I don't care if you had a natural birth. I don't care if you had an epidural.
I don't care if you got induced in week 40 or if you went 10 days past your estimated due date.
I don't care if you pushed a baby out of your vagina or had one delivered through an incision in your abdomen.
I don't care if you breastfeed for one day or two years.
I don't care if you use Johnson & Johnson products or Burt's Bees.
What I do care about is that you are fully educated and informed about the choices you make.
What I do care about is that you have access to unbiased, accurate information and that no one pushed their personal agenda over your needs.
What I do care about is that you had a qualified medical professional at your birth.
What I do care about is that you don't do anything reckless or unsafe.
Because for some women, feeling every ache and pain of labor is empowering; for others, the empowerment comes from blocking that pain out with modern medical science.
Because feeling respected and informed may well be one of the most important parts of the birth experience and that has nothing to do with the "way" you deliver.
Because it's time for women to stop tearing each other down over birth and end the hard feelings, bitterness and superiority complexes that have been built up.
Because calling names and stereotyping people who don't agree with you not only never changed a mind, it actively hardens hearts.
Because in the end, it's your choice how you give birth and you deserve the best care and support available.
Because you deserve to feel happy and respected with the safe and reasonable birth choices you make.
So I don't care what side you're on.
What I care about is that every woman and every baby gets a shot at the best possible outcomes from pregnancy, labor and birth.
Because in the end, isn't that all that matters?