An Ideal Birth
Gentle preparation makes all the difference and your baby needs to prepare too. These 7 easy tips will enhance your pregnancy and pave the way for a really positive birth experience.
During Pregnancy develop the habit of talking to your baby
We all love to be acknowledged, noticed and included. It makes us feel special and important. It fosters a sense of belonging. And while we are aware that children love positive attention and thrive on it, we often forget that the exact same thing is true of baby in utero.
So practice chatting to your baby during pregnancy. Let her know what is going on and include her in family life from the beginning. Several times a day place your hands consciously on your pregnant belly and tell her you love her and how happy you are that she is here.
When she feels welcome, she will find it easier to leave the safety of the womb and be born into this world in a peaceful, relaxed way.
Tell her how well she is doing in her development.
We all love our work to be acknowledged and admired. Throughout the pregnancy, point out her many achievements.
Every so often remind your baby of what is going on in her development...'you have grown to 15cms, you have lovely arms and legs' or 'now you are making your brain and spinal chord'. Bring your baby's attention to the fact that it has been so natural for her. Get her used to the idea that she is a success.
Then as your baby prepares for birth and enters into the birth canal, she already has the message that she is a success and can do this with ease.
Inform yourself what birth looks like from your baby's perspective.
This will help you get an understanding of what it is like for your baby and will also remind you that your amazing body and your baby really are designed to work harmoniously together as a powerful team with ease during birth.
Explain birth to your baby from her point of view.
We all find it easier to be relaxed and confident when we have an idea what is coming up and what is expected of us. So for the birth, invite her to come head first with her face down and let her know that this is the easiest position for you both.
Inform her that there will be contractions that will start high in the uterus and move down and that their purpose is to ease her down the birth canal. Let her know that you will be there supporting her and ready to hold her when she is born.
Be kind to yourself during pregnancy.
Choose easy options during pregnancy so that you are modeling to your baby this habit..because she is watching.
Instead of carrying two bags carry one. Ask for help when you need it. Take a nap when you are tired. Practice self nurturing and being very gentle on yourself. And as you do, bring that to your baby's attention.
So when you decide to take a rest instead of doing some work you had planned, say to baby 'See mommy is choosing the easy way because that is much nicer and safer of us both...just like you will choose to come head down and face down'.
'We can both make decisions that really support us and we both deserve to have a lovely birth experience'.
Inform yourself about how wonderful birth can really be.
Most of us have received the download that birth is a horrible ordeal, something we have to endure. However this is not the truth.
Women are designed to give birth vaginally. Your amazing body has been preparing gently for this event. As you allow yourself to consider and relax into the knowledge that you have the power to experience a safe, gentle birth your body will respond to this message.
Birth can be painless and even orgasmic. Surround yourself with books, websites and other sources of information that remind you of your infinite wisdom and the right you have to joy in birth.
During pregnancy, your baby will love to be exposed to the idea that birth can be a beautiful event for you both. The more you focus on this possibility the easier it is for your baby to cooperate in this vision.
Relax and visualize a wonderful birth for you both.
Throughout the pregnancy, take the time to relax daily with meditation, yoga or other method that helps you quiet your mind and tune into the wisdom of the body.
Picture the birth you desire in your mind's eye. Imagine and feel efficient contractions, gentle and steady dilation of the cervix and perfect stretching of your perineum.
