Joy in Birthing

As a birth and postpartum doula, I have had the privilege of working with hundreds of pregnant women through this very important time in their lives. One thing I have observed is that when a woman had healthy habits going into the pregnancy she experienced an increased sense of happiness, health and had a better outcome during labor and delivery. Here are the:

5 Habits of Happy Pregnant Women:

1) Taking pleasure in your changing body

A woman who is in shape will have a happier pregnancy because her body will be better fit to hold the new weight and strong enough to birth the baby. Yoga, walking, or swimming are the best and safest exercises. Women who are happy during this time are those who simply love their growing body and get creative in their wardrobe, try hip huggers or flowing skirts and a short t-shirt. Show your beautiful belly. Make sure you take lots of pictures to show your child what cute package he was in.

2) Establishing a Healthy Morning Routine.

Depending where you are in your pregnancy you might have to modify your routine accordingly, but a routine really helps start your day in the direction of happiness. In the first few weeks of gestation you may be prone to the morning blues follow this simple regime: don’t wake up and get going, rather, first open your eyes, munch on a cracker. Once awake step outside, in your yard or balcony and take some refreshing deep breaths. Our body needs nourishment and clean air is as important as water and food to nourish your cells. Try inhaling for the count of five, holding your breath for the same count, and slowly exhaling for the count of six. Do this at least three times the first day and increase one breath per day till you have reached ten repetitions. Consider meditation or listening to self-hypnosis CDs each morning for 10 to 15 minutes.

3) Talk to your baby

Happy pregnant women make sure they begin a conversation with their baby very soon. We know that you produce healing hormones when you laugh and play. So tell your baby about his family, tell him funny stories about you as a little girl. Say things like “We are so happy you are here, I can’t wait to hold you in my arms.” Go to the playground or beach and play, read children’s stories and rent funny movies. Your baby will love to hear you laugh.

4) Enlisting a solid support team

Happy and confident women take action. Choose a care provider that will support your desired birthing experience. Interview a few; make sure they have supported other women with the same experience you want. Midwives usually are more inclined to a natural birth. Ask for recommendations. Consider hiring a birth doula.

Enforce your boundaries and don’t listen to those who are eager to tell you horror stories, seek out other women who have had the kind of birth you envision.

A Doula is a trained birth coach — a surrogate mother figure (without the baggage) who accompanies the couple throughout the entire labor and delivery process. They offer what I call a girlfriend’s sweet PIE: physical, informational and emotional support, to find a doula near you visits DONA.org.

5) Plan Ahead

Highly happy pregnant women plan ahead their postpartum experience. Happiness is planning your babymoon. Make it your second honeymoon. Make sure everyone understands you need their help, but you will not and cannot give them your full attention. Ask them to come and go gently bring yummy foods and maybe even throw a load of laundry in for you, but let them know you need them to go quickly. If you don’t have family around, consider hiring a post-partum doula, a baby nurse or housekeeper.

Pregnancy is an incredible time to get in touch with your ability to know what is best for you, increase your self-confidence and indulge in your desires. Learning how to take care of yourself makes you a better mother and helps the baby learn how it is done so that once out he can emulate your behavior.

 

 

Painless Childbirth is a Scientific Reality *

We have been helping women achieve the birthing experience they deserve and desire for fifteen years, bringing hope, courage, inspiration and love to thousands of families around the world. We hope our books and products touch your life in a similar way. Give the gift of one of our books or products to a family member, a friend, or yourself. Always a great value, they are a reminder of your love.

Millions of women all over the world experience a natural, drug-free, and painless childbirth. You can too. If you would like to join this growing number, this is what you have to do.  Find out more

*A study conducted by CL Pasero and R Britt (August 1998). Managing Pain During Labor, published in the American Journal of Nursing 98:10-11, reports that indeed a painless childbirth is a reality for as many as 45,000 WOMEN EACH YEAR IN AMERICA. One of the universal laws states: if one person can do it, it can be done by others.