Last week I wrote a post about the birth of my daughter, Anna, for a great site called Blogs for Babies. Anna is now six months old and it seemed the right time to write an account of those few days (yes, it took DAYS). Actually, part of me is surprised I wrote it at all. I’m not one to recount the details of my many health problems because, as my friends and family know, if I did I might never talk about anything else!
The birth was long, induced and assisted, but it culminated in a healthy and beautiful baby. I have read account of similar births where women feel that they have failed their baby and themselves by needing medical assistance and it really gets me down. How on earth have we come to a point where we have the means to make childbirth easier and safer, but when we need it, we feel as if we haven’t fulfilled our natural purpose?
In many ways, it reflects the way that parents are made to feel about many of the decisions involved in bringing up a child. Dummies, co-sleeping, breastfeeding, formula feeding… And probably many many more that I am yet to discover!
After six months, I am no less of a mother to Anna because I needed a forceps delivery, or because I couldn’t breastfeed her directly, or because I still can’t get her to sleep in her cot (but more of that another time).
You can read more about Anna’s birth here. Comments very welcome as always!
Confessions of a Failed Breastfeeder 