Birth Planner

Giving birth to your first child is the closest you can ever come to magic " - unknown

Birth of a baby is a natural physiological process - and just like conceiving a baby - it could be pleasurable, orgasmic, pain-free, intense, painful, traumatic, medically-managed or undisturbed and free. It’s your rite of passage into motherhood!

➜ Babies determine when to be born, usually between 37-42 weeks gestation.

➜ 75% of first time mothers will give birth by 41 weeks and 2 days.

➜ Only 4% of babies are born on their due date, so call it a due window!

In giving birth to our babies, we may find that we give birth to new possibilities within ourselves " - Myla Kabat Zinn

Every birth is unique each time to each and every woman. Start fresh without being attached to the outcome of your last birth. Your next birth will be different and special in its own way - each and every time!

➜ The first and second stages of birthing are likely to be shorter and easier the second time around.

➜ Your second baby might be bigger and born a bit earlier than your first baby, but nothing is for sure!

Nothing in life is to be feared. It is only to be understood " - Marie Curie

Rh-negative means that your red blood cells do not contain the Rh protein. If your baby has Rh-positive blood a condition called Rh Incompatibility can occur.

➜ With Rh incompatibility if your blood and your baby's blood mix, your body will start to make antibodies that can damage your baby's red blood cells.

➜ About half of the children born to an Rh-negative mother and Rh-positive father will be Rh-positive.

➜ A shot of Rh immune-globulin (RhIG) is given to stop your body from making antibodies. This is done at around 28 weeks gestation and again within 72 hours after your Rh-positive baby is born.

One of the most empowering outcomes of microbiome awareness is rooted in the intrinsic ability of the body to heal " - Amanda Ledwith

Group B Streptococcus (GBS) is a bacteria that approximately one in three women carry in their vagina. It can come and go at any time and most women have no symptoms or any health effects. However, GBS can potentially be passed to your baby during birth.

➜ Only 1-2% of babies who are exposed to GBS develop an infection. The most common problems caused by the infection are lung infection, blood infection, and meningitis.

➜ You have a choice to accept or decline IV antibiotics given during your birthing time.

➜ Antibiotics can reduce the risk of passing GBS to a baby, but can also disrupt good flora and affect the newborn baby’s microbiome.

Although the popularly desired outcome is ‘healthy mother, healthy baby,’ I think there is room in that equation for ‘happy, non-traumatized, empowered and elated mother and baby " - Midwifery Today

Birth trauma is distress experienced by a mother during and/or after childbirth. While birth trauma can be physical, it is often emotional and psychological and can have a long-lasting impact on one’s life.

➜ 45% of women feel they had a traumatic birth experience.

➜ 66% of birth trauma survivors name obstetric violence as the biggest contributor to their trauma.

➜ Unprocessed birth trauma can be very triggering. Giving yourself space to process your birth - privately, with a friend, a support group, postpartum doula and/ or therapist who specialises in PTSD from childbirth and birth trauma - can help you move forward.

➜ Your trauma is valid, even if: it took awhile for you to recognize it was a trauma, you can’t remember it clearly, you haven’t told anyone about it, someone didn’t think it was a trauma and/or it doesn’t affect you anymore.

The way a culture treats women in birth is a good indicator of how well women and their contributions to society are valued and honored " - Ina May Gaskin

Obstetric abuse also called obstetric violence or birth rape is physical, sexual, and/or verbal abuse; neglect, bullying, coercion, humiliation and/or assault that occurs to birthing women by medical staff, including doctors, nurses and midwives.

➜ Obstetric abuse can be: refusal to provide care unless consented to a vaginal exam or other ‘required’ procedures; not receiving informed consent or refusal; ignoring questions, requests and pleas; coerced into and/or procedures done without consent or medical reason like induction, vaginal exams, episiotomy or caesarean; use of physical force to prevent birth while waiting for the doctor to arrive; mocking, belittling and disregarding birth choices and plans; bullying and threats about baby’s safety.

