I imagine most women wouldn't turn up to their wedding, baby's christening, "hoping it would be ok", with no focussed intention on preparing, on recognising it as the celebration it is. I would suggest birth is even more important than either of these things.
Birth is ceremony, is initiation. As the initiate you spend pregnancy preparing in many ways. Here are my top tips for being intentional in your pregnancy.
1) Setting aside time. This is a big one in our busy lives. Time spent learning about your body and baby, learning techniques for managing birth sensations, resting your body and pleasure seeking through nourishing food, lovemaking, nature.
2) Seeking out non-medical wisdom from a doula. This could be having a doula holding space at your birth, or through one to one birth sessions, through ceremony. Being a doula to me is akin to being a shaman, when I work with women in preparation we are accessing the sacred birth portal together ahead of time, holding space for worries and fears, reasserting our hopes and dreams.
3) Finding community. Mainstream birth groups often perpetuate the medical narrative of handing your body over to professionals. For a positive birth experience I highly recommend Samantha Gadsden Doula groups Home Birth Support Group UK and Freebirth And Emergency Childbirth Support Group UK . Having women around you who are walking similar paths and can remind you of your power is priceless.
4) Time in nature. You ARE nature. There are seasons to nature and to all aspects of womanhood. We don't force a flower to open before it is ready as we know that would destroy its process. Taking time for gentle exercise and breathing in fresh air have huge benefits when preparing for a positive birth. This could be as simple as sitting in the garden with a cup of tea or taking a walk in the local park.
5) Ceremony and ritual. Belief and participation in something you consider sacred has a huge effect on birth. Feeling held by women around you in a mother blessing can fill you with love and strength for the journey ahead. Taking the time for your own private rituals and ceremonies focus your will and your intent on your desired outcome. Writing your fears on paper and burning them. Having a special place you go to say a prayer, leave an offering and really listen to your baby.
🌹Sacred Pregnancy Hypnobirthing
Www.thewomenswitch.com/hypnobirthing
🌹Pregnancy Yoga
Www.thewomenswitch.com/pregnancy-yoga
🌹Doula Services
Www.thewomenswitch.com/birth
