Natural Childbirth

Overall, I like things to be natural. I rarely wear make-up or spend time fixing my hair. And as the years pass and I get more and more gray hairs, I'm determined not to dye it (I have NEVER dyed my hair). We'll see if I follow through on that... but I think my silver hairs are really pretty. They're the shiny kind, not the dull grey.
Anyway, I also try to avoid taking medicine whenever possible. Fortunately, I don't have any serious illnesses or conditions that require me to take medicine regularly (for which I'm grateful). But when I get a headache, I try things like laying down for a nap, drinking water, eating, etc. before I take an Aleve.
Now, these are just my personal opinions and preferences. I don't look down on those who wear make-up, dye their hair, take medication, etc. I just don't like to do these things myself.
That being said, I've always leaned towards natural childbirth. I was pretty sure I didn't want an epidural, but I didn't know much past that. After becoming pregnant, I've done more research into the methods that are out there. Jeff and I have decided on the Bradley method, also known as husband-coached childbirth.
The overall idea is that childbirth is natural and our bodies are made to handle it. However, we need to learn how to give birth. This is aided by good nutrition, exercising and strengthening specific muscles as well as learning what to expect during labor and what you can/should do during each phase. And it's referred to as husband-coached because your husband learns along with you and coaches you through the labor.
Jeff and I started reading the book about the Bradley method together. I don't agree with everything they say, but I do like the overall philosophy. But some of the exercise descriptions in the book were confusing and difficult to follow. And since this is our first child, we decided that we wanted more instruction than the book alone could provide. So we signed up to take a class.
This past week we started our 12-week course of Bradley classes. They are held in the home of our instructor Alyssa (pronounced Alysha) on Thursday nights. There were originally going to be four couples, but everyone else either backed out or forgot, so right now we get private instruction!
In addition to the 12 classes, we have daily and weekly homework assignments. I have to fill out a daily pregnancy nutrition journal documenting everything I eat. This is actually good for me, knowing that someone else will be looking over it each week. I know I should eat better than I do... I also have daily exercises, some of which Jeff helps me with. And we have weekly reading assignments to complete as well. It will take a little while for me to work them into my daily routine and remember to do everything, but I'm committed to making it work.
It's been interesting to hear the different reactions I get when I tell people that I want an unmedicated, natural childbirth. I'm surprised by all of the fear and negativity that seems to surround giving birth. Some experienced mothers tell me that I think that now, but I'll probably change my mind during delivery. Others think I'm crazy, or vow "I could never do that." A few are supportive or have done it themselves.
The way I see it, I'm not going into this blindly. I'm preparing myself physically and mentally for a natural childbirth. I know that a complication could arise and I may need medication or an emergency C-section - this is why I'm giving birth in a hospital - but I hope it doesn't come to that.
I hope I haven't offended anyone. I firmly believe that each woman should research and find out what is best for her. As for me, I'm going to give natural childbirth a try.