kateandlisaEvery Person Wants a Good Birth
No matter how they define that or what they expect out of their experience, it’s the aspect we can all agree on: Everyone wants a good birth!
Many books and articles have been written about birth and have had opinions about what makes a good birth. Some focus on safety of mom and baby; some believe a lack of intervention is key; and some just want to get through it unscathed. As a doula, I have seen what makes a good birth is bigger than that.
It starts with the woman herself deciding what it looks like for her. After deep thought of what the elements of a great birth, I’ve concluded it comes down to these three essential ingredients.
Preparation
Of course it helps to know some stuff ahead of time. But, there is a vast spectrum to this. Some couples are overwhelmed by the choices of books, classes, blogs, others opinions, etc. Some will opt out of the education piece and just leave the birth process in the hands of the provider. Some couples will consume every piece of information they can find. There is a middle ground, though.
So, what can you prepare? What can you do to influence your birth even if you can’t control it? A lot of people believe that preparation is all that it takes. “Just be ready enough and your birth will be just how you want it.”
Really, preparation is only a third of the equation. Birth is as unpredictable as life is. So, after you have done your prep-work, you can turn your focus to the next two ingredients.
Connection
The way a woman is treated by her care providers during labor is one of the greatest factors in determining her satisfaction with her birth experience. It affects the laboring person’s perceptions even more than their experience of pain during the labor! The implications are huge.
It means hiring a provider you trust, who is on the same page as far as their approach to birth, is one of the most vital tasks of pregnancy. Beyond the medical care provider, a woman can also forge good connections with others who will be present on game day. She can bring intention to her relationship with her partner, a doula if she hires one, any family members and even strangers she meets in the labor room.
Flexibility
You’ve done your work. You’ve prepared like crazy. You’ve hired a provider you trust, learned some good stuff and built partnerships with those involved. Now it’s time to sit back and allow. Now you get to go on the birth ride, whatever that may look like for you. Now, there is just surrendering to doing whatever each moment asks of you. Now you can strap yourself into your seat and ride the rollercoaster. How exactly do you choose to be flexible in labor? What does that look like? Our next article will show you how with four actionable ways you can prepare for and navigate the labor process with ninja-like reflexes. Stay tuned!
That’s it! Get these three things under your belt. Do what you can to learn about birth, then invest in connection with your team and your baby, then wrap your mind around the ways you can roll with the unexpected in labor. With those tasks checked off, you will be as ready as anyone could be!
Blessings on your birth!
For more guidance and help with pregnancy, labor and postpartum care, let’s chat.
