I don't see it that way at all.

The drugs affect the baby in many ways, including by dramatically increasing the rate of cesareans -- surgical deliveries present higher risks for both mother and baby.

I hoped to have unmedicated births for the well-being of the baby and myself and also because I've seen women enjoy natural childbirth and it's like running a marathon or climbing a mountain.

I'm glad I got to help my daughter have the births she wanted. It was amazing to see her actively birth her children. It was impressive to see how empowered she was by this accomplishment.

Understanding the benefits of unmedicated birth is not ridiculous. In fact, being able to choose to have the birth you want is an important feminist issue.

An awful lot of male obstetricians push epidurals hard because they like to actively manage the birth to fit into their own personal schedules. With epidurals and pitocin, you can time a birth to a large degree. I don't think that's very female-friendly, honestly.

It would be nice if other women would not belittle this achievement for those who value it.