how offensive is this tee-shirt? - Page 5

[meisterfrau]

Originally Posted by Britishmum

I wouldn't wear the shirt, but I also don't find it offensive. I have to say I find it funny. I can see from other responses here that I'm missing something, but sometimes I wonder if we don't need to lighten up a bit.

I think what you're missing is how traumatizing some of the posters' birth experiences have been. If you understood what they were saying you'd understand why they can't just "lighten up a bit" and you'd understand that suggesting they should do so is about as dismissive and cavalier as the t-shirt is.

[wonderwahine]

Originally Posted by veggiemomma

WonderWahine: I am so sorry that happened to you. I am sure you would have preferred an uncomplicated natural childbirth.

thanks I had, but I am semi at peace with my birth experience, I have a beautiful boy to hold because of it. And I have learnt what to avoid next time.... eg never trust ob's

[annettemarie]

Originally Posted by Britishmum

I wouldn't wear the shirt, but I also don't find it offensive. I have to say I find it funny. I can see from other responses here that I'm missing something, but sometimes I wonder if we don't need to lighten up a bit.

I don't think I need to lighten up. Like I tell my kids, we don't need to put others down in order to make ourselves feel good. We're fabulous enough as it is.

[2bluefish]

I'd rather have a shirt and shorts combo - shirt says "Not getting an epidural" bottom of the shorts say "Epidurals scare the shit out of me!"

[Cloverlove]

I've had 1 emergency (but probably unnecessary) c-sect and 1 HBAC and I don't find the shirt offensive. However, I also don't find it funny.

[Kbrinkley]

I think it's funny and I got an epidural. My reasoning behind thinking it's funny is because that was the truth for me. I sissied out....was too afraid of a natural process and gave in....then got a c-section again. So, whatever. I wouldn't be offended if I saw someone wearing it. Freedom of speech.

[Organicavocado]

I think its funny, I was planning on getting one to wear during labor (at home, nobody would seeeeee) just for the humor and maybe a funny picture or two.

I'm sick of the "I want my epidural NOW" tee shirts on women who are like four months along. I think thats funny too, neither are offensive to me, but tiresome after you see so many. I'd rather see an "epidurals are for sissies" shirt over those anyday.. and I think thats where these shirts originated from, not just a way to "put people down" but stemming from the frustration of everybody and their brother (er, sister) having "epidural? yes please!" shirts. I can appreciate a sarcastic comeback.

[Sandstress]

My thoughts:
1. I thank g*d every day for my epidural/spinal that allowed me to see the birth of my baby.

2. That shirt is provocative, and not in a good way. In an "I want to pick a fight with you" way. If that is your goal in life, well, then you're not really very nice.

[domestic_goddess]

Originally Posted by Sandstress

My thoughts:
That shirt is provocative, and not in a good way. In an "I want to pick a fight with you" way. If that is your goal in life, well, then you're not really very nice.

I agree. There's no need to pick a fight over birth choices. I'd be annoyed to see one that said "Homebirths are for Hippies" or something like that. I went with natural childbirth because I could and wanted to. Does it make me a hero? Only to myself. I'm not out to prove anything to anyone but me.

I do love the pregnancy ones that say "Got Pickles" and "Don't even think about touching the belly" - but this one is annoying. Just like the "Can I have my epidural now" bugs me too.

[Vortexing]

Originally Posted by mamajama

I'm sorry, and this is not only OT but petty and immature, but I really can't get past the fact that the guy's name is Dr. Grantly Dick-Read. It's been cracking me up since I first read it on this thread.

OH me too.. ::: I mean, c'mon... Dick-Read????? I'd change my name.

Originally Posted by avent

Wearing that shirt pretty much doubles your chances of getting an epidural. Quadruple if you have the nerve to don it as labor is starting.

I can just see some laboring woman walking into a hospital wearing that shirt... That would be an odd sight.

[ericswifey27]

Originally Posted by alegna

I think it's funny but I would never wear it.

(and of course there is a time and place for everything- even epidurals)

-Angela

Me too.

And I did have an epidural with my first.

Although it would be a nice antidote to these... :

http://www.cafepress.com/buy/epidura...t_/fpt_/c_666/

http://www.cafepress.com/buy/epidura...t_/fpt_/c_666/


http://www.cafepress.com/buy/epidura...t_/fpt_/c_666/

If I didn't have to search for it, I'd put in that eye roll smilie...

[ericswifey27]

LMAO. Look at the numbers at the ends of those links.:

Edited to say:

Originally Posted by 2bluefish

I'd rather have a shirt and shorts combo - shirt says "Not getting an epidural" bottom of the shorts say "Epidurals scare the shit out of me!"

Are you going to make one? 'cause I might buy one...

