ObGyn vs. Midwife

Some of you know that we have been researching the labor process. We watched a movie called, The Business of Being Born, which advocates for natural home birth. I also read a book called, Deliver This! that gives an overview of the methods of delivery. My gut feeling is to go unmedicated, but I have learned that this will take a lot of planning, preparation and strength (psychological and physical). Also, no matter what you plan, there can always be unexpected outcomes. I have already gotten a lot of comments from mothers that have gotten epidurals to 'give in and get the drugs'. It is interesting to me that women take sides on this issue for others, even though it is so personal. For me, the thought of Pitocin, epidural, other drugs, and C-section makes me more uncomfortable than many hours of painful labor. I want to experience the process, be empowered by it, and understand what my mother and grandmothers went through. I am going to discuss the potential of having an unmedicated labor with my ObGyn and we are meeting a midwife that delivers at El Camino hospital in a couple of weeks.