➜ Obstetric abuse can lead to birth trauma, postpartum PTSD, postpartum depression, and anxiety.

➜ You can call out your provider’s behaviour and at any time say ‘I DO NOT CONSENT. I REFUSE further treatment’, ask for a new provider and/or file a complaint.

Health care providers can empower survivors, or re-traumatize them. Let’s give new moms and birth professionals the tools they need to make childbirth a positive, rewarding experience, rather than a trigger for very bad memories " - Sarah Beaulieu

It’s fairly common for pregnancy, birth and/or postpartum to trigger memories and emotions related to past sexual assault and abuse.

➜ 1 out of 4 women have history of sexual violence.

➜ Identify whether there is anything that may trigger you to become distressed, have flashbacks or dissociate, like: being naked; pain and/or strong emotions; strangers; certain body positions; procedures and examinations; where and how you’re being touched on your body; environment and smells; certain phrases or words.

➜ Consider that it’s possible for your baby’s birth to be a positive, healing and transformative experience for you.

It seems that many health professionals involved in antenatal care have not realized that one of their roles should be to protect the emotional state of pregnant women " - Michel Odent, M.D

Protecting your birthing experience as something sacred and intimate may mean choosing care from female providers only.

➜ Only you can know what you need to feel safe, secure, and supported.

➜ Intentionally creating your ideal birthing environment helps you stay focused on the joy of birthing, bonding, and feeding your little one.

Language is very powerful. Language does not just describe reality. Language creates the reality it describes " - Desmond Tutu

Your mind believes and responds accordingly to the words you tell yourself. Using neutral and positive language when talking about birth and pregnancy can positively influence your birth experience.

➜ Positive words and phrases can eliminate automatic fear response and create a more relaxing, soothing birthing environment.

➜ Change the words you use: due date - due month/period guess date; fetus - baby; labor - birthing, birthing time; delivery - birth, giving birth; contractions - surges, waves, sensations, pressure waves; dilation - opening; complications - special circumstances; pain - discomfort, intensity, sensation; false labor/ Braxton hicks - practise for birthing; failure to progress - resting birthing; push - breath down; transition - transformation; ring of fire - powerful stretching, stretching sensation.

Birth should not be a time in a woman’s life when she has to FIGHT for anything " - Carla Hartley

Coercion is a use of force, threats or intimidation to obtain compliance. Coercive language can range from: emotional appeals “All we want is a healthy baby, right?”; to not presenting your options accurately “You are not allowed to eat and drink”; to intimidation and threatening “We won’t provide care until you consent to a cervical check”.

➜ You’re the authority of your own body, pregnancy and baby. You, not your provider, choose to allow or not.

➜ Remain in your power by demanding informed discussion about benefits, risks and alternatives without coercion, to make an informed decision.

➜  You can call out your provider’s behaviour and at any time say “I DO NOT CONSENT. I REFUSE further treatment”.

You have the right to say yes or no.That simple sentence embodies the spirit and the critical importance of informed consent in any area of health care " - Amanda Lowe

You are the authority over your body - you choose to allow something to be done, not your provider. Every procedure suggested by care providers should include a discussion of risks, benefits, and alternatives.

➜ Remain in your power by demanding informed discussions of all procedures to make an informed decision when saying “yes”.

➜ Trust your intuition when making decisions during your birthing experience.

➜ Ask for time to think about your options. You very rarely need to decide at that exact moment.

Too many times parents lack the information they need, are asked to make decisions under duress, or are presented with options in such a way that they are gently let to make decisions that fit comfortably with caregiver’s and hospital’s protocols, rather than the parents expressed needs or desires " - Andrea Robertson

This simple and easy to remember acronym can help you make decisions during your pregnancy and birth: B - benefits, R - risks, A - alternatives, I - intuition, N - nothing, S - second opinion.

➜ Use this acronym in no particular order. Starting with listening to your own intuition and/or doing nothing and finishing with benefits might just be the right decision for you and your baby.

