell tickets to events and get RSVPs.
B + C: How have Office Depot services or products helped you accomplish more in your business?
I got new cards to send in all of my orders with my discount code on them. I also bought a really cool 4K camera that I now use for my social media.
Thanks Taylor! You really know how to sparkle. We love her colorful, creative vibe. You can follow Sustainable Sparkle Bar on Instagram @sustainablesparklebar.
Let Office Depot OfficeMax help you stand out in the crowd. From signs, posters & banners to promote your business, to marketing materials to keep your customers informed, Office Depot OfficeMax offers a full suite of business services & solutions to help you & your business get noticed.
Head to Office Depot's Selfmade page to check out even more amazing business resources (and discounts!) to help you accomplish more on your entrepreneurial journey. These offers are available for a limited time only, so be sure to take advantage of all this goodness while supplies last. Want to join the next Selfmade cohort this summer? Check out all of the scholarship details right here.