A woman's vision quest

TRADITIONAL societies have always prepared their people carefully for any rite of passage, and particularly for giving birth. In these times of high-intervention births and postnatal depression, it is perhaps even more important that women and couples receive the necessary tools and support for their birthing and parenting journey. OLIVIA SECK, of BirthCreation, offers a few useful preparation steps.

NATURAL birth, ‘normal’ birth, ecstatic birth, medicalised birth... each birth brings with it a unique experience for the child, the parents and all involved. And while we often can’t control or predict the twists and turns of the River of Birth, the way we engage with the journey can affect our experience of it.

The seed of our experience of giving birth was probably planted in our own pregnancy, and that seed has grown over our lifetime and developed its unique imprinted patterns. But each time we give birth it is an opportunity for our own rebirth; for going beyond the limited patterns of our imprinting and accessing more of our potential.
During pregnancy, Woman is a sacred vessel and Man a shield and a guardian. But pregnancy is also a time of preparation, in body, mind and spirit - a time to gather inner and outer resources, to clear the way, and become ready to take part in the powerful rite of passage of birth.

Nine steps to a positive birth experience:

1 Define what a positive birth experience would be for you, your partner and your baby.
Use this as the basis for your birth plan, giving you the flexibility to adapt to unexpected situations without loosing the essence of what will make it a positive experience.

2 "Successful reproduction...
is built into every living thing. Human babies are no exception. They come complete with a master plan for safe, straight-forward birth." (Jean Sutton).
Our bodies are designed for birthing, so we can trust in the innate intelligence of our bodies and learn how to allow the miraculous process of birth.

3 Be informed, but be prepared to lose your head.
Being informed about the birth process and the reasons for the procedures and practices commonly used in hospitals, will make you feel more confident and empowered during labour. But birth itself is a journey, which cannot be navigated intellectually. During labour the birthing woman needs to shift from her logical, rational, verbal brain to her primitive birthing brain. This shift facilitates the release of the positive birthing hormones and the surrender required in active labour. During your pregnancy, practice whole brain activities, such as drawing, singing, gardening, playing and listening to music, yoga, relaxation and visualisations.

4 Choose carefully your place of birth and birth attendants.
According to Michel Odent, the well-known French obstetrician, humans, like other mammals, need to feel safe and private when birthing. This enables our primal brain to activate the cocktail of hormones responsible for the smooth process of labour, birth and bonding.
Ensure you know the philosophy and services offered by your hospital and your birth attendants. Do they match what you need? If you want extra support you may want to use the services of a doula (see panel), or an independent midwife.

5 Prepare your body for the challenge of birth.
Labour is hard work! Just like an athlete preparing for a challenge, make sure your body is in optimum condition for the challenge of labour.

* Build up your physical stamina and general fitness by walking, swimming, yoga, or any other form of suitable exercise. Cultivate body and baby awareness. You and baby are a team going through this challenge together!

* Feed yourself and your baby nutritious foods. Consider taking superfoods as easily absorbable supplements for you both.

* Past trauma held in your body may interfere with the smooth process of birth. Releasing it through working with a qualified and experienced complementary practitioner could make a big difference. In any case, have your body checked out by an osteopath.

* Check your lifestyle for ways to support your baby to be in the optimum position for an easier labour.

6 Practice pain management and relaxation techniques.
There are many techniques to choose from, but all need to be practiced regularly until they become second nature. If possible, join a class. Individual coaching and tapes to use in your own time could be helpful. Encourage full activation of the endorphins, our naturally powerful pain-killing hormones - darkness, warmth, water and freedom of movement can all affect our experience of pain, as can the sense of safety, privacy and support.

7 Share the roller coaster of pregnancy emotions.
It can be very supportive to have a place to share the powerful emotions of pregnancy. This could be a pregnancy group, a journal, or some regular listening time with a good friend. If you have already experienced a challenging birth, or have a history of sexual abuse, consider having specialist support, such as a counsellor or a birth support group.

8 Is there life after the birth?
The immediate hour after the birth is a time to welcome your baby in peace and privacy, strengthening the bond between mother and child. Protect this very special time from interventions and interferences unless really necessary. In many cultures, family, friends or neighbours care for the mother and baby for up to 40 days after the birth. Meals are cooked for them, older children are cared for, the home is cleaned and the mother’s body massaged by loving hands. Do you have a support network in place to help make your 40 days a time of renewal and celebration?

9 Open to spirit and surrender.
Spend time welcoming and bonding with your baby while in the womb. Connect often to your source of life and inspiration and with the partner with whom you have chosen to share this parenting journey. Fill your being with inspiration. Start releasing the need to control, in small safe ways at first, and cultivate an attitude of trust and surrender. Surrendering is not giving up or handing power over, it is saying ‘Yes’ to the experience of birth, using all your power and ability to surf with the force of nature.

This article is an abridged version of the Birth Creation Thirteen-Step Programme.



WANT TO KNOW MORE?
For more on The Birth Creation 13 steps, doulas, classes, retreats and birthing pools,
call 0845 4582767, or visit www.birthcreation.com and www.doula.org.uk.