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Health & Fitness

How do the Beliefs of Others Determine Your View of Childbirth?

Listening to birth stories of others can shape your beliefs, for better or for worse.

I consider this question often. 

Since 2003 I have been on a journey of seeing beyond one of the biggest belief patterns today, which can greatly influence families, especially women. Our fearful view of childbirth in America has grown to epidemic proportions.    

I personally experienced peaceful, relaxed birth for both of my daughters with the support of my husband and a wonderful birthing team. We were so inspired by these experiences, Peaceful Birthing was created, which teaches HypnoBirthing® childbirth education to expectant Moms and Birthing Companions.  This philosophy affirms the positive aspects of birth, teaches relaxation techniques and how to release fear about birth.  A lot of the time women enjoy birth without epidurals or narcotics.

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I really am a firm believer that it is the best time in history to give birth.  Medical advancements are so far and experienced doctors and nurses are saving babies who would not have survived in previous decades.  I also believe the advancements in our consciousness are incredible as well.  Ageless techniques of mindfulness and relaxation are pouring into the mainstream.  Dr. Michel Odent, advocate of gentle birthing and author of Trust Your Body! Trust Your Baby!, points out, “One cannot help a physiological process.  The point is not to hinder it.” 

This is the bottom line.  Get out of the way of your birthing process and it will happen. 

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This belief is contrary to the way a lot of us were shown growing up.  Family and friends, TV shows and movies unfortunately portray birthing too much of the time as a fearful, pain-filled event.  We listen to stories of long, arduous labors and start to believe this is the only way to experience birth. 

I cannot disagree that women experience discomfort during labor; however, let's take a step back and see what may have happened.  Did the woman feel supported during labor?  Was she confident or fearful?  Did she experience her own resistance or resistance of others in the room?  Was it repeatedly suggested to her during her pregnancy that labor will be painful? 

This is why it is essential to start the un-learning process when we become pregnant – or better yet, even before conception.   A belief is just a thought that we have, over and over and over until we believe it.

Women using their own innate abilities to birth is not a new concept.  It is merely one that has been forgotten and lost through the years.  Hippocrates, the ‘father of medicine’ believed that nature is the greatest physician and it’s best when allowed to work without intervention.  Birth is a beautiful, natural function of a woman’s body. 

Now, be careful, just because this is my belief pattern it does not mean you need to believe it too. 

I do however, encourage your own educational journey with what might be new thoughts or ideas.  Knowing that we have choices is one of the most important personal rights we have.  Let’s make a stand for choosing our own thoughts and beliefs. 

Are you in?

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