Empowering Birth Experience: A Joyful Journey for Expecting Readers:
Five years ago, I penned an insightful account of my empowering birthing experience – a memory that has become one of my most cherished moments. Contrary to what I previously believed, I discovered unparalleled pride and empowerment in the process. And the experience was devoid of the ‘pain’ typically associated with it. Instead, it was marked by calmness, thrill, and even joy. Read along for a list of what I think contributed to this.
My baby boy arrived on his due date, via a “natural” birth, and the entire birthing process, from the first contractions to holding my Lukita, took less than 3.5 hours. This speedy, intense, and joyous birth experience, despite its intensity and unknowns, has become my most cherished and empowering memory. Three weeks later, I feel incredibly proud because of the calmness, thrill, longing, and joy I experienced. Today, I’d like to discuss the factors that contributed to the joy and pleasure of birth for me as a first-time mum.
Gentle Birth App: A Calm and Empowering Birthing Companion
As I prepared for childbirth, the Gentle Birth App became my trusted companion. Integrating its affirmations, hypnosis, and meditations into my daily routine, I sought a serene and peaceful birthing experience. When active labor arrived, the app’s support left others astonished at my composed and focused demeanor. Throughout the process, the Gentle Birth App’s soothing music, which I had been using for months to visualize my ideal birth, continued to sustain me. In the midst of labor, this music became my lifeline, offering solace and whispering love to my husband and our baby with each contraction.
I attribute my peaceful birthing journey not only to the app itself but also to the generosity and unwavering support of Tracy Duggan, the founder of Gentle Birth. Tracy goes above and beyond, offering guidance and solutions to alleviate concerns for Gentle Birthers worldwide. Her dedication has left a lasting impact on me and many others.
Affirmations
When my intense labour began, affirmations were clearly the last thing on my mind! My contractions started at 3:18 pm, already 5 minutes apart, and my water broke at 5:44, and the baby was born at 6:37 pm. But I had previously placed affirmations on the walls, which greatly helped. Standing near them allowed me to recall to “trust my body,” “relax my jaw,” and “dance the baby down.” This preparation expedited the process. Now, we plan to adorn our walls with parenting and relationship affirmations as well, after finding success with watercolour birth affirmations.
Birthing classes and birth education
These are crucial for expecting parents. One example illustrating their significance is the ability to handle intense birthing experiences with knowledge and preparation. During a rapid progression of labour, the strong urge to push arose while still at home. Despite the urgency, the education from birthing classes empowered me to recognize the need to avoid premature pushing. This awareness stemmed from learning specific breathing techniques that proved pivotal during the critical moments. The experience of transitioning to the hospital, while challenging, was navigated successfully due to the application of learned breathing methods. The support from a knowledgeable midwife and the birthing team further enhanced the process, with reminders to utilize the techniques I had learned. The insight I gained from birthing classes not only helped me manage the urge to push but also made the overall birthing journey more manageable than I anticipated. This underscores the value of birthing education and its practical application in real-life birthing scenarios.
Looking for a birthing teacher who goes above and beyond? Anna Hurty is an exceptional educator, providing thorough insights into labour stages, natural labour-easing techniques, and various birthing options without bias or judgment. Anna even offers personal support by providing her phone number for any concerns or questions outside of class time.
Before signing up for a class, consider researching the available additional services, such as prenatal yoga, CPR classes, and massages, some of which may be included at a discount or for free with your enrollment in the birthing class.
Kegels and Squats
Labour is exhausting. I think, preparing for labour is crucial, and I wanted to ensure I was fully ready. Despite occasional slip-ups in my health routine, I’ve remained dedicated to maintaining a wholesome lifestyle. Thanks to this commitment, my pregnancy was smooth and uncomplicated. I credit regular exercise, including squats and pelvic floor exercises, for making the delivery stage more manageable and aiding in post-partum recovery. Remarkably, I experienced no tearing or complications, and my swift recovery was a pleasant surprise. I firmly believe that my consistent exercise regimen played a significant role in the ease of labour and my speedy recovery.
Chiropractic and Acupuncture for Pregnancy
Pregnancy can lead to spinal and pelvic misalignment due to hormonal and structural changes. Chiropractic care from a trusted expert can effectively realign the body, offering a convenient solution. Additionally, acupuncture can be beneficial throughout pregnancy, especially when seeking a specialized practitioner for pregnancy-related concerns such as preparing the body for labour. Studies have shown that acupuncture does not cause harm when used to prepare the cervix in healthy, low-risk pregnant individuals, with some evidence suggesting it may help with cervical ripening at the end of pregnancy. Many women have reported not needing induction thanks to acupuncture. Consider conducting your research and staying open-minded when exploring these holistic approaches.
Red Raspberry Leaf Tea: A Pregnancy Essential
During my pregnancy, I relied on Earth Mama Organics for their exceptional products, particularly their Third Trimester Tea and Red Raspberry Leaf Tea. Beginning with one cup a day at 32 weeks, I increased my intake to three cups daily as I approached delivery. Red raspberry leaf is renowned for its ability to tone the uterus for childbirth and support postpartum healing. Remarkably, I experienced my uterus shrinking rapidly post-birth, with little evidence of my once prominent baby bump within just two weeks. Witness the transformation in my 40-week belly compared to just two weeks postpartum!
Celebrate Yourself: Embrace Your Birth Experience
Amid potential complications, it’s essential to acknowledge the role of chance and genetics. However, personal effort and care play a significant part in attracting positive outcomes. Prioritize self-care to enhance the likelihood of a positive birth experience.
Embrace the transformative nature of childbirth and the empowering realization that your body is capable and trustworthy. Regardless of the specific outcome, celebrate your body, the process of giving life and the strength it embodies. Your unique birth experience, shaped by unknown forces, is worthy of celebration. Trust the process, relinquish control, and honour yourself for the incredible feat you’ve achieved.
Editor’s note: The information in this article is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
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