Pregnancy and birth is a universal
experience, rituals vary around the world. But the pain and the fear are common
facts all around the globe.
Fear activates the nervous system to
produce adrenalin, which can reduce contractions, then makes labour difficult.
To enter into an effective birthing process, it’s important to balance the fear
factor. However, this fear feeling also brings fears to our consciousness, so
we can eliminate it. Like if we look at our fears in the eyes! Worrying eventually
activates the search for resources, inside and outside of us.
When the brain perceives pain, endorphins
are released to help women cope. These hormones are meant to relieve the pain,
and elevate the mood. A high level of endorphins basically helps to shift our
mindset to a primitive and instinctive one.
Experiencing such a level of pain forces
the mum of going to the edge, and beyond. Mothers need to give it their all,
moment by moment. Overcoming this pain can be powerful, and help women to take
awareness of this beautiful step in their life. Indeed, this book reminds us
that childbirth is a rite if passage, not only a medical event. Experiencing
pain helps to know us better. Also, practicing pain-coping methods all along
pregnancy builds awareness, focus up to our subconscious.
Many ways of overcoming the pain and fear
are proposed in the book.
“Basic tips” are first reminded to the
women, such as drinking regularly, eating small portions to keep the energy
level up. Creating a comfortable and safe environment: massage, nice and
pre-selected music, aromatherapy, privacy... But the most important to cope with pain, in
the present moment, probably relies on old, trustful techniques: stop thinking, relax and breathe!
Letting it go, without worrying about our
own image, about judgment, without the fear of “losing it” will make the
birthing smoother. Remain natural, and do what feels natural.
Be open and open yourself to others! Spending
time and sharing stories with other mums , staying connected with the father or
working with a doula is of great support, during the pregnancy and the
birthing. Finally, connecting with the baby can lead to a strong partnership!
Different types of self-expression and art
therapy are proposed too, such as making a birth art piece, a sculpture, a
drawing. Having a mental picture of us
giving birth is a good way to take awareness of the baby and of the birthing. It
also helps to become more active in the process.
Scaling the pain, from 0 to 100, helps to
differentiate pain from suffer, then to act accordingly and expand our pain
tolerance.
Exploring different birthing options is
also another good way to become aware of our wishes and become active. Between
home birth, water birth, many options are now possible in a safe environment. Taking
a stand on positions to give birth is worthwhile too: hands and knees,
kneeling, squatting, siting. The very frequent “back” option is probably one of
the less effective and natural for women though!
Luckily, as the book states it, nature
prepared women’s bodies for the pain of childbirth!
Book: Birth From Within. Pam England and Rob Horowitz
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