Let’s put this out there FIRST: birth rarely goes as planned, and for some, it can be a traumatic experience.
Maybe this is why it is common for people to be so eager to repeat their birth horror stories to you as soon as you have announced your pregnancy. However, birth is meant to be a connected, joyous experience. Meeting your baby for the first time can be a magical event.
You can read all of the books in the world, and carefully draft out a birth plan, but ultimately, when the contractions start hitting and the moment takes over, you may still be missing the most important ingredient for creating the birth you want.
I know this because I’ve been there. I remember feeling scared, anxious and unsure of how to tune in to my body.
I vowed to play a part in changing how women experience birth. My traumatic birth experience left me with postpartum depression and anxiety that I looked into pelvic health physical therapy. I felt unsupported and alone in my new body and life. My darkest postpartum days are what fuel me to provide a space that’s healing and supportive for women.
As a doctor, who spends each day helping women prepare for birth, I’ve learned one simple truth.
At the end of the day, there is one thing that will MAKE OR BREAK your birth experience. The most important thing you can do to create the birth you want is to learn how to deepen your mind-body connection.
TIPS: Here are 3 Secrets that will help you create the birth you want:
#1 – Learn Tools That Will Help You Stay Present in Your Body, Even When You Are Overwhelmed By Emotion and Pain.
In my course, Your Best Birth, I teach the Blossom Breath method. This method allows you to connect to your pelvic floor and be present in your body from toes to crown of head. With one hand on your chest and one cradling your belly, take a deep controlled breath in through your nose, let your belly expand with the inhale. Then, exhale smoothly from your nose and pelvic floor and your belly moves in slightly.
#2 – Prepare Your Pelvic Floor
Blossom Breath will allow access to your pelvic floor. Now, you should begin opening and strengthening your hips and pelvic floor. A few moves to begin opening include pelvic clocks, child’s pose, and cat/cow. To strengthen your pelvic floor, try side squat step-outs, knee-ups from a sitting position, and gentle leg extensions from the table-top position.
#3 Learn How to Honor Yourself and Your Birth
A holistic approach is vital to birth and listening to your body. Breathwork will bring your body and mind in alignment. Affirmations will refocus your flight, flight or flee response, and last, your muscle memory will kick in to support your delivery.