Two very different births, naturally.

Boulder, Colorado: Home to hairy armpits, cage-free chicken eggs, organic everything, and natural childbearing.

Queens, NY: Not.

My first child was born in Utah. I was induced early because my doctor was leaving town and I'd save $500 on insurance if he was born before February. Nothing natural about it. After the birth (of which I felt nothing after reaching 4 cm.), sure I was happy, but I felt robbed of the elation, adrenalin, and immediate bond that I thought accompanied childbirth. So I decided the next baby would be without the precious epidural.

My second child was born in Boulder, Colorado, the mecca of natural everything. It was the ideal place for Bradley classes and, although I didn't have one that is where I learned what in the heck a doula was. Our natural childbirth instructor informed us of our hospital's accommodations for laboring--yoga balls, full shower and bath, and lots of mobility. She also educated us on all of the great positions to squeeze that baby out--back, side, knees, even a squatting bar was available so you could hang on and squat over the bed! Boy were we set!

Well, at 39 weeks I was dilated to a 5-6. No labor. No joke. Next week I was a six. Next week, I was STILL a freakin' six! And no labor. My doc, as though defeated, decided she'd sneak me into the already full hospital and break my water. So, I came to the hospital after a light lunch (which anywhere else is a big no no) and got into my room. Comfy, plenty of space. I had a hep-lock put in (the start to an IV, but no fluids, just the needle in case of emergency) with no problem. My man and I were prepared for hours and hours of labor (thanks to our class) but figured it'd be pretty short! Well, they broke my water and I got off the monitors, off the bed, and labored kneeling on a pillow with my arms on a chair. One and a half hours later I got back in that bed ready to push. I couldn't bear to be on my back so I pushed lying on my side. The nurse had never delivered that way and she wasn't so sure the doctor would be there on time. There's a first for everything honey, cuz I wasn't movin'!! Well, the doctor made it and so did my baby. And boy did I get that adrenaline rush, that excitement, and that bond I had so wanted. The joy after the pain. I was later escorted to my large private recovery room. I decided to stay only one day--just because that's what all these "natural" ladies did. And so it was. I had my baby girl in my room nearly the entire time and loved it. A great experience.

My third baby joined our family 10 1/2 weeks ago in the Long Island Jewish Medical Center. I thought since I couldn't make it to the cool birthing centers in Manhattan, being closer to Long Island was better than some of these scary "inner city" hospitals. And it'd be a lot like my Boulder experience, right?

So, again I'm dilated to a five and not in labor. I'm up with crampy contractions all night and decide to go to the hospital even though I'm not really in pain. Heck, if I'm going to lose a night of sleep, I might as well get a baby out of it! Dh and I go in and I measured six. Still no pain, but ain't that a great way to go to the hospital to deliver a baby? I now had to wait until someone would please break my water and get things moving. I'd already surrendered to the medical world and gotten the IV. My doctor informed me that everyone that's admitted gets an IV. Ok. Fine. I give. As I waited in the labor room I asked the nurse for a chair so I could kneel on it while I labor. The nurse was SO VERY concerned about this. She kept on asking why I needed a chair and assured me I would not be getting out of bed. We kept pressing her but got nowhere. (Why there wasn't one for my dh in the first place, I'll never know.) I told my dh that if they really weren't going to let me get up, than I might as well just forget it and get the epidural. MY way or NO way! I was very blessed that my own doctor was contacted because she was the one that gave the orders that I could "ambulate". The doctor on call even came in to ask why I wanted a chair and what I was thinking. "SHEESH YOU CRAZY PEOPLE!" THAT's what I was thinking! He consented as well saying (and I quote), "Whatever floats your boat." I wanted to PUNCH him! My water was broken and I could finally kneel by a chair. 45 minutes later it was pushing time. I got in bed and again, needed to push while on my side. A luxury that my doctor said I would not have gotten if she were not there. After the birth I got that exhilarating feeling again. Totally worth it. Well, the recovery room was far from private--it had 4 beds. The curtains separating us when closed were like overheated tents in the summertime. My husband was welcome from 7am -11pm and anyone else only from 1-8pm. And, only 4 at a time (not that there was room for more!). My TV was in between me and the mesh top of the curtain--nice. And, it came with a fee. So did the phone. The PHONE!! When I requested to leave after 24 hours I was, once again, looked at as if crazy. I was told I was "breaking protocol" and would need special permission. Oh brother. I didn't even get the permission.

So, besides the IV issue, the laboring issue, the pushing issue, the privacy issue, the TV/phone issue, the going home issue, and the fact that I had to go out into the "soup kitchen" line in the hall for breakfast, hike to the other side of the hospital floor for a shower and share an ill maintained bathroom with 2 other ladies the experiences were pretty much the same. Hey, at least I got healthy baby girls out of each!

Lesson learned: Share with your doctor EVERY DETAIL of your laboring and delivering wishes. Assume nothing. (And always be grateful for 4, 2, and 1 hour labors!)