Preparing for Birth
How to Interact with Fears in a Productive and Caring Way
In a birth culture filled with messages that plant seeds of doubt about birth in expecting parents’ minds, it’s easy to understand how fear has come to have an unfavorable reputation. As pregnant parents navigate a medical system with soaring usage of medical intervention, and sift through a barrage of horrific birth stories from friends,…
Read MoreFostering Connection and Resilience in a Cesarean Birth
While most people refer to this type of birth as a c-section, in Birthing from Within we prefer the term Cesarean Birth. By shifting our language, we acknowledge that no matter how a baby is born, that moment is still a profound rite of passage for the birthing parent that deserves to be honored as…
Read MoreFour Signposts to Know When to Go to the Hospital or Birth Center
Many expecting families wonder how they will know that it’s the right time to go to the hospital or birth center, or summon their midwife for a home birth. They’re trying to figure out the place in between arriving too early, and having a baby in the car. These four tips will help you look…
Read MoreJudging People for Getting an Epidural
While there are many strong opinions about using pain medication in labor, the conversation about epidurals and birth often lacks nuance and context. Many pregnant parents feel like they must choose sides, without being mentored on the way systemic policies and ingrained beliefs influence one’s decision on whether or not to have an unmedicated birth.…
Read MoreHow to Create Compassionate Birth Affirmations
In preparation for birth, many pregnant parents like to create affirmations written out on paper or strung up in a style inspired by prayer flags to keep them encouraged and focused during labor. There are even online shops that sell beautifully crafted affirmations for birthing families to display. How They Can Help Rehearsing affirmations helps…
Read MoreFour Ways to Know Your Provider is a Good Fit
Pregnancy and birth are full of choices to make from what color to paint the baby’s room, to baby names, to where give birth, to what kind of car seat to buy. Here are a few simple tips to help demystify the process of choosing a care provider for your birth. 1) They deliver in…
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