Childbirth Education: Being Prepared for Birth
How many times have you looked back on an experience or situation and thought, “If I knew then what I know now, I would have done ___ different.” Or “Knowing that would have helped ______ months/years ago!”
I have definitely felt that way at times, but none more than with my first few birth experiences. Being a mother of five children and one angel baby, I have had a range of birth experiences, and when it comes to birth, preparation really does matter.
Knowledge is power. The power to choose, and not just accept. The power to be proactive, instead of reactive. The power to change fear and doubt, into faith and trust. My desire to prepare better for my fourth birth brought me all of that power.
My goal was an unmedicated birth. I found THE BEST birth class and childbirth educator in my area. I read books, joined Facebook groups, and researched doulas. I switched providers at 28w. I was determined. This birth was going to be different.
It was different, but in more ways than I thought it would be. I had changed. Instead of relying on someone else to know “what was best for me and my baby“, I felt prepared to make those decisions for myself because of the knowledge I had worked to gain and the preparations I had made.
My biggest obstacle was fear of the unknown pain. I thought I couldn’t handle the pain, but really it was my fear of not knowing what was going on with my own body. I feared how uncontrollable it felt. Even though I had taken a hospital birth class, I still had fear around what and how this phenomenon was going to happen. I feared my body because even though I had bee taught the basic physiology I had never been shown that this was how the body was made and how it worked to get my baby out. That I played a vital role in that process. That my choice to let go of my fear, and trust in my God given, God designed body, in my providers knowledge and wisdom, and my amazing support system, was vital to my perception of the experience.
I loved that birth. Not just because I birthed a baby (which is an amazing feat by the way), but because I had taken the time to replace my fear of the unknown with knowledge. Knowledge not just about birth but about myself.
I believe that nothing except giving birth can prepare you for the unexpected in birth because everyone is so different. I also believe that every woman regardless of their choice of birth or desired birth, should be given the chance to learn about their amazing body and be prepared in case they don’t get to have the birth experience they want (wether that’s an unmedicated home birth or a scheduled cesarean). Being prepared can help all involved feel greater joy and love in this life changing experience.
Contact us to learn about our childbirth education classes and how they might help you!
