A very sincere welcome from the world to your little Walter. Though I know your birth story is much more than you posted, saving the "gory details" for yourself and that it did not play out as you had hoped, I would like to offer a few words of encouragement. First, I personally believe that nature is more powerful than any medical process or intervention and that when nature prevails this point is proven. The fact that you were denied a cesarean, which is ultimately a responsible decision on behalf of your care providers, is probably a blessing in disguise. Further, the inability for pain medication (due to the hastiness of your labor) is consequentially another positive thing.

Unless you have already had a cesarean and utilized medications in a previous birth (in which case you would have your own evidence on the benefits/risks)then I challenge the modern idea that those specific interventions are even at all okay (except in high-risk situations).

Because you were not granted the cesarean, your postpartum healing process is cut in half at a minimum. Typically mothers that have undergone c-sections have at least a 3 month healing period, with great risk for incision infection and in worse case scenarios, maternal death.

Also, because your baby was not subject to the epidural drugs that do find their way into their delicate systems, his first moments of life were presumably clear and connected to you...his dear mama.

Finally, the process of natural childbirth is such an empowering experience for us mothers. One that teaches us that we can do anything and that ultimately offers the valuable lesson of surrendering to our children. Surrendering is something we do in childbirth and something that we will continue to do until our dying day. It is a beautiful thing really.

I will step off my soap box now. I hope my words are not offensive, for I mean no harm. I just wanted to take a moment to share my perspective on the positives of what sounds to be an amazing birth experience.

Once again, congratulations on your new sweet boy.