I am Woman, hear me roar!

Well, with a title like that in a time like this, you could probably guess a number of different things I might be talking about. But over here, I’ve got a bit of a one track mind, and it’s all about birth!

Look, I’ve been doing a lot of reading, researching, listening, and learning lately, and I’ve found out something interesting about women. Most of us don’t know how powerful we truly are. Sure, people tell us we are, and the media is bursting at the seams with outgoing feminists...but do we really, truly believe to our core that we are powerful, intuitive, and able?

Let’s bring it on back to birth. Our bodies are psychologically able to birth our babies on our own (insert the actual medical exceptions here), yet most women are seemingly encouraged to be fearful of the event and, quite frankly, told that they can’t do it without a doctor’s intervention. Sadly, this is really just a lack of information. Our own misunderstanding of birth and lack of education on the matter.

What, you don’t believe me? Let me give you a couple little nuggets of truth...

The United States has a c section rate of over 30%. One of the leading attributers to c sections is inductions. And thus the “cascade of interventions” begins.

But, does it have to be this way? Why is it that it seems like these interventions are being pushed on mommas more? Maybe it’s purely for convenience...I mean, I’m sure it would be easier for doctors to have birth become more predictable and timely. But is that really what’s best for mommas and their babies?

Now, before we dive in too deep here, I think I owe you a disclaimer! I personally had a hospital birth and have nothing against OB’s or other hospital staff. I know that there is a time and place for medical interventions and c sections...they have saved many lives! Now you all know that I’m not some sort of hater forcing the idea of birthing in the wilderness on anyone! Haha

Anyway, back to the point. With this idea of medicalized birth, I think we have lost touch with ourselves...our potential...our power! We no longer believe that we can birth our babies on our own. That we, in ourselves, have the intuition and knowledge to do exactly what needs to be done to have this baby.

And you know what? It seems like no one is telling us we can...so how would we know?

Well, I’m here to be one of the few who will confidently tell you that you can. You are able. You are strong and intuitive. You are powerful. You can do this.

With all of this said, that doesn’t mean that you have do go on to have a home birth with no pain meds if you don’t want to. Do what’s best for you and your baby! But, just know that no matter where, when, or how you birth your baby, you can do this! You were made for this, and you will prevail.

As my last thoughts on the subject, I’d like to touch on the “cascade of interventions.” This is basically the idea that the more interference in the natural flow of birth, the more likely to have a less desirable outcome, which can go as far as an unnecessary c section.

* Having this happen doesn't mean you are guaranteed an outcome you're unhappy with, it's just that's its more likely that one thing will lead to another.

Recently, I’ve heard that inducing mommas before their due date (without a medical reason) has been becoming more popular...and it breaks my heart! Maybe your baby will be as big as they guess, but so what? You can birth this baby. Maybe your doctor is available on a certain date and not another, but who cares? Your baby will pick their perfect birthday. Maybe you’re tired of being pregnant and being induced “a little early” sounds like a much welcomed relief. (Again, there are always exceptions within these scenarios...)

but listen, momma. You’re about to become a mom, which is the most self-sacrificing job there is. Yes, you may be uncomfortable, or feeling overwhelmed, or even 100% over it...but do it for your baby. Every day on the inside counts and will help your little peanut grow and develop even more. And if I know you, which I’d like to think I have an idea, you’re willing to do what’s best for your babies.

And this is not to shame any momma who thinks differently, or had a different experience! I just want to be someone who lets you know that you can do this. When everyone else is telling you how much childbirth sucks and hurts and you’re definitely going to want that epidural ASAP, I want to be the voice you hear saying that you were born to do this. I hope you can picture a mini me on your shoulder (totally not creepy) cheering you on, encouraging you through your entire pregnancy and birth. Because in reality...I already am! Think of me as your own personal cheerleader rooting for the very best for you and your new baby!

