Change What You Read

[usmile]

Do you know what's keeping you in crazy mode about pregnancy and anticipating the birth of that cutie pie? The books you're choosing to read. That's right!

Think about it! Every pregnancy book on the market tells you the standard, basic information (with a twist or two) about pregnancy and birth. That's why publishers are making so much money because, mom, you keep looking for something different than the usual information - and maybe THIS book will have it!  It's all wrong, backwards, and rehashed. The focus is wrong. What's better is reading books that prepare you for the rest of your life as a parent.

Pregnancy and birth books are certainly informative. But, how many books can you buy with the same, tried and true, "mechanics" of birth that's been a repeated known, physical process for thousands of years?

What IS refreshing is learning how to change your mindset about pregnancy and birth! You already know and understand the process of birth which you have learned from your readings. But learning how your thoughts can influence your birth? Not too many books on that one.

Having a baby is so life changing in so many areas. Here are a few suggestions - stepping outside the usual to generate new perspectives about birth and parenting.

1. How to relax - meditation, visualization, and other mind centered readings. Learn why it's important to avoid images of flowers opening etc., before 36 weeks gestation. Read about stress and how it can influence the birth process in ways you can't imagine physiologically. You want to learn and focus on inducing the relaxation response for birth as well as using these skills for a healthier life. Learning these skills are beneficial to you and baby and have the potential to enhance your birth experience.

2. Fear. Everyone experiences fear of some sort. The unfortunate thing about fear is it usually is self induced by our personal lack of confidence in something. I remember being scared to death to be a parent and I wasn't going to have children. Thankfully I did - it's been the BEST learning and rewarding experience in my life. And there lies why it's important to understand where your fear comes from, why you should understand and learn from them.  If you get mad at your kid, it isn't enough to just say "Because I said so!"  You are behaving that way because it was something you learned from your own upbringing. When it comes to childbirth though, lots of fear surrounds you. Understand where it's coming from and you'll minimize it. 

3. Intuition. As a society we forget that we were all born once to a mom, good or bad.  Basic instinct played a role in our birth. And do you recall the word "imprinting" of species? You and I are of the Homo Sapien Sapien species. When any newborn comes into the world their first instinct is to follow the scent of mom. Mothers have a unique scent that baby responds too, and by the way is an important success factor in breastfeeding.  Intuition is that "gut" feeling, the "hunch" we get about something and usually causes us to act on it. It's present during childbirth and women are not taught how to use it.