Birth Preparation

Since learning of this pregnancy many months ago, I have been on a journey of preparation for the new birth in our family.  Things were fairly low-key at the start, as mainly I concentrated on finishing off my Vocational Training in Devon and wondered about starting a new job back in Liverpool.  All that is done now.  However, my primary aim throughout was (and is) to engage in a natural approach to pregnancy and childbirth.  A couple of books I read early on helped to channel my thoughts, most notably:

1) Ina May Gaskin "Guide to Childbirth" - an excellent and inspiring book, narrated in a modest style with wonderful stories of natural births and encouraging statistics. 
2) Dr Gowri Motha "Gentle Birth Method" - I enjoyed reading this book but found aspects to it a little onerous because I was left with a feeling of having to make a huge commitment to so many activities in order to succeed at my healthy pregnancy and birth.  One might argue, at such a unique time in life, there are many things to do to make it the most meaningful experience, however, with one young child and a full-time job (until August), and a husband in another city, this aim was unrealistic for me.

Since William's birth, I always wondered on how best to make a connection with my inner self that allowed me to achieve that deep focus needed to make labour and birth calm and free from fear and distress.  I have almost completed a course in hypnobirthing which has given me some tools that will help me to achieve this.  It has certainly given me confidence in my body's ability to work harmoniously, rather than antagonistically.  I feel more able to promote the release of endorphins as opposed to adrenaline,  and can achieve deeper levels of relaxation more easily. 

This all makes perfect sense, as my training early on in medicine and physiology would support this.  However, despite that knowledge, I often wonder about the general direction taken by the medical establishment in the management of labour and birth. ....But that is a story for another day.

The book that has accompanied me on my hypnobirthing training:

3) Marie Mongan "Hypnobirthing"

A good compliment to the hypnobirthing has been a pregnancy yoga course, almost completed with one more session this weekend.  I have engaged a doula to be a companion and assistant to me in labour and birth.  She is wonderfully calm, kind and motherly.  She will be able to assist with some of the relaxation techniques since she has 'grown up' with me on the hypnobirthing course.

All in all, I am almost ready - just the last few details to arrange (nesting details) and I am more confident we will achieve the peaceful home waterbirth that I hope for.