By: Laura Siddons, Co-Founder of The Nesting Place, Birth Doula and Childbirth Educator
Birth often unfolds unpredictably which can lead to a misconception that there is nothing that you can do to prepare yourself for it, and that some are “lucky” while others are “unlucky” when it comes to birth outcomes and birth satisfaction. But it’s a bit more complex than that.
Most people who work in prenatal care settings will agree that, actually, there is a lot you can do to help prepare for birth – both mind and body – that will contribute not only to how your birth can unfold, but how you perceive your experience – whether or not it unfolds according to your plans, hopes, and dreams.
So what does that mean exactly… well let’s break it down:
MIND
Your emotions and mindset play a major role in pregnancy and birth. We can’t deny that our emotions and mental state are intertwined with our hormones and we know that hormones and the way we feel in our mind can directly influence and have an impact on our physical body. As a doula, I always work with my clients to unpack their past (and current) experiences to see how it could be impacting their current pregnancy. Finding a doula and/or a maternal mental health specialist is always a good idea so you can explore these very personal topics. It is true that a few months may not be enough time to ‘fully heal’ from heavy emotions or past traumas, but there are most certainly things you can do in your pregnancy to help you feel better, lighter, and more at peace which is a core component to a satisfying birth experience.
It’s important to note that your ideal birth may not be what you think it is and through one-on-one support and discussions with your care team (therapist, doula, etc) you may uncover something you didn’t expect that feels more in line with your goals. This is precisely why I don’t recommend building your birth plan based on what a random social media influencer tells you it should be. Birth is HIGHLY personal, and your birth plan should be, too.
Another way you can prepare your mind for birth (and postpartum) is by implementing a daily meditation practice. Devoting as little as 5 minutes a day to sit with yourself and your baby, breathing deeply, finding a connection to your soul is all it really takes. This practice is often what will get you through the deepest, most difficult parts of birth as well. Remember that if meditation is hard for you, you probably need it more than you think. Don’t give up! If 5 minutes is hard, start with 2 minutes and work up to 5. Put on a mantra track or a guided pregnancy visualization if you need something to anchor you.
BODY
The human body is wise, and knows how to give birth just fine. But just like we do things to fuel our growing pregnant bodies like eating healthy foods, we should do things to support the rest of our physical body to function optimally. I highly recommend prenatal yoga, along with regular visits to the chiropractor, acupuncturist, and a physical therapist who specializes in pregnancy and postpartum. It can be daunting to find time (and money!) for all of these specialty providers – so do what works for you in terms of scheduling even if it means seeing only 1 per week. I promise you it will be money and time well spent.
Prenatal yoga is beneficial for so many reasons. Not only can prenatal yoga ease common pregnancy discomforts like back pain, research also suggests that prenatal yoga may reduce the need for medical intervention during labor and birth. The practice of prenatal yoga will help to support your mental health by decreasing anxiety and lowering cortisol levels in the brain. As a doula, one of my favorite benefits of prenatal yoga is the community connection prenatal yoga offers. There’s something magical and empowering about being in a room full of other expectant moms, something you can’t find many other places. That’s why even if you aren’t a regular yogi, you should consider prenatal yoga regularly. At The Nesting Place, our prenatal yoga classes are offered twice a week in each location – and we also have a virtual tune in option if you can’t make it in person!
SUPPORT
Birth is both simple and complicated – and finding the right team to support you is one of the best things you can do for yourself. Above we mentioned prenatal yoga as a community support but there are two other types of support to consider: your medical care provider and doula support.
This may seem like a loaded statement but it is my belief that finding the right provider who is aligned with you, your values, and your goals for your birth can make or break your birth experience. I recommend interviewing your provider to make sure they are a good fit for you. Remember: your provider works for you. Listen to your gut, and don’t choose your provider based on convenience. If you find a midwife or OB who is located a bit further – rest assured that you won’t regret the decision to switch if they feel like the right fit for you. Remember that pregnancy is a time limited experience – and on the day of your birth, you will remember how you were treated, not that the drive was a little longer than it could have been.
Birth doulas are a wonderful addition to your support team. I sometimes like to refer to doulas as a pocket childbirth education class – someone who can give you tips and tricks in real time – based on what’s really happening in your pregnancy and labor. Historically, pregnancy, birth, and postpartum was a time that was nurtured by community care – where women would surround one another during these important transitions. But in modern day – this ‘village’ does not exist as readily. Doulas are a solution.
You might be wondering, ‘does a doula replace my OB or midwife?’
No, doulas are non-medical providers. In fact, doulas complemant a supportive and trauma informed provider. A skilled doula can have a positive impact on obstetrics and neonatal outcomes – often called the “Doula Effect”. Not only do doulas increase birth satisfaction, studies show that continuous labor support can reduce Cesareans by up to 25%.
Check out our amazing team of doulas and other care providers at www.thenestingplaceli.com
All this to say – I don’t recommend relying on ‘luck’ for a positive birth. Each pregnancy and birth journey is a unique and sacred experience and you deserve to feel heard, supported, and loved throughout. Nurturing all parts of you (mind, body, soul) will help to ensure you have the tools to navigate this most meaningful time in your life.
