Parturition, the fourth “P” in “The Bodies for Birth® 6 P’s”
In last week’s newsletter, I spoke about preparation and all the work we do leading up to the big moment of childbirth and finally meeting baby! Today, we get to talk about this next piece, Childbirth (or Parturition, conveniently a “P” word to make the 4th P in the Bodies for Birth® 6 P’s ).
Childbirth, labor and delivery, parturition. This long awaited experience. So much anticipation, often so many hopes, aspirations, dreams, desires, preferences and in the end, the best we can do is prepare (as discussed in last week’s blog).
This starts with choosing a provider and a care team that you feel confident will provide not only competent care, but will also do their best to support your wishes throughout pregnancy and childbirth. Having open communication with your team is a crucial part of feeling supported and comfortable in labor and delivery, so be thoughtful about who you choose to support you and where you choose to birth!
Be thoughtful about who will be by your side during labor and delivery and about what matters to you in terms of preferences—from the ability to eat/drink during labor, to pain management, to doula support, to laboring positions and more. There’s much to consider, but there is plenty of time to do so thoughtfully during pregnancy. So, take your time and do just that!
And, while all of this preparation may seem like a lot of work, or feel anxiety provoking and difficult, it’s important and does make a tremendous difference.
It makes a difference to welcome childbirth feeling as though you have some agency and a team of support behind you.
It makes a difference to welcome childbirth feeling as though you did what you could to prepare.
It makes a difference to have conversations with your partner, provider and support team about what matters to you…and for you to hear those things aloud, for you to cement them in your brain and on your heart as you anticipate this life changing event.
So, yes, take the time. Do the research. Have the conversations. Ask the tough questions. Reach out for support.
The aid of childbirth preparation classes and of doula support can be integral in terms of setting you up for the birth experience you most desire. If you’re looking for local resources, please check out the BFB resources page.
In the end, whatever choices you make regarding your birth team or location, regarding preferences in labor and beyond, at Bodies for Birth®, we trust your reasoning and hold not only space, but unconditional positive regard for your choices.
After all, you know yourself best.
And yet, despite the best laid plans, there are many, many factors that go into creating one’s birth experience. What we can expect is the unexpected, the twists and turns, the surprises all along the way…
Speaking of surprises, my very own mom had quite a surprise in her second labor and delivery experience when she gave birth to not one, but two baby boys!!! This was 42 years ago, so may YOU not be quite THAT surprised in 2024! (And for the record, despite being told, “you are having one small baby,” my mom and I were both certain there were two babies hiccuping and kicking all along ).
So, how do we prepare to cope with surprises and the unexpected when it comes time for childbirth?
We fill our mental, emotional, physical, psychological toolboxes to the brim! We surround ourselves with support and love, we educate ourselves, we advocate for ourselves and then we do our very best to trust the process and to surrender to the experience!
I’m so looking forward to be back in the group setting next week for inspired collaboration, education, support and for that amazing community energy I know we’ve all missed!
It’s not too late to join Expecting Fit for January!
Something to Learn:
Creating Your Birth Plan: A Guide from American Pregnancy Association
Mindful Birthing: Sign up to Receive the Birth Preferences Worksheet
Something to Share: