1. Choose the right caregivers for you
2. Surround yourself with a good support team
3. Find positive birth stories
4. Work out what ‘Your Perfect Birth’ would be, then write it down!
5. Do a Calmbirth course!
1. CHOOSE THE RIGHT CAREGIVERS FOR YOU
We are very lucky to live in a country where we have choices in who we have care for us in pregnancy, birth and beyond. Whether you choose a homebirth, birth centre, public or
private hospital care, it’s really important to choose what’s right for YOU! You need to feel comfortable with your caregivers and to be able to communicate what your birth
preferences are and how you would like to achieve them. Talk with your partner what kind of birth you would like, and then research all your options and where you believe you will achieve this ideal birth of yours!
2. SURROUND YOURSELF WITH A GOOD SUPPORT TEAM
If this is one person or four, again it’s what will work for you. Birth is a team effort between
the mother, baby and partner/support person. It’s really important to have a great support team that are on the same page as you with what your birth preferences are and to support you through your pregnancy and especially the birth. Some woman like having just their partner and other like having extra support such as a Doula. A Doula is someone specially trained in supporting woman and their partners throughout the labour and birthing experience.
3. FIND AND LISTEN/READ POSITIVE BIRTH STORIES
Our thoughts and beliefs about birth are a huge driving force behind our fears/anxieties and excitement about our birth. Some women are very quick to talk about their ‘long, painful’ labours and are keen to advise you on what you should do in your own labour and birth. This is YOUR day and YOUR labour and you CAN enjoy it. There are many positive stories about birth and I encourage you to find those ones and try not to concentrate on what might happen and start focusing on what you WANT to happen.
4. WORK OUT WHAT YOUR PERFECT BIRTH WOULD BE
Have you imagined what your ‘perfect’ birth would be? How would you like the day to
unfold? Why not visualise how you would like it to be and focus on that instead of the
worries or fears of what might happen, which may not happen at all. The power of the mind is a very strong force so rearranging fears and anxieties into confidence and excitement can help create a positive birth experience.
5. DO A CALMBIRTH COURSE!
I left the most important till last! The Calmbirth motto is ‘With Knowledge Comes
Confidence’. Become confident and empowered about your upcoming birth by gaining
knowledge about your body, how it works in pregnancy, labour and birth. This will in turn help reduce or even eliminate your fears and become excited about the birth. Learn about the mind-body connection, breathing techniques, creative visualisation and how support people can help create the perfect environment to birth with confidence however your day unfolds.
Call Martine to for a chat to see if Calmbirth is right for you 8406 0679 or visit http://www.nbip.com.au to learn more
Recommended Websites-
http://www.yourperfectbirth.com.au
http://www.homebirthaustralia.org
http://www.midwivesaustralia.com.au
http://www.nasog.org.au
