I’ve already resolved to utilize the conveniences of modern medicine. Why pass up the opportunity to completely numb your body from the waist down as a potentially giant 8 lb baby tries to make its way through an opening that is only meant to be a centimeter in diameter? What I’m referring to, of course, is the epidural. Some women are concerned that if they do opt to have an epidural they have in a way demeaned their womanhood, given in, and thus feel like maternal failures. I, however, when thinking about the excruciating pain—the ripping and tearing that is childbirth—I gladly thank my lucky stars that I live in a day and age where I can forego all the feeling in my lower half. All I have to do is somehow cope with the fact that a giant needle and catheter will be jammed between two of my vertebrae and into my spinal column (other concerns include having no control over bowl function…). It is also highly likely that Devin will pass out early on (he has a bit of a weak stomach when it comes to these things) leaving me all-alone in the delivery room. I hope that it won’t be me trying to coach him through the labor process saying, “pull yourself together! I’m trying to have a baby here!”