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Pregnancy is a very exciting time in a woman’s life, but can also be overwhelming and even frightening. Especially when other women can’t wait to tell you their horrific stories about childbirth. Really ladies? I’ve never understood how anyone can do that. Men would do it too, almost laughing at you as if to say, “You have NO idea what you are in for!” Hey buddy, no uterus- no opinion! I’m pretty sure my body was designed for this! So pipe down!
My Experience
During my first pregnancy I felt anxious over the fear of the unknown and wondering if I would be able to have the successful drug-free labor I wanted. People’s negative comments didn’t do me any service. The worst was when I was meeting with backup doctors in the rare instance something went wrong during labor while at the birth center. I met with a new male doctor and explained my situation. I wanted a drug-free natural water birth. He rolled his eyes at me and said “Water birth? How archaic. Do people even do those anymore?” I bit my tongue, grabbed my purse and immediately walked out. I couldn’t even say anything.
My Advice For Expecting Moms
I was so frustrated until my amazing Hypnobirthing instructor taught me to ignore and literally, avoid negativity. When people would talk about pregnancy or labor in a negative way I would immediately walk away. I wouldn’t be rude, I would just kind of drift away if I was with a group or if I had to politely ask to stop the conversation. It was one of the greatest pieces of advice I received and I continue to share it with others. As a Prenatal Fitness Instructor I also tell women to prepare for labor as they would a marathon. I don’t mean go out and run everyday, but do something- Walking, Yoga, Pilates are all great and will help to tone those baby birthing muscles!
Great Advice For Expecting Moms From Healthy Living Mamas
I asked some healthy minded mama blogger friends of mine to chime in with their best pieces of advice for expecting moms!
Kristy at Veggie Converter– “I always tell people not to listen to other moms’ horror stories. everyone’s birthing experience is unique.”
Louise at Loula Natural– “Pregnancy and childbirth are the easiest parts of motherhood! It all gets very complicated when your kids come out and have free will! Every mother feels a massive shock post childbirth- change is inevitable and your life will never be the same. You cannot prepare for that- just how you will react. Be kind to yourself and don’t worry if things go wrong- you will get the hang of it and it is all so worth it! Be prepared to ask for advice and to ditch any advice that doesn’t resonate with you. Try and feel your instinct it may be hard to do at first but it is definitely there and remember you really do know best for your baby
Kristen at Real Time Mama– “You are stronger than you think. You can do more than you imagined. Put some earplugs in your ears, quit listening to the naysayers, and go out and do what you want to do in order to create the birth you want, no matter what that may be”.
Danielle at It’s a Love/Love Thing– “Pregnancy and birth are amazing, beautiful, and yes, challenging events that will forever change your life. I wish I had closed my ears to others’ horror stories and unfounded comments and opened my eyes to the importance of diet and nutrition in the forming of my babies. Above all, remember: you are a woman and your body was designed to be able to do this. YOU CAN DO IT!!!”
Kelley at The Darling Bakers– “Raspberry leaf tea and Dr. Christopher s birth herbs are amazing. Also, consider a birth center.”
Kirsten at Cheerfully Imperfect– “Using a doula was the best decision I ever made. She provided the experience, support and empathy I needed and I believe my all natural VBAC would have been impossible without her!”
Brittanie at The Moderately Crunchy Mama– “I would suggest having someone take pictures during the birth. We hired a birth photographer with Finley, and now I regret that we didn’t get pictures when Saylor was born. When I look at those pictures it feels like I get to re-experience the night he was born.”
Elizabeth at Nourished Life– “Lots of sleep, rest, downtime, chilling out, naps. It’s so easy to stress out about having a new baby (even if it’s not your first), but your body is doing so much work–rest if you can! Naps are my personal secret for an easy labor.”
Sarah at Momma’s Green Project– “Coconut oil and cocoa butter — these are life / tummy savers when you are pregnant. I was unfortunate in my first pregnancy in that I didn’t know of these miraculous substances and my body paid the price. Second time around I was so much more comfortable in my own skin! — Also — When in labor the best advice I can give to any mom who is having a natural birth– give into the pain, accept it, become one with it. As soon as you do that the pain becomes manageable and your goal becomes clear.”
