After six unmedicated births, Here’s the one thing about coping with the pain of labor I wish someone would’ve told me, or maybe I wish I had listened when they told me.
Resistance increases the pain.
You see, in my first birth, I took classes, I did the exercises, I KNEW that birthing without an epidural or pain medication was important to me. And I did it, but friend. . .it was not pretty. It was downright ROUGH after my water broke and I spent so much energy “resisting” the pressure and pain, and “trying to get on top of” it. It didn’t work.
I am ALL for movement in labor, but as I spent untold amounts of energy splashing around, moving my hips in that birth pool . . . my mind was all “avoid” “overcome” and that sent actual signals to my body that increased the perception of pain.
via GIPHY I swear this is how I looked in that first labor
It's not about how you look, it's about how you feel
And let’s be very clear: even though I looked “rough” and felt exhausted. . . I very much rocked my birth. I don’t want to give the impression that the only good way to give birth is to look like a zen goddess. Cuz that’s not true.
But I can tell you that in subsequent births. . .I experienced less pain and I felt much calmer and more energetic during labor and immediately postpartum.
And it’s because of what was happening in my mind. . .my thoughts . . .my emotions which literally changed what was happening physiologically in my body.
So, if that’s information that’s helpful to you and you want to prepare your mind, body and soul for birth from someone who went from this (using a gif because I can't find pictures from my first labor)
to this. . .
You’re going to want to work with me in Sage Mama Maternity
Curious, but what to know if I really know what I’m talking about, join me in my 3 part video series: The Secrets of Healthy Pregnancy, Birth and Postpartum. . .I’m going to give you information that protects your baby and gives you actionable steps to reduce your risk of pregnancy, birth, postpartum and infant complication. I’ll see you there.
You're probably so excited about welcoming your baby into your home, if you're like most moms you're probably flipping through a few books, you've download some apps, and listening to your friend's and family's experience. You're probably doing your part to be a star patient for your doctor or midwife.I totally get that, and this is actually a problem because you're going to get you varied, sometimes conflicting advice that might not even work for your circumstance, and here is the kicker: lots of time's it not evidence-based guidance.
Instead of that, I want to offer you that working with a doula from your first trimester through your postpartum time is actually going to give you what you really need: cohesive information, expert guidance and the emotional support that every new mom deserves. It's like having an a doula in your pocket (or purse if that's where you keep your phone)
Hiring a Digital Doula is the best way to have a positive experience during your pregnancy, birth and postpartum. I would love to be your digital doula.
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