Natural Childbirth Support Tools
A pregnant woman recently asked me an excellent question: what was my greatest strength during natural childbirth?
Truthfully, I was very fortunate to have many strengths from which I drew. My husband was an ideally supportive birthing partner. My Midwives were well-seasoned and compassionate. The greatest source of strength, however, came from a motivational tactic presented by the childbirth educator in birthing class. She introduced a simple philosophy that changed the scope of what I thought was possible, and she summed it up in one short declaration: Yes I can!
I admit I’ve always had a rebellious “don’t tell me I can’t” attitude. The idea of yes I can was at once a challenge and an affirmation. Can you? Yes, of course I can! Still, her three-word-creed was less rebellion and more inner empowerment; it was both mighty and quietly wise. The kind of yes I can that inspired my desire to experience the raw beauty of natural childbirth. It would give me the opportunity to reach within myself and put some of my stubbornness to good, productive use. Because, I honestly wondered, Could I?
I discovered I could. Twice…partly due to a newfound fascination with the art of childbirth. I began to enjoy reading books and talking with other women about the subject. The accounts of women who’ve been able to do it without medical intervention are particularly intriguing—especially those who somehow make it seem effortless, or simply, just—well—natural. I’ve learned alot from these women.
There are myriad techniques to maintaining a yes I can mindset while in the throws of labor. These helpful tools not only keep a laboring woman focused and positive but they are also proven to quell pain and speed progress. The trick is to find those that suit you. And, when utilized, the tools do direct a woman’s thoughts toward the end goal: a healthy new baby.
Some of my favorite yes I can tools are:
Deep cleansing breaths. Quiet. Dim lighting. Listening to favorite music. Walking outside. Feeling the warmth of the sun. Gently stretching arms or legs. Squatting. Finding a comfortable sitting/resting position. Bouncing/Sitting on an exercise/birthing ball. Taking a warm bath/shower. Receiving a gentle back rub. Receiving a firm back rub. Visualization of favorite things/places/people. Humming. Singing. Laughing. Enjoying the comfort of a favorite blanket/pillow/pair of fluffy slippers. Drinking a cool glass of water/juice. Feeling the presence of and embracing a spouse/partner/trusted friend. Remembering each contraction brings you one step closer to birth. Mentally acknowledging and being empowered by your progress so far. Relishing that conceiving, nurturing and birthing is part of the magic of a woman’s body. Anticipating holding your new baby. Smiling.
*Thanks to all the women who have shared their stories with me. You are all inspiring sources of strength. Special thanks to Deanna for challenging me with the crazy idea that I could. And, to my mom who has always believed I could even when I didn’t.