Originally Posted by domestic_goddess

I agree. There's no need to pick a fight over birth choices. I'd be annoyed to see one that said "Homebirths are for Hippies" or something like that. I went with natural childbirth because I could and wanted to. Does it make me a hero? Only to myself. I'm not out to prove anything to anyone but me.

ITA about being a hero only for yourself.

BTW... I think a "Homebirth is for Hippies" shirt would rock!

[lovemy4boys]

Originally Posted by wannabe

I think it's very funny, but I don't think I'd wear it.

I had an epidural, because I'm a sissy.



Running a marathon hurts, too. Gas pain hurts, sometimes pooing hurts, vomiting hurts, breastfeeding while pregnant hurts. why should your pelvis coming apart to admit the passage of a skull not hurt?

:

I never had an epidural, but I can be a sissy, too. In fact, I was just at the dentist getting my very first adult filling, and I took pause to thank God for pain-numbing meds. Then, with no one to talk to, I took a moment to remember to have a little humility when thinking about why another person might want pain meds.. esp. the epi.

[lifescholar]

Originally Posted by sunnysideup

I think it plays to to the mentality that women choose natural childbirth to prove something or win an award.

I totally agree with that.

I was in induced-labour for 49 hours before I had to get an epidural, so I could rest and get back some energy so I could birth my baby! But yeah, I'm a sissy, compared to moms who have 3-hour labours without anything! :

[crissei]

Hmm...

The
I've had an extremely painful spinal
can't stand the word "sissy" because it implies women are weak
hate when people are judgmental about birth choices
part of me thinks
that shirt is painfully hurtful and offensive

The
Farrelly Brothers movie watching
Johnny Knoxville fan
nose-milk snorting at Carlos Mencia
part of me.....
.....laughed

[lorijds]

Sometimes we forget that the world doesn't revolve around us and our interests.

Epidurals are not just for labor. They are used for many different types of surgeries--general anesthesia in most cases has more potentially harmful complications than epidurals, and the increasing use of epidurals for these procedures decreases the morbidity and mortality rates of these surgeries.

Epidurals are also used for those who experience excruciating chronic pain. I took care of a guy who was crushed between two vehicles when a teen hit him as he was unloading his parked car. One leg was traumatically amputated, but they managed to reattach it. His legs, pelvis and spine sustained multiple crushing injuries. He spend three months in a level I trauma center.

His pain was often controlled to acceptable levels with physical therapy and pain medication, but at times his pain would become so unbearable he would literally scream when the bedsheets would touch his legs. So he would come in for an epidural to get relief and to get on top of the pain.

Is he a sissy? I would imagine he would be quite offended to see such a shirt.

[lyttlewon]

Originally Posted by lorijds

Epidurals are not just for labor. They are used for many different types of surgeries--general anesthesia in most cases has more potentially harmful complications than epidurals, and the increasing use of epidurals for these procedures decreases the morbidity and mortality rates of these surgeries.

I opted out of a spinal and opted for general during my last surgury for the same reason I don't like labor epidurals. I didn't want a needle near my spine. I am glad it is available for people who want it but I personally took the risk with general anesthetic to protect my spine from being potentially damaged by a needle. I don't think the shirt is appropriate either way because IMO having someone enter your epidural space next to something as precious as a spinal cord with a sharp and dangerous object takes large amounts of courage. I have a friend who experiences chronic issues from a poorly delivered epidural that knicked her spinal cord.

A woman using the term sissy is like my mom calling my brother a son of a b: kind of silly :

[PreggieUBA2C]

Originally Posted by 2bluefish

I'd rather have a shirt and shorts combo - shirt says "Not getting an epidural" bottom of the shorts say "Epidurals scare the shit out of me!"

Awesome!

[PreggieUBA2C]

Maybe someone could make up a shirt that lists the effects of epidurals during childbirth, without judgement- no 'pros' and 'cons,' just information, nothing else. Then maybe someone standing with me in the checkout line would have something to read on my big pregnant belly instead of just looking at it in awe of how HUGE it is

[Storm Bride]

Originally Posted by lyttlewon

I opted out of a spinal and opted for general during my last surgury for the same reason I don't like labor epidurals.

I wanted dh to be able to be there for the arrival of his kids. Aside from that...I'm not sure I could have made myself accept the spinal for my 2nd and 3rd sections. General makes me really sick and I feel like crap for weeks...but it doesn't terrorize me like the spinal does. It feels weird to admit that I would have almost preferred to be unconscious when my babies arrived, but...I think I would.

My only real labour was only 21 hours and no pushing...haven't experienced pain bad enough to make me want a needle in my spine. I'm not saying I never will - but I haven't yet. In most cases, I find pain much, much more tolerable than the effects of anesthesia. (I'm not a fanatic - I refuse the needle for dental fillings...but I didn't try to say no to it for my root canal, yk?)