You have the right to say yes or no. That simple sentence embodies the spirit and the critical importance of informed consent in any area of health care " - Amanda Lowe

You have the right to receive information and ask questions to make an informed, voluntary decision about your care. Along with the right of informed consent comes the right of informed refusal.

➜ B.R.A.I.N.S. - an acronym to help you make decisions. B - benefits, R - risks, A - alternatives, I - intuition, N - nothing, S - second opinion.

➜ F.R.I.E.S. - an acronym for true consent: F - freely given, R - reversible, I - informed, E - enthusiastic, S - specific.

➜ You have the right to say ‘I DO NOT CONSENT. I REFUSE further treatment’.

Birth is safe. Interference is risky " - Trust Birth Initiative

Birth in a hospital setting has become normalized as a medical experience, and it often is.

➜ There are guidelines, timelines, routine procedures and policies in place, but they’re simply offers of care. You have the right to accept them or not.

➜ You have the right to individualized care from midwives, doctors and nurses.

➜ There are procedures developed specifically to deal with emergency situations when truly necessary for the baby or, very rarely, for the mother.

The whole point of woman-centered birth is the knowledge that a woman is the birth power source. She may need, and deserve, help, but in essence, she always had, currently has, and will have the power " - Heather McCue

Birth centers are designed to provide a homelike, low intervention approach to birth with access to expert medical care if needed.

➜ People who work for birth centers see pregnancy and birth as a natural event and not a medical condition or emergency.

➜ Many birth centers offer an intimate environment with big beds, birthing tubs, showers, nitrous oxide and other comfort measures.

The right place to give birth, would be the right place to make love " - Michel Odent

Birth is intimate and has its best potential to unfold naturally in a private, undisturbed and safe environment, like your own home.

➜ Personalized, holistic one-to-one care from a midwife and/or doula in the role of a ‘lifeguard’ standing by in case they’re needed without interfering with birth process, massively improves outcomes for you and your baby.

➜ Safe home environment ensures your chances of producing peak levels of birthing hormones and experiencing straightforward natural even orgasmic birth.

➜ Bliss and comfort of being in your own home, your own bathroom and your own bed with your beautiful new baby, celebrating the most amazing day - your baby’s birthday!

Undisturbed birth represents the smoothest hormonal orchestration of the birth process, and therefore the easiest transition possible; physiologically, hormonally, psychologically, and emotionally, from pregnancy and birth to new motherhood and lactation, for each woman " - Sarah Buckley

Freebirth means birthing your baby at home without a provider to manage your care - unassisted. Acting on your own authority and choosing to take full responsibility for your own care and your own birth experience.

➜ The ultimate trust in and surrender to your body's innate ability to bring your baby earthside.

➜ Learning to tune into your own sensuality, intuition and listening to what the sensations in your body are telling you is essential to birthing your baby in an act of power and ecstasy.

It’s my assertion that EVERY woman can have a pleasurable, organic and orgasmic pregnancy and birth " - Kim Anami

Birth can be the biggest orgasm of your life! Same body parts, hormones and neural pathways are accessed while making and birthing a baby. It’s nature’s design for a woman to have an uncomplicated and pleasurable birth.

➜ Intimate, private and undisturbed environment is key to open up for a pleasurable birth.

➜ Sex, clitoral stimulation and orgasms have analgesic effect and can move along stalled birthing.

➜ Many women have experienced cervical orgasms while birthing their baby and/or the placenta.

My dream is that every woman, everywhere, will know the joy of a truly safe, comfortable, and satisfying birthing for herself and her baby " - Marie Mongan

Hypnosis birth is a GAME CHANGER! It leverages the knowledge that you and your baby were designed to birth peacefully with true joy and ease.

➜ Reframes the birthing experience as a blissful, transformational experience rather than one of pain or fear.

➜ Hypnosis birthing utilizes self-hypnosis, relaxation, breathing, visualization, affirmations, meditation, positive birth language and beliefs to birth your baby in a calm, relaxed environment.

