My first son was an unnecessary Cesarean section that was treated as an emergency at the time. I have been left with an ugly scar but a wonderful son who is 11 years old. Since his birth I have had four other children, and they were all born vaginally without problems. Three of those births took place at our home with a midwife.

I am currently pregnant and due in May of 2003. After my last child, my uterus and bladder prolapsed. I was unable to get a suspension surgery planned before finding myself expecting again. So I am dealing with a very painful pregnancy this time around that must end in C-section due to the dangers of a uterus collapse during a regular vaginal birth. The good side of all this is that my current doctor has promised me a prettier scar! So yea! I am not looking forward to my recovery afterward with six children, but it will all work out.

The point here is that all four VBACS were wonderful and without complications. I encourage all women to try it if it is a choice for them. I also have never had any painkillers and feel it has given me so much more freedom and control during the labor and delivery. I have been a doula for three women all of whom have had painkillers in the past but were experiencing their first natural births. All of them were so grateful afterward for the freedom and energy they felt.

It is something every woman certainly can do, because every woman has strengths beyond any other power in the world deep within herself. It is not mentally possible for some though, and so whatever their birth pain is like, it is to be highly regarded and respected. Birth is birth no matter how you go through it. If you went through it then YOU ARE TO BE RESPECTED! Every mother deserves the right of her place in the women honors club. Never let the world make you feel otherwise!

One last thought is that women everywhere should never let the world make them feel wrong for wanting a LARGE family or even a small family. All your choices WILL work out the way you want them too. So just make your goals, aim for them, focus on them and achieve them! Don't let the world influence your God-given gift of motherly instincts. NEVER UNDERESTIMATE THE POWER OF THE WOMAN!