Several months ago I previewed the new Business of Being Born film and one of the doctors interviewed said that made me really outraged. He said something to the effect of: “in three months you’re just going to be pushing a baby in a stroller, so what difference does it make how you gave birth?” What difference does it make?! Would anyone even THINK to say something like that to a marathon runner or Olympian–“in three months, you’ll just be pushing a baby in a stroller, who cares that you won a gold medal?”

Side note to this analogy: feeling good that you won a gold medal [gave birth in a triumphant and empowering way] does NOT invalidate or cause guilt in those who did not run the marathon, or had to quit early, or needed help finishing. There is no shame in not running, but there is also rightful PRIDE and “glory” in finishing the “race” you set out on.

Someday soon I will be developing this analogy into a real essay, so wait for that…