Many expectant parents hope to welcome their baby into the world gently and naturally. To support the natural process of birth, it is crucial to address two fundamental needs that will support this physiological event; you must feel safe and unobserved. This blog post explores the significance of these needs and offers practical suggestions as you prepare for this powerful and transformative experience.
Feeling Safe
Birth is a natural process, and creating a safe space promotes optimal physiological conditions. Contrary to common practices, which often involve bright, clinical environments, humans, like other mammals, instinctively seek dark and quiet spaces for giving birth. These environments allow the body to release the appropriate hormones and enable relaxation of the uterus muscles.
To establish your safe space, consider the following steps:
1. Research and Explore Options
Whether you choose a home birth, midwife-led unit, or hospital labour ward, thoroughly research and visit your potential birth settings. Reflect on your changing perspectives during pregnancy and carefully weigh the benefits and risks of each option. Remember, this is your birth, and it's your right to choose where it takes place.
2. Creating a Calm Atmosphere
While achieving a relaxed environment is easier at home, it is also possible to adapt other settings. Dim the lights, close blinds, and incorporate small elements such as fairy lights, LED candles, and soothing music. Surround yourself with familiar items like photos of loved ones, a favourite scent, and comfortable clothing.
3. Positive Mindset Reinforcement
During the third trimester, spend some time visualising your safe birth space. This practice reinforces a positive and confident mindset about birth, contributing to a powerful impact when the time comes to welcome your baby earthside - wherever you wish for this to be.
Feeling Unobserved
Privacy during birth is vital. Though it may seem challenging to achieve in some birth settings, by prioritising and communicating your needs, it is possible to create a protective layer around your birthing bubble.
Consider the following suggestions for maintaining privacy:
1. Stay Home for as Long as Possible
Studies have shown that you are less likely to receive synthetic oxytocin and need stronger pain management drugs if you remain at home for longer. Women also reported feeling more in control and described a 'sense of power' that stayed with them throughout labour.
2. Clear Birth Preferences: "I'd like a Natural Birth"
Clearly state in your birth plan that you are using Hypnobirthing techniques and desire minimal disturbance. Communicate your preferences to your care providers, ensuring they understand and respect your choices.
3. Protecting the Birthing Bubble
Communicate with your birth partner, who can act as your birth keeper, ensuring your needs are met. Together, prepare for the birth experience and establish strategies to protect your birthing bubble. Hiring a doula can also be beneficial in providing additional support and advocacy.
4. Asserting Your Rights
Assert yourself during labour. If routine examinations or monitoring are offered, feel empowered to say 'no' or request time to consider if it is not clinically justified. Your birth journey should align with your choices and desires.
5. Other tips
Use some earphones
Have a note on the door to ask your care providers to respect your privacy
Consider using a birth pool
If you wish to dive a bit deeper on the subject, I highly recommend this article about undisturbed birth and birthing hormones from Dr Sarah Buckley: Undisturbed birth | AIMS