PRENATAL
What does it mean to ‘ OWN ’ your birth ? Owning your birth , which could also be thought of as ‘ empowered ’ or ‘ conscious ’ birthing , is about speaking up and taking full responsibility for you and your baby ’ s birth experience by planning for a happy and safe birth .
It ’ s about being key player in your own health care , by making informed decisions and choices throughout pregnancy , labour , birth , breastfeeding and beyond and staying involved in decision-making . It ’ s about feeling and acting empowered to ask questions and stay in control , knowing how to establish rapport with your care provider , and discovering whether or not you can trust them and accept their advice in the event of special circumstances .
Before we ’ ve experienced birth for ourselves , television is where many of us develop our understanding of birth . Normal birth makes for boring viewing so programs highlight complications and drama . It ’ s so unfortunate that the simplicity of a healthy and relaxed mama , calmly and confidently surrendering to her body ’ s innate wisdom and experiencing a natural , non-medicated birth does not exist on television , unless it ’ s a nature show featuring some other mammal , or perhaps a documentary capturing a rare glimpse into birthing in some other cultures . Instead , hearing negative , fear-inducing messages about birthing can cause women to doubt their own wonderful and powerful abilities to birth naturally , in comfort , without trauma . Their confidence is further squashed by negative birth stories they ’ ve heard ( frequently at their own baby showers !) and by intimidating statements from their own care provider ( baby ’ s head size !).
Many women are completely unaware , or perhaps are too afraid , to realize they can ‘ just birth ’ if they
Here are a few more tips for achieving a fulfilling birth by ‘ owning ’ your experience :
Most important - Actively seek out the right care provider to attend your birth - someone who will accommodate and support you in your specific birthing wishes – then you will be less likely to come away from your birth with feelings of anger , doubt , disappointment and betrayal . Check out your local midwifery groups or ask friends about their doctors .
Reflect on what you want for your birth by seeing it play out in your mind . If your wish is to have a safe , calm and gentle birth for yourself and your baby then reflect on what safe and calm means to you and your baby to determine how your wishes translate into birth preferences .
Put your birth plans / preferences to paper ( two pages max , point form ) and communicate these wishes early and often to your care provider at each prenatal visit , with smiles and courtesy .
Trust your instincts and disengage from a care provider who gives you the impression that your desires and concerns aren ’ t valid . If your caregiver minimizes your concerns during your prenatal visits they are very likely to follow their own agenda on the actual day of birthing . Remember , if your baby is still on the inside , it ’ s not too late to change care providers .
Educate yourself about the environment , policies and procedures routinely conducted at your different birthing facilities ( home , hospital , or out-of-hospital birthing suite ). Assess these factors when considering your birth preferences .
Finally , register for prenatal education classes that , rather than preparing you to be a good patient , aims to boost your confidence and relaxation during birthing , so you feel led to achieving the kind of fulfilling and life-affirming birth that is your right as a mother !
8 2013 Okanagan4Kids . com Baby & Toddler Guide