The image of birth we are most familiar with is that of  a woman lying on her back pushing her baby out. However, although this is the position most often encouraged in hospitals, lying on your back is ‘actually unfavourable for birth’ (Dr. Christiane Northrup MD, 1998).

This position tends to put the pressure of the baby into the posterior vagina and reduces the diameter of the pelvic opening (perfect ingredients for vaginal tears).

When women squat or stand during the second stage of labour, they naturally increase the diameter of the vaginal outlet as this position supports even distribution of pressure throughout the whole circumference of the vagina.

Apart from harnessing the power of gravity which helps to bring baby’s head down, squatting increases the diameter of the pelvis by 1/2 cm or more.

This position also keeps the weight of the pregnant uterus off major blood vessels so there is sufficient blood supply for mum and baby….and less foetal distress.

You can let your health care provider know your preference and visualise your birth plan being supported by those around you.

In joy,

Deirdre Morris

I was very fortunate recently to attend a conference with Deepak Chopra in Barcelona. He reminded me so much of our fertility, pregnancy and birth stories as well as our relationship with parenting, breastfeeding and all else that comes with being a woman in a modern world.

We experience ourselves as solid physical beings. That is how we perceive the world. When we look at a chair our brains see a solid entity…something permanent.

However this is, in fact, false and occurs only because our brains and nervous systems are not capable of registering what is actually taking place.

In reality, everything is energy and information flashing in and out of existence at speeds greater than light. Although we experience life as a continuity (the chair I am sitting is always in this spot), it is in fact a discontinuity flashing on and off.

What happens for us is that the memory of the chair (your fertility, pregnancy, baby and partner etc.) lingers while in the ‘off’ phase so we perceive it as always being there in the same way.

Chopra compared this to a movie which appears to be a continuous stream of visual and audio information but is in fact a series of still frames..24 per second… which is faster than the brain’s ability to process. So we see a continuous film instead of the on/off that is really happening.

Our expectations, memories and desires acutally shape what is going to happen next….what is going to come into existence.

So with regard to fertility, for example, your expectation will have an impact on what will happen for you. The same applies to breastfeeding, birth and parenting.

Looking back on your history or experience only perpetuates the illusion of continuity and brings more of what you have had in the past.

You are the creator of your experience and this moment is your moment of power.

So look forward to what you want in your fertility.  Visualise a pain-free, empowering birth.  See yourself and your baby absolutely thriving in breastfeeding. Imagine amazing support surrounding you as you relax into financial freedom.

And let the next flash ‘on’ come from the new life story you are telling yourself…the one in which you are a successful, amazing, empowered, supported, nourished mother who is fully in tune with your wonderful body, deep wisdom and infinite intelligence. 

In joy,

Deirdre Morris

I had the great pleasure of interviewing Debra Pascal-Bonaro, internationally renowned childbirth expert. Debra has recently completed her first film which is a documentary called Orgasmic Birth following the stories of 11 women.

Debra explained that because it is now seen as a medical event, we have forgotten that birth is actually part of a woman’s sexual life.

If you were to consider birth in this manner what would you be asking for?

According to Debra, the best kept secret of birth is that 20% of women who are not medicated report having orgasm during birth.

So what are you asking for and expecting? If you were to open up to the idea that birth is a sensual experience what would be different about your current birth plan?

Are you hoping to survive birth or would you love your birth to be am empowering, sensual experience connecting you to your deep wisdom and a pleasure for you, your partner and your baby?

You can take the first step towards an orgasmic birth…..by daring to dream. Write out what you would love and play with the idea that a sensual birth really is a possibility for you and your baby. 

In joy,

Deirdre Morris

This blog talk show explored some of the feelings that come up in breastfeeding and when baby first arrives.

Tracy explained how she moved from overwhelm into empowerment when she was a new mom. Now pregnant again, she also shared with us her gentle, intuitive approach to weaning.

Click here to listen:

http://www.Blogtalkradio.com/TheBreastfeedingSalon/2008/06/03/The-Breastfeeding-Salon

In joy,

Deirdre Morris

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

As I am pregnant with twins Maire Clements decided to dedicate a Conscious Breastfeeding Show to that very topic!

 This show was really informative about what a day looks life in the life of a Conscious Breastfeeding mom, what support is necessary and the frame of mind that will help you embrace each moment as it comes.

Worth a listen for those who are preparing for baby (one or more) even if you are not sure whether breastfeeding is the journey for you.

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/TheBreastfeedingSalon/2008/05/20/The-Breastfeeding-Salon

In joy,

Deirdre Morris

Our relationship with our sacred feminine has a significant impact on our experience of fertility, pregnancy, birth, breastfeeding and of course our relationships.

Yesterday on blog talk radio, Maire Clements, Tracy Gary and myself discussed how we can really honour the Goddess within.

Part of the discussion also tapped into how we can support our babies and children to embrace their own sacred selves (male and female) so they can feel whole and comfortable in their wonderful bodies. 

To listen click here: http://www.Blogtalkradio.com/TheBreastfeedingSalon/2008/05/13/The-Breastfeeding-Salon

You are very welcome to leave comments or join us live on the next inspiring Conscious Breastfeeding Blog Talk Radio Show.

In joy,

Deirdre Morris

In all areas of life we know that our expectations shape our experience.

If we expect pain and suffering then invariably that is what we get. Unless we seek out new information, most of us expect whatever our friends, sisters and mothers have gone through.

So when we are preparing for a birth that we would really love, it is very useful to see first hand what is actually possible and what can be the norm.

Debra Pascali-Bonaro, internationally renowned childbirth expert, has created a film called orgasmic birth.

Watch this truly inspiring trailer http://www.orgasmicbirth.com/ to remember what your amazing body is designed for.

Thank you Debra. 

In joy,

Deirdre Morris

A friend of mine Safrina passed this on to me. She believes it may have been written by Catherine Ponder but is not sure.

You can change the word God to the Universe, Holy Spirit or whatever resonates with you. 

 ”As I prepare myself for the delivery of my baby, I am calm, serene and relaxed. God is in charge and God is with me and my baby. Every person and every situation connected with this birth is in tune with God’s orderly direction, and everything is perfectly timed.

Peace, joy and power now fill my mind and body. I am a channel through which the creative power of God is working, and my whole being responds with ease. My body is flexible, adjustable, and strong.

This new life glorifies God and is being brought into the world safely, with no harm to the baby or to me. Every part of me and every function of my body adjusts to this birth with ease. The pattern of perfect birth, set by the creative law of God-life, includes the cleansing and restoring of my body.

After the delivery, every part of my body will be restored to perfection. Filled with thankfulness and joy, I rest. The power of God has brought forth my perfect baby.”

And so it is….

A lovely way to end the day when pregnant.

Thanks Safrina, Catherine and all those involved in the creation of this.

In joy,

Deirdre Morris

Regardless of what is going on for you now, you have choice.

You can move forward from here in the direction of your dreams feeling supported and loved.

Click on the link below to watch this beautiful 2 minute movie and appreciate your way to that wonderful conception, pregnancy, birth and family life.

http://heartmath.com/million_hearts/?mtcEmail=cashmerecoaching@verizon.net&mtcCampaign=2026

In joy,

Deirdre Morris