I, probably annoyingly, chose a few options. I was concerned about side effects for myself and the baby, not just over an epidural, but over the possibility that an epidural might lead to all sorts of other things, and cumulatively, I wasn't comfortable with those risks. I forgot to check that I was concerned about a cascade of interventions, but obviously, that was one of them. My biggest reason, honestly, for wanting a natural birth in all three of my children's births (haven't given birth this time yet, but today is my EDD, so any day now) is that I don't like the idea of turning over control to someone else. I realize that I can't control the labor process. I haven't been able to in either of my other kids' births and I know I can't this time either. However, as long as I'm birthing naturally and things are going well, I don't want to relinquish control to someone else, and to me, that's what having interventions means: giving up what little bit of control I do have.
Instead of being able to move around how I felt I needed to, I'd be restricted. Instead of being able to eat if I felt the need, I'd be given clear fluids. Instead of pushing when I felt the urge, I'd be told when and for how long. And often all of this would be based on nothing more than the whims of the care provider, since many obstetric practices aren't evidence-based at all. I know that some women feel that getting pain relief is what allowed them to remain in control, and I understand that, too, and I respect it. My second dd's birth was precipitous and the pain was really the kind of thing that could drive a person mad, if it had lasted much longer than it did, so I definitely understand why pain relief would allow some women to feel more control over the process. It's just not my personal preference. Honestly, after that birth I understand a LOT of things women do that I didn't understand before. I understand why people want to induce or have scheduled c-sections for no medical reason. I really do. I don't think it's the best choice for the baby or mother's health, but emotionally...I get it...I support it. I do.
So for me, while there are multiple reasons I choose natural childbirth, the biggest one really does come down to the "Other" of maintaining as much control as possible, which isn't much, but it's better that it remain in MY hands than in the hands of some doctor. I can't give up my power (I know, this is starting to sound all new agey, and I'm really not that way, but that's the best way I can explain it) to someone else just for my a little comfort. My strength and my power are more important to me than that. I am STRONG and I don't need to be saved or rescued. Obviously, there are situations in which I might need to make the choice to have interventions, but it will be because they were necessary, not just because I wanted someone to save me from my pain.
I hope no one feels like I'm belittling their choices. Once upon a time, I would have. Not now. These are just the ways I feel about interventions for myself. I get that not everyone feels that way and that's cool with me. Other women feel like the best way to remain in control is to get that epidural or whatever. That's cool too. :)
. So who knows, maybe it was that too? All I know is that I want that experience again! But now I'm preg with identical twins and the docs are giving me the hard sell to go medicalized all the way. And I'm fighting them. But I hate confrontation, so it's been stressful. In the end I just wish they'd respect my wishes and quit telling me how I could be putting my babies in danger. I'm only 29 weeks and so far, no complications whatsoever and the twins are growing great! So hopefully, I'll get the birth I want again...and that awesome high times two!!! 
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