Labor Pain as Your Power: Shift Your Mindset About Pain in Labor and Prepare Holistically for Birth
Mar 21, 2023
EPISODE 13 SHOW NOTES
When you think about labor and giving birth, I’m betting that pain comes to mind. I’ve learned this is something that most every woman is afraid of, even if they’ve experienced birth before. Something I like to tell my oldest son is that while it’s totally normal to have fear, what we do (or DON’T do) with that fear is what’s really important.
I want you to be educated and informed as best as possible, so you’re able to shift your mindset about pain and intensity surrounding natural birth.
In today’s episode, I’m talking about labor pain as your power, and how you can shift your mindset when it comes to preparing holistically for birth. I'm also diving more into:
- How we collectively deal with pain in our society. When we think about pain as a whole in our society, we tend to want to numb everything out, and make everything better as quickly as possible (basically a 'quick fix' for everything). Not only do we numb the painful and fearful parts, but also the exciting parts that aren't meant to be numbed!
- 4 reasons why the intensity of labor is so crucial when we’re bringing new life into this world. 1. There is a positive feedback loop that takes place during labor (relating to the baby moving down our birth canal as everything is progressing) 2. Pain actually guides us during labor 3. Pain signals send a response to our brain to release endorphins 4. Appropriate stress hormones are produced in response to labor
- 5 ways to help you cope with pain and intensity during natural labor. 1. Your breath 2. Embodiment exercises 3. Your mindset 4. Your support system (partner, doula, midwife, friend, etc.) 5. Movement (this is SO beneficial and really is our friend during labor!)
Labor pain can (and should) be your power when you're preparing for a natural birth.
I don’t want you to stay stuck in a deep-seated fear when it comes to the dreaded labor pain everyone is so afraid of. Pain in labor has a physiological purpose, and labor pain can be your POWER. It is an instinctive part of our nervous systems and a result of our environment; it’s completely necessary!
Remember - you deserve to feel empowered and confident when it comes to your unique birth plan. You are capable of so much more than you think!
Resources and links mentioned in this episode:
- Connect with me on Instagram @the.holistic.birth.coach
- If you’re interested in sharing your own, powerful birth story with myself (and the world), I would LOVE to have you on this podcast! Please fill out this form if you’re interested in doing so: https://forms.gle/Ga4ekxpNWMf43ysy9
- More information about the Virtual Natural Childbirth Education Course and ways to work with me: https://instinctivebirthandbeyond.mykajabi.com/offers/2sHMmves
- Join Instinctive Birth and Beyond: The Collective Facebook Community and Support Page: Instinctive Birth and Beyond: The Collective | Facebook
