“natural”
I thought recently how I take issue with the use of the word “natural” in certain circumstances. If I’m not mistaken, natural means “derived from nature,” yes? And for many people, it implies a sort of pure-holistic feeling. But sometimes I think it is overused. I mean, do I really have to be told that a jar of applesauce with no other ingredients but apples is “all-natural?” I sure hope so! I don’t want particularly want any pretend plastic polymer-apple applesauce as a snack. (Or for that matter, do I have to be told the applesauce is made from “real fruit?” It’s kind of like the warnings on coffee cups that say, “This beverage will be hot…”)
I also am not sure if I like the term “natural” associated with childbirth. I feel it is almost a shaming word aimed at women who have medical interventions or C-sections. Um, correct me if I’m wrong, but even women who use a surrogate or IVF procedures to get pregnant or have their baby—the baby, at the end of the day, comes out of a human body. That sounds pretty natural to me. Childbirth is childbirth, no matter what interventions or medicines were utilized en route.
