OWN YOUR BIRTH
Photo courtesy of Karen Edwards of Apple Tree Doula & Birth Photography karenedwards @ shaw . ca
can relax deeply and ‘ let go ’ by trusting their bodies and maintaining an inward focus . Instead , they hand their experience over to someone who will ‘ deliver ’ their baby to them by ‘ doing ’ to them what they will . For example , birthing is often not allowed to begin in its own time . An epidemic of inductions is part of the reason for our soaring caesarean rate . Though mother and baby are both completely healthy , she is told of dangers and complications that “ could ” arise by waiting for birth to begin normally . The mother agrees to an induction . The contractions are wildly intense . Mother is bedbound with belts , machines and IVs . She cannot move into positions that would allow her more comfort and baby a chance to descend . Baby ’ s heart rate becomes a concern . Baby is not fairing well with this style of labour . A caesarean is recommended , for baby ’ s sake . By waiting just one day , this same motherbaby duo could have experienced a normal , healthy labour and a joyous , empowering birth .
With a 33.3 % caesarean section rate at Kelowna General Hospital , it ’ s so important that Okanagan women and families take the lead in deciding how their babies will come into the world ! Serious implications for the parent-mother-baby relationship can occur when interventions happen , whether they are avoidable or not . Separation , drugs and disappointment all have the potential to affect bonding , breastfeeding and that feeling of fulfillment and joy that this lifechanging experience can and should bring . When the rights of families are respected and the parents are allowed a decision-making role , then their selfaffirming experience of birthing will lead them onto parenting with love , joy and confidence .
Learning to ‘ OWN ’ your birth and empower yourself can happen through many avenues , such as through childbirth education classes , hiring a doula , research , sharing of ideas with like-minded families , and reading positive birth stories and other literature that inspire confidence and teach about the simplicity of birth itself . Watching videos of empowered or conscious births can be a very beneficial piece of your plan also ! Preparation of mind and body for birthing by practicing relaxation , deep breathing and visualization techniques , as well as developing your confidence and your birthing companion ’ s confidence and having the courage to be your own best advocate so that you can bring your baby into the world in a way you dreamed it could happen – This is being empowered ! Own it baby !
Contributed by Christy Phillips , parent educator and owner of Born to Birth Hypnobirthing .
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