In our preparations for birth our attention often goes to the practicalities such as having baby clothes, buggies, diapers and the never ending list of items that we have come to associate with baby’s arrival. 

  And while these are important, it can be easy to forget that mental, emotional and spiritual preparation during pregnancy can have a powerfully positive impact on setting you up for the safe, gentle empowering birth that you deserve. 

The following tips while simple, will definitely support you in claiming for yourself and your baby the magical beginning that you both deserve.

(1)   Develop the habit of talking to your baby.

We all love to be acknowledged, noticed and included. It makes us feel special and important. It fosters a sense of belonging. And while we are aware that children love positive attention and thrive on it, we often forget that the exact same thing is true of baby in utero.

So practice chatting to your baby, letting her know what is going on and including her in family life from the beginning. Several times a day place your hands conscious on your pregnant belly and tell her you love her and how happy you are that she is here.

When she feels welcome, she will find it easier to leave the safety of the womb and come into this world in a peaceful, relaxed way

(2)   Tell her how well she is doing in her development.

We all love our work to be acknowledged and admired. Point out her achievement. Every so often remind her of what is going on in her development…’you have grown to 15cms, you have lovely arms and legs’ or ‘now you are making your brain and spinal chord’. Point out how easy it was for her. Get her used to the idea that she is a success.

Then as she prepares for birth and goes down the birth canal, she already has the message that she is a success and can do this with ease.

 (3)   Inform yourself what birth looks like from your baby’s perspective. This will help you get an understanding of what it is like for your baby and will also remind you that your amazing body and your baby are designed to work harmoniously together as a powerful team with ease during birth.  

(4)   Explain to your baby what will be happening from her point of view. We all find it easier to be relaxed and confident when we have an idea what is coming up and what is expected of us.

Invite her to come head first with her face down and let her know that this is the easiest position for you both.  Inform her that there will be contractions that will start high in the uterus and move down and that their purpose is to support her down the birth canal. Let her know that you will be there supporting her and ready to hold her when she comes out.(5)   Be kind to yourself.

Choose easy options during pregnancy so that you are modelling to her this habit..because she is watching.  Instead of carrying two bags carry one. Ask for help when you need it. Take a nap when you are tired. Practice self nurturing and being very gentle on yourself. And as you do, bring that to your baby’s attention. So when you decide to take a rest instead of doing some work you had planned, say to baby ‘See mommy is choosing the easy way because that is much nicer and safer of us both…just like you will choose to come head down and face down’.  ‘We can both make decisions that really support us and we deserve to have a lovely birth.’(6)  Inform yourself about how wonderful birth can really be. 

Most of us have received the download that birth is a horrible ordeal, something we have to endure. However this is not the truth. Women are designed to give birth vaginally. Your amazing body has been preparing gently for this event. As you allow yourself to consider and relax into the knowledge that you have the power to experience a safe, gentle birth your body will respond to this message.  Birth can be painless and even orgasmic. Surround yourself with books, websites and other sources of information that remind you of your infinite wisdom and the right you have to joy in birth. Your baby will love to be exposed to the idea that birth can be a beautiful event for you both and the more you focus on this the easier it is for her to cooperate in this vision. (7)  Practice relaxing and visualising a wonderful birth for you both. 

Take the time to relax daily with meditation, yoga or other method that helps you quiet your mind and tune into the wisdom of the body. 

Picture the birth you desire in your mind’s eye. Imagine and feel efficient contractions, gentle and steady dilation of the cervix and perfect stretching of your perineum. See your very confident, relaxed baby working in harmony with your body as she gently makes her way into the world for the very first time.

In joy,

Deirdre Morris