So, rub on some more belly butter, drink all the water, and keep taking those prenatals. You’re almost done, momma! And when the day comes for your baby to be born, you’re going to be amazed at what you can do. You’re going to remember your power because it’s going to roar through you! You are capable of amazing things...even childbirth! ;)

If you got this far, I’m going to find you and give you a hug...somehow! Haha

I will also leave you with a couple tips on possibly improving your birth experience:

1. Hire a doula! I know...this sounds like a hippie/crunchy mom thing to do, but it’s not! A doula is going to make sure that your voice is heard. They will be with you during birth to help manage pain, and pretty much anything else that comes along. I 100% regret not having one my first go around! (I’m working on becoming a doula because I believe that mommas need more support, and I want to be that for them!)

*According to evidencebasedbirth.com

2. Get educated. Read up, do your research, write a birth plan. Birth is unpredictable, but that doesn’t mean that you should go in with a blindfold on! Haha Know your stuff and make sure that your voice is heard. I went to the hospital pretty sure of what I wanted. No meds at all unless medically necessary. I was offered Pitocin the moment I got changed into my gown. I told them no, and still had my (first) baby the same day. Speeding up my labor unnecessarily was one thing I was not going to allow, and let me tell you...everyone was pleasantly surprised!

(Note some of the resources that I have pictures of above!)

3. Bring your backup. Whether it’s your spouse, mom, sibling, bff, favorite childhood stuffed animal...keep them by your side. Pregnancy and birth can be challenging, but it’s easier if you have a helping hand! The people that love you will be there for you, so use them every step of the way.

4. If you’re hoping to have a “straightforward, vaginal birth”...skip the induction and any unwanted interventions (as long as they aren’t 100% medically necessary...again, I’m not going to encourage you to do anything crazy). Let your body go into labor spontaneously. Once you’re in labor, trust your body and relax. Don’t succumb to being rushed or pressured. You have time, use it if you need it.

* From Empowered Doula Birth Services

5. Take an out of hospital birth class! This one should be higher on the list...but it’s here. I took the Mama Natural Online Birth Course, and I loved it! It helped me know my options and feel so much more prepared (and I didn’t even get to finish it before my baby was born!). It gave me so much helpful information about having a natural, unmedicated birth, along with a ton of encouragement!

I loved this course!

6. If you’re feeling the pressure, try to induce labor naturally. This is going to be the best option for your body to get into a rhythm. Try different stretches/exercises to get baby into an optimal position, go for a walk, bounce around on a birthing ball, and don’t stress! At the end of the day, you have about 42 weeks to get ready...you’ve got time!

Click me! Mamanatural.com has so many great resources!

7. Find a provider/doctor/midwife who believes in you too. It’s so important to be surrounded by a team of birth professionals who will encourage you and who know you can do this too! I personally wish that I had chosen a midwife who would’ve helped me listen to my body. I NEVER felt the urge to push...I was just told when to, and that caused me a lot of panic and stress. Next time, it will be my goal to focus more inward and let my body tell me when I’m ready!

8. TRUST YOURSELF. Now, say it with me again...I trust myself! This kind of goes along with my little story from the previous tip, but listen to your body. As I’ve said a million and one times, your body was made to do this...listen to it’s cues. You’ll know what to do. Trust yourself.

9. If you’re into it, hire a birth photographer! They (we) can do so much more than just take some nice pictures. Having your birth documented can be so encouraging, and even help with unsure feelings in the event that things didn’t go as hoped. Either way, you’ll love seeing the look on your face when you meet your little squishy for the first time!

10. Spread the love! Now that you’ve done your research (and hopefully had an amazing birth experience), encourage others! As women, I feel like we need to hear things from other women to truly have them sink in. Tell the women around you how amazing it is to feel so powerful. Encourage the mommas you know to be excited for birth and not fearful. No matter what your story is, share the positives! So many only share their negative experiences or opinions, which seems to create more fear. Be honest, of course, but don’t bring any mommas down. Lift them up and help them have the best experience possible.