"If a woman doesn't look like a goddess in labor then someone isn't treating her right." - Ina May Gaskin
What is a birth goddess?
A birth goddess is someone who embraces pregnancy, birth and motherhood. She trusts in her body's ability to give birth. She intentionally strengthens her body and mind, and maintains a healthy lifestyle for her and her baby.
Childbirth is far too often feared. There is an anxiety many women experience that they won't be able to manage the pain. Women fear losing control. They fear their baby will be too big, their pelvis will be too small. They fear the unknown. They wonder if they'll be able to do it, or if they'll need a cesarean.
For just a moment, I want to step back and look at the pure, raw, natural beauty of childbirth. Childbirth is certainly a lot of work. It is intense, and it can sometimes be hard. But what we often times forget, it that our bodies were made to do this work. The female body was created to be able to give birth.
Childbirth should be a beautiful process - one we should embrace with open arms. I don't like to use the word "pain" when discussing birth. I many times instead use terms such as "discomfort", "intense", and "powerful. " However, there is a reason some pain comes with childbirth. Pain increases your endorphins. As a woman labors and the intensity increases, so will your body's production of endorphins. Endorphins are natural opiates that are responsible for things like, "runners high," and they are produced during love making. Studies show that endorphins peak near the end of labor, which helps you manage the intensity of your contractions. Prolactin levels increase as your endorphin levels increase. This helps with breastfeeding success. Another very important reason for discomfort during labor is movement. It is difficult for a laboring mother to hold still during contractions. This works perfectly in labor, as that movement helps a baby to properly align in the pelvis.
Tips for Decreasing Discomfort in Childbirth:
- Learn as much about labor as you possibly can
- Choose a birth environment where you feel safe, comfortable and relaxed
- Choose a birth team you trust and are comfortable with. If you aren't comfortable with other people or family members there don't be afraid to say so.
- Keep your bladder emptied.
- Learn relaxation techniques (visualization, deep breathing, hydrotherapy, calming music - these things go a long way!).
- Learn to let go of fear. Acknowledge and address your fears prior to labor beginning.
- Hire a doula!
Most importantly, educated yourself, know your options, and TRUST your body. Believing you can do it is the first step to success!
To learn more about how to have a beautiful, peaceful birth contact me!
Emily Zolton, CD(DONA)
(813) 777-4178
No comments:
Post a Comment