I just wanted to add some encouragement after my birth story. I indicated I couldn't tolerate the pain and wanted to give up. There are far more reason's for that attitude other than the realities of labor and the natural pain that comes with it.

The basic reality and simplest explaination for my attitude was that I just didn't want to give birth again. I have now had three wonderful natural births, two of which were home births. This is the first time that my heart, mind and soul was not ready for the task at hand, I even lacked the excitement of the actual labor and birth. I have been thinking a lot about it because I disappointed myself, and I couldn't understand all the mental blocks I had going.

I learned a lot about myself though, and that is despite my love of natural birth, of home birth -- I am done now. I'll wait for my babies to have babies and live vicariously through them.

So I just want to tell those of you who are planning your first birth, or even your first natural birth -- your choice implies a positive attitude even before your labor begins -- and that rocks! The pain you'll feel will be diminished simply in your willingness to embrace it, work through it, and experience everything. I wouldn't recommend any other way, birth is SO empowering! It's also ok to throw in the towel sometimes too. If I can offer any advice for those of you birthing in a hospital -- decline all intervention -- such as EFM, even IV if you can. Try to avoid cervical progress checks as they can disappoint and distract. Do keep your attitude and choice at the forefront as you labor. Stick by it. Embrace the contractions and work through them.

My pain and my willingness had little to do with the actual pain of labor as stated -- simply my attitude. So just remember that your attitude is everything, and that yes, you CAN DO THIS NATURALLY, and no, it doesn't hurt that badly when you are willing to embrace it!

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Kristina -- co-host of Due in December