Empowered Birth: Stepping into the driver’s seat
When it comes to the incredible journey of bringing new life into the world, there's a subtle shift in language that can have a profound impact on how we perceive our role.
The word "delivered" has become synonymous with the arrival of babies, but think about it for a moment – does it truly capture the active, courageous, and awe-inspiring process that birth is? We're not mere passengers in this journey; we are the drivers, the creators, and the orchestrators of this miraculous event.
You, yes you, possess an innate power that is as ancient as time itself. The power to bring forth life, to guide your baby from the depths of your being into the world, is a sacred force that courses through you. It's not just your baby's journey; it's your journey too, a journey of strength, intuition, and connection. You are not a passive observer – you are the conductor of this symphony of birth.
Your body and your baby, in their intricate wisdom, know how to dance this dance of birth.
Have you ever marvelled at the way a baby, without any external help, instinctively navigates its way from the womb into the arms of their mother/parent? It's a testament to the natural harmony that exists between you and your child. When left undisturbed, you rarely need intervention to orchestrate this dance; you need trust, faith, and the belief in the power that resides within you.
Your baby is not a pizza or a package to be delivered. Your baby is a miracle, a culmination of love and life, brought forth through your courage and strength.
Regardless of the path they take to join this world, they are born – not delivered – into your waiting embrace.
So, how can you step into your role as the driver of this journey? The answers lie within you, and they're illuminated by a few essential principles:
Trust Your Instincts:
Your body is an ancient vessel of wisdom. Listen to its whispers, follow its lead, and have confidence in its ability to birth your baby. More on trusting your instincts HERE.
Create Space:
Your birthing body is a sacred space. Learn to nurture it, to provide room for your baby's movements, and to facilitate their journey with gentle grace. Create space for your own (not other’s) thoughts and feelings about birth. What do you feel when you think about birthing your baby? What do you believe about birth? What do you want from your birthing experience? How does all this match up with your partner? Do you have different ideas and thoughts on birth? How will you navigate them? What do you need to have the birth you want?
Work in Harmony:
Rather than working against your body, work with it. Surrender to your birthing instincts, trusting that you and your baby are the perfect team. So much of what we see of birth is scary, and depicts fighting against what the body is doing. When you understand how your body works are able calmly relax into the power of the process, birth can be more comfortable and gives purpose to strength of the sensations.
Knowledge is Power:
Arm yourself with knowledge. Be informed, be aware of all your options, and empower yourself with the understanding of what lies ahead. Consider the what ifs so that if you need to make decisions, you have thought about and educated yourself on what you might like to do.
Tools for Empowerment:
Equip yourself with evidence-based tools and techniques. These tools are not to control but to complement, to align with your body's wisdom. Techniques that will help you and your birth partner stay calm, relaxed and able to make the right decisions for you. They are not prescriptive but utilised as needed by yourself and your partner.
Find Support:
Surround yourself with a supportive environment. From your partner to your caregivers to the place you labour and birth, create a circle of encouragement and positivity that uplifts and honours you as the divine birthing being you are.
Preparation for Confidence:
Prepare for the journey. Knowledge gained through preparation ensures that you are ready for any turn the path of birth may take. Building your confidence to birth your baby your way. Trusting in the process and in your instincts to follow the lead of your body. Knowing what feels right and what doesn’t. Confidently asking questions and making the decisions that are right for you.
The road to a positive, empowered birth may seem overwhelming but that’s why I am here; I believe that everyone deserves and is capable of having a beautiful birth no matter how their baby enters the world.
If you're seeking guidance, consider embracing independent childbirth education like the Hypnobirthing Australia™ Positive Birth Program. In this program, you'll discover the tools, insights, and wisdom that will fortify you for this incredible journey. Every aspect we've discussed here is woven into this program, ready to empower you as you step into the driver's seat of your birth journey.
In the end, remember this:
YOU are a creator, a driver, and a bringer of life. Your body and your baby are a harmonious team, capable of achieving a birth that reflects your strength, your intuition, and your love. Embrace this journey with confidence, for you are more than capable, more than powerful – you are you, an incredible birthing goddess.
