[x]

I don't know if it is political. Thirty years ago natural childbirth was regarded as the alternative of the younger generation. It was "natural." Men and women didn't want to be anesthetized or in the waiting room when their children were born. Natural childbirth was even given a feminist spin since it put women back "in touch with" their bodies. And this lasted well into the 80s and 90s. If things have changed, it's new to me.

I wonder what effect it will have on parent-child relations. For that matter, did returning to long, painful labor bring mothers and children closer together or drive them further apart?

[gobucks]

" I wonder what effect it will have on parent-child relations."

The reports on this point are quite consistent ... bonding is enhanced b/c she and the baby are relatively much more alert. Also, I think the memories are more crisp, but I'm not sure about that one...

But, as for parent child relations in general, I dunno much. My mother ... she is an utter mystery to me most of the time... (but, then again, she is very, very liberal).