Every birth can be blissful, no matter how you deliver.
For the purposes of this post, the term “natural birth” is being used to describe a birthing experience involving as few medical interventions as possible. I’m using it because it’s a search term widely used by parents who desire this type of birth, and I want to make sure they’re being served with good information. In reality, there is no unnatural way to give birth. Healthy, happy babies are born both via birth canal and from the tummy, and all births can be blissful, empowering experiences for the mother and her partner. No matter which type of birth you desire, it’s important to have certain discussions with your healthcare provider and birthing team well in advance of the big day.
Here are your “5 Tips for a Blissful Natural Birth”
1. Prepare your team: Express your desire to have a natural birth to your doctor or midwife as soon as possible, and don’t be afraid to “shop around” to find a healthcare provider who will fully support your decision with enthusiasm. This is YOUR experience, and you have a right to get exactly what you want.
2. It takes two (and sometimes three): Consider hiring a DOULA to provide support and act as an advocate for you and your partner on your delivery day. No idea what a doula is? Watch this video.
3. Fill up… on the good stuff: Read about and watch other women’s POSITIVE birth experiences. Avoid television shows about birth that highlight interventions and sensationalize birth stories; and ask your friends and family to respect that you only want to hear about childbirth in a positive way. People like to share dramatic-and often scary-stories. Create a bubble of peace that surrounds and protects you, and only let good vibes in.
4. Go back to school: Consider taking a natural birthing class with your partner. The Bradley Method and HypnoBirthing are two highly respected methods that women and their partners have used for successful natural childbirth. If you don’t have access to classes in your area, Hypnobabies is available for at-home study. I used the Hypnobabies Home Study Course, and I recommend it to all my clients. Hypnobabies is a comprehensive, unique, and successful childbirth hypnosis program for creating an easier, more comfortable birth experience. Home study courses, individual MP3 tracks, and Hypno-Doula Training products are available here.
5. Practice mantra meditation: Start a daily meditation practice to ease your mind about and prepare you for your natural birth experience. Positive affirmations in the form of mantras that you repeat again and again will train your mind to trust your ability to birth without drugs and interventions. This mind-body practice will also help to relax your body, reduce stress, and gain confidence. The benefits of your new meditation practice will also help after your baby is born and you’re adjusting to life as a new mother. Here’s one to try now.
MY FAVORITE PREGNANCY & BIRTHING TIME RESOURCE: I used the Hypnobabies Home Study Course, and I recommend it to all my doula clients. Hypnobabies is a comprehensive, unique, and successful childbirth hypnosis program for creating an easier, more comfortable birth experience. Home study courses, individual MP3 tracks, and Hypno-Doula Training products are available here.
Rebekah “Bex” Borucki, founder of BexLife.com and the Blissed In® wellness movement, is a mother-of-five, TV host, meditation guide, author, speaker, birth doula, fitness and yoga instructor, and popular social media personality. Her first book, You Have 4 Minutes to Change Your Life (Hay House 2017), is available now, wherever books are sold.
DISCLAIMER: This post/video is designed for educational and/or informational purposes only and should not be used in any other manner. This information is not intended to substitute informed medical advice. You should not use this information to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease without consulting with a qualified healthcare provider. A consultation with your healthcare professional is the proper method to address your health concerns. You are encouraged to consult your healthcare provider with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your condition.