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magine if we could fill all women’s minds with a vision that labour and birth can be beautiful, positive and empowering? Imagine if all women could say they LOVED their birth? And what about the partners or dads-to-be? Why not fill them with confidence, so they walk away from birth feeling they played an integral role in the birth of their child?
Yes, childbirth is challenging and intense but a positive birth experience is possible; you just need to know the steps to take to make it happen. WHAT DOES A POSITIVE BIRTH LOOK LIKE? Home or hospital, obstetrician or midwife, natural or caesarean…it doesn’t matter which of these options you choose or end up with. Each one can be positive with the right elements in place. •Feeling listened to and respected •Feeling safe and supported •Being at ease with the birth process •Understanding what is happening physically, mentally and emotionally •Having confidence to ask questions and make decisions •Feeling in control •An involved and effective birth partner •Being empowered and enriched by the experience
So HOW can we optimise our chances of this happening?
GET INFORMED
WAYS TO PREPARE FOR A rth i b e v i posit
The more you understand about the normal birth process and what is happening with your body, the easier it will be to manage each stage. Find out how to work with your hormones to enhance labour and help your uterus work more efficiently. Learn about the science of pain and reflect on how you naturally respond to it so you can prepare the right pain management techniques for you. Another essential element to being informed is knowing what factors can get in the way of a positive birth and how to overcome them. For example, hospital policies or outdated routine procedures.
CREATE THE RIGHT SUPPORT TEAM The people you want around you in labour should be those that don’t panic, that will support your choices and believe you can do it. Consider choosing someone who has had a birth like the one you want, as they will provide inspiration and understanding of what you are going through. Select people that are there for YOU, not just to see the babyyou want support not spectators.
By Yvette Julian-Arndt
PREPARE YOUR MIND, BODY AND BABY
MANY OF US GROW UP WITH MESSAGES FROM RELATIVES, HAVE HEARD STORIES FROM FRIENDS AND SEEN IMAGES ON TV AND MOVIES THAT CAN GIVE US THE IMPRESSION THAT CHILDBIRTH IS SOMETHING TO BE FEARED OR SOMETHING THAT WE NEED TO BE SAVED FROM WITH MEDICAL INTERVENTIONS.
Explore the foundations of any fears around birth and find ways to release them or replace them with positive thoughts. Affirmations are very helpful and can give you an ‘I can do this’ mindset. Exercising and eating well during pregnancy can not only give you strength and stamina to face the physical challenges of labour but can also impact your birthing options and how your birth plays out. Spend time connecting with your baby during pregnancy so that you can work
74 Peninsula PeninsulaKids Kids– – Winter Winter 2017 2017