Response to those who do not understand Natural Birth
Jdawnl
member
I do not usually post very much, but I was looking for some suggestions. I am planning on a natural birth with a CPM, at an independent birthing center. I have done my research and read the books, etc. Personally, I have many reasons why I am choosing this. DH is wonderfully supportive of whatever I choose.
The problem is - My in-laws do not understand. My sister-in-law just had her baby (first grandbaby) this past July and she went completely conventional - epidural, episiotomy, on-call ob, big hospital, pitocin. The whole 9 yards. So, they are quite confused about my choice of birth and keep insinuating that it is highly unsafe.
My question is - short of writing a thesis over my choice, or having a heated debate, what could I answer them with when they ask these questions? They are even trying to get DH to admit that he thinks it is 'unsafe'. Once again, he fully supports me, but they still try. 
Sorry this is so long, just looking for some ideas! Thank you! 
Re: Response to those who do not understand Natural Birth
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I really like this article from Consumer Reports for people who think the "conventional" stuff is so great - https://www.consumerreports.org/cro/2012/05/what-to-reject-when-you-re-expecting/index.htm
It's not all natural birth stuff necessarily, but is from a source they may be more likely to believe. You can tell them the best way you think you can try to avoid these things is to go the route you've chosen.
DS, May 2011
As someone who comes from the same place as your inlaws (but respect what the mother's choice is in the birth of her child) if you care what they think I would try to alleviate their concerns.
I have seen BOBB (and maybe you could have them watch it). I think my biggest concern would be, and maybe for your inlaws as well, is what happens if something goes wrong (baby gets stuck, isn't breathing, etc.). For me, I will always have a hopsital birth because every second that child isn't getting the life helping care that he/she will need may impact their quality of life. This includes the time to call an ambulance, the time to get the ER etc. This is my biggest concern about home births.
Once again the information only applies if you care what the ILs think, but if you do then: 1. tell them you why you want a home birth (more choice, more control, better following of birth plan, more natural, etc.). 2. Tell them your game plan in case the unexpected happens. 3. Answer questions that they are going to have but limit it (I will answer questions, but at this point I'm unwillingly to listen to any negative support about my decision).
Good luck!
My Mil interjects comments here and there all the time that let us know she finds HBs unsafe. Her go-to comment is how wonderful her birth was with my Dh bc she delivered with a CNM but had all the medical technologies available if needed. She seems to forget that she also was delivering a preemie (32w) which made her a poor candidate for an OOH birth anyway! Oye.
I agree with PPs to bring them to an apt with you or at least give them the opportunity to ask questions about things they deem unsafe. Once my ILs recognized that we have a game plan for emergencies, red flags, and that my MWs actually can administer meds that an OB can, they backed off. If they don't, you and your Dh need to le them know that it is no longer up for discussion. Harsh, but you need to be surrounded by positive people, not ones that are constantly harassing you. GL mama
I've got that response a lot and so has my DH. Everyone tells him that he's crazy for "letting" me go with a birth center.
For starters, tell them that you've done research and this is what you feel is best for you personally. That you wouldn't choose to go with this path if you thought it would bring harm to your LO.
One of the best things that helped me with answering questions, is the movie The Business of Being Born. I watched it with my Mom and she is fully on board with this now. So maybe try that?
I think this is a good option. Keep it short and simple. It's not a matter of proving you're right and they're wrong. Your choice isn't any better or more right than the birth your SIL had, it's just better and more right for you.
I have seen the Business of Being Born and I found it terribly biased and full of scare tactics. I have had two hospital births that were amazing, one with an epidural and one med-free. My doctors and nurses were also amazing and I will do the same with this baby.
The above quote sums up everything you need to say.
EDIT Depending on their experiences and views they may not change their minds no matter what you say but especially if you put their choices and experiences down. That's why it's probably best to just let them know their choies worked for them and that's great, you and your husband have decided what works for you. Then, just don't talk about it as much as possible.
Just a lurker here....
All the PP are much nicer then me. When family memebers asked and I told them I was going natural (in a hospital, twins) everyone just nodded and said wait and see. Someone eventually pissed me off enough that I responded with a "Im trying for that medal everyone keeps talking about!" I'm sure they thought I was nuts but DH thought it was funny and now jokes about that too.
Your baby your buisness. Good luck to ya!
Just simply say "You had the birth experience you wanted, I will be having the birth experience I want. Please respect our decisions."
No need to try to change their minds or have them on your side.
I like the short and sweet answers above from several folks. If they are willing to do reading and you are willing to educate, I like this link that my MW has: https://www.novabirthcenter.com/Family/Grandparents/UnderstandingChoices.aspx
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More Green For Less Green
I get so tired of people telling me how I'm going to change my mind blah blah.
Right now I'm so against anything that I think will profit the pharmaceutical industry that I can't even imagine paying to have someone inject something into my spinal cord. Are you freaking kidding me? You want me to unnecessarily stick a needle and put foreign matter into my SPINAL cord? Do people not realize that people die from spinal cord injuries? No thanks. I just don't feel like that's anything to be messing around with just to be able to do something with my body that women have been doing for a long time without being injected.
Family and friends eventually stopped bugging me, probably because they knew I'd tune them out. Aquaintances and strangers still tried to put two cents in, but they usually got a canned response or, oh, that's nice, or, hm, interesting, I'll keep that in mind. People get nuts if they feel you're against their view and take it as a personal attack.
Thank you for all the advice! I love all of the differing opinions. I believe we have decided to not engage, as we are fairly private people. We will come up with a polite, but firm answer and leave it at that.
Thanks again! I love how supportive everyone on this board is!
For our first (and now, for our second despite the fact we've switched coasts) we found a CNW practice that operates out of a hospital. We were really happy with the experience during our first pregnancy - I had the MW care I desperately wanted, but DH still felt safer being in the hospital with the back up that provided. In my book, it wasn't worth the argument about hospital vs birthing center so long as I was guaranteed a MW birth. I knew that even if I "won" the argument, DH would still be nervous, and that would still cause some tension even if we were resolved.
That said, I had a friend (and her father, a retired OB) that were big on OB care, and even circumcision for my son, and I just told them that I was happy with my care, that the MWs were capable, and at any point in my pregnancy WOULD refer me to an OB if there were complications. If it helps, there are MANY other countries where the rule is MW care, and you're only referred to an OB if you have a complicated case.
They addressed this issue in BOBB actually. Those doulas were certified to take care of everything. OP, Its so hard not to get into a heated debate about this because the actuallity of this is a lot of things doctors do is way more hazardous than birthing the way women were meant to and have dont since the dawn of time. I think the best thing to say would be that you know it is whats best for you and your baby. I would also assure them that your decision is a very well informed one and if they care to learn more I would gladly fill them in. Sometimes its also necessary to just laugh it off to. I did a lot of that, also a lot of beaming when the people who challenged me found out about my amazing natural birth experience.