The mind and body are so connected that whatever we think sends messages instantly to our bodies. Therefore, positive intention and energy make a significant difference for our well-being. In both pregnancy and labor, this connection has a profound influence on outcomes. For example, if laboring mothers are scared, their bodies produce more stress hormones, such as cortisol, that interfere with the progress of labor. In contrast, if they have an “I can do this” attitude, with confidence in their bodies, they produce oxytocin (the hormone of love) which helps labor progress. Chronic stress even impacts sensitive growth periods of the baby during pregnancy. People today are impacted by a multitude of negative thoughts and messages surrounding birth. These need to be reframed through positive thoughts that empower confidence and belief in their abilities to grow and birth a baby. Here are some ideas below:
When Someone Says by Cathy Daub
When someone says, “Hospitals are a dangerous place to give birth,” say:
Women need to give birth where they feel safe and secure. For some, that may be a hospital, and, for others, that may be at home or in a birthing center.
When someone says, “You’re really looking big in front there,” say:
Yes, and the more my belly hangs out, the more room there is for my baby to move and get into a good position for birth.
When someone says, “You don’t have to feel the pain in labor,” say:
Experience is where learning happens.
When someone says, “A VBAC is high risk,” say:
Yes, but surgery is riskier. Is that really what you want to do?
When someone says, “Everyone is having epidurals and you can still push your baby out,” say:
I’m not everyone, and I believe in my body’s wisdom.
When someone says, “If you don’t dilate two centimeters in the next hour, we’ll have to do a cesarean,” say:
Patience is a virtue. So long as my baby’s heart rate is okay, I’ll wait, thank you.
When someone says, “Push,” in the middle of a contraction, say:
Please be quiet. My body knows what to do.
When someone says, “Your kids will get freaked out if they are at the birth,” say:
My children will be fascinated. What better way for them to learn about life?
When someone says, “You are high risk,” say:
Life is not without risk. I calculate my risks wisely.
When someone says, “You’re having triplets! You’ll never carry them past 30 weeks!” say:
I am giving them lots to eat so they will feel safe to stay in as long as possible.
When someone says, “Home is not a safe place to give birth,” say:
It is a safe place for me, and that is what matters.
When someone says, “You’re doing beautifully,” say:
Thank you for believing in me.
We hope you like the above suggestions. Feel free to develop more personalized ones around birth and life. Please reply to us and send us your ideas too! info@birthworks.org
