Coach Smith again to Deborah and others-

Yes, birth and marathons have a lot in common from a muscular point of view.
Birth also involves sex - to get the baby started and to get it out of mom.
There's noise and muscular effort during marathons, and usually also during
the activities that make babies and get them born. Sweat, too - that's one
reason it's called "labor."

Birth is also like flying in a plane - once you're up, you gotta come down.
Some landings are harder than others despite the skill and preparation of the
pilot.  However, pilot preparation helps in all cases, even crashes.  (Sales
pitch for childbirth classes!!)

Linda Smith, BSE, FACCE, IBCLC
CBE and LC in private practice, Dayton OH