Natural Child Birth- yes one of those topics.

Part 1 of a Series on Natural Childbirth

I must be frank with you, giving birth isn't on the top of everyone's favorite talks of the day but I'm a firm believer in providing confidence to those who have the desire to try something new, to learn and experience and most of all be informed.

Giving birth is very difficult of course! There is no lie in that. You are expected to endure labor for at least 6 or so agonizing hours (for some lucky ones, shorter time periods, others longer), to then push an (almost) bowling ball sized head out and have all the energy in the world thereafter to smile and have visitors who are dying to meet your newborn. Though many women who give birth naturally love to joke about it or feel that they have something new to add to the brag book, you will know why, soon after giving birth, naturally. But let's brush that attitude to the side for a moment and focus on what's actually going to happen.  I don't claim to know everything, I don't aim to brag in order to gain glory or discourage those who didn't/don't have the option I had.

And I am most certainly no expert, yet I can speak from experience because I can look at my Son, living proof of natural birth and say, that he is my beautiful treasure at the end of the journey. Just know that every body/woman/shape/circumstance is different but we all have a story, sooner or later, so here is mine.

Let me share first a list of some good calming methods I used and maybe you could try throughout your Labor. Note: some will work for you, others may not. It's all up to the type of person you are, and your circumstances.

1.  Yoga: I am a yoga mama, long prior to giving birth and thereafter, though my figure may say something different as I am always working off baby weight profusely.  But Yoga helps to breathe through everything, to keep your mind focused on the present and to just let go. You will be amazed at its power and the mind shift it will bring you.
2. Hipnobirthing: Yes, it sounds like some strange voodoo, tarot card- hypnotic-act, right? Well, no. It is re-affirmation through words and calming music. This ignites your bones, builds your strength and gives you confidence. I only started Hypnobirthing two months before giving birth and it dramatically helped the outcome- in my opinion.
3. Lamaze: You've heard this word a bazillion times by now I bet, and it doesn't refer to getting lost in a 'maze' or anything. But knowing how to work with your body, how to ease the pain physically and knowing how to use that companionship from another to support you throughout your laboring period is sooo sooo helpful!
4. Research: Effectively Research, I must say, cut down my stress levels by at least 45%. Doing all your homework (don't believe everything on the net lol) through books, medical journals, word-of-mouth, internet, blogs, hospitals, Doctors preferably midwives. I think I cleared the whole library out of all the birthing books when I was pregnant, and you might want to as well. I also have a lot of friends and family who were supporting me all the way, who were the best sources of research and confidence givers. Hey, if my Mum can push out 5 babies naturally, and her Mother before her, push out 12, then so can I, right? Oh if I could list all the thoughts that ran through my head on my journey of research!

I gave birth in a small town on an island, a somewhat small island but natural birth was definitely doable even with major hospitals quite a distance from our house at the time. I didn't have a Midwife but a wonderful OBGYN. Not all OBGYN's are bad as some will say, and should never be put to shame when you want to have a natural birth but there are a few things to look out for.

•  Have a plan A & B- where will you give birth? If that's not available and you don't make it to the hospital, where then will you give birth? Another hospital? home? Plan ahead, well ahead.
• What are the birth rates at your chosen hospital? Are they in support of Natural Birth? Do they push your other options first?
• Ask questions in every visit with your OBGYN or Midwife. At least one question can make a whole lot of difference.
•  Don't be scared to speak your mind. This is your body we're talking about, your body and inside your baby. You want what is best, and you know yourself better than anyone else.

 Stay away from negative, fussy, worrisome people- they will drag you down, tire you, want to make decisions for you and oppress you. Find a place and person who supports you all the way, not just up until your birthing day. Well this isn't meant to be a topic of debate, but advice. Simply know what you want, be as headstrong in it as you can, be an active participator in following up on information, research and remember you are born to do this, own it.

Stay tuned for part 2.