➜ Truly joyful and peaceful birthing experiences for mom, baby, and everyone on the birth team.

Remember that every year around the world hundreds of thousands of women give birth by VBAC. Your body still remembers how to [...] give birth. Your baby–like all babies, if given the opportunity–will start the [pressure waves], working in harmony with the hormones that instigate and maintain [birth] " - Diana Korte

Reclaiming your right to birthing your baby vaginally after previously birthing through cesarean-section. A choice made from a place of power, peace, and inherent belief in the body to naturally birth your baby.

➜ Can be an incredibly healing experience after a difficult or unplanned prior cesarean. Rediscovering the enormous strength and power of your body to take care of you and your baby!

➜ Many women describe feeling extremely confident, grateful, and proud of themselves and their bodies after a supportive and joyful VBAC experience.

➜ Rather than feeling limited in how many subsequent pregnancies and births you will be able to safely have with repeated cesareans, you are able to take back your reproductive journey after a successful VBAC!

People never sing ... except in the bathroom. Birthing women also make their natural sounds next to running bath water. There is something about the power of water. People are drawn to water, spas, and sacred streams. Women in labor are drawn to water, too " - Michel Odent

Giving birth in a warm pool of water helps envelope you in a sense of safety, privacy, and calm. You can move freely, relatively undisturbed as you turn inward to call upon your strength and power to birth your baby.

➜ The presence of water in the birthing space immediately changes the atmosphere. A sense of quiet and calm seems to fall on everyone in the environment.

➜ The deeply relaxing effect of water allows your body to open and release the necessary hormones needed to experience pleasure, euphoria, and bliss rather than pain or fear!

If we want to find safe alternatives to obstetrics, we must rediscover midwifery. To rediscover midwifery is the same as giving back childbirth to women. And imagine the future if surgical teams were at the service of the midwives and the women instead of controlling them " - Michel Odent

The powerful differences in the medical model of care and the holistic midwifery model of care cannot be overstated. Midwifery care focuses on the belief in and support of the natural, physical processes of childbirth and early life while placing power in the hands of the birthing person to bring their child into the world.

➜ Midwives are skilled professionals and experts in holistic childbirth - standing as lifeguards without a compulsive need to interfere!

➜ Midwives focus on continuity of care. You build true relationships that can help create a sense of safety, comfort, and security in the birthing space.

➜ Having a care provider who truly respects your autonomy and who believes in your body's ability to birth without unnecessary intervention or "management" is essential to have the joyful, empowering birth experience you deserve!

If doula were a drug, it would be unethical not to use it " - John H. Kennell

Doulas can hold sacred space for you, your family, and your birth team as a whole. Often described as 'mothering the mother' doula provides informational, emotional, and physical support to you and your family before, during, and just after birth.

➜ Doulas are unique in that they are providing guidance and continuous support throughout your birth. Their sole focus is on YOU!

➜ Having a doula present during birth significantly improve outcomes including shorter birthing times, less use of medication, and a positive overall experience.

➜ Your doula will work to make sure you feel heard, supported, and safe throughout the birthing process. She will spend time learning about your goals, values, and preferences and do all she can to support your dream birth becoming a reality!

Spontaneous labour in a normal woman is an event marked by a number of processes so complicated and so perfectly attuned to each other that any interference will only detract from the optimal character. The only thing required from the bystanders is that they show respect for this awe-inspiring process by complying with the first rule of medicine – nil nocere (do no harm) " - Dr. Kloosterman

The spontaneous start to birthing is trusting that your baby and body will know exactly when to begin the birthing process without unnecessary interventions.

➜ Undisturbed and joyful progression of birth with full trust in your body’s ability to bring baby earthside in perfect timing.

➜ Provides the best opportunity for you and your baby to receive the optimum levels of important hormones during the birthing process.

➜ High rates of successful breastfeeding and an incredible opportunity to focus on those first, blissful moments of bonding.

Experiences have clearly shown that an approach which ‘de-medicalizes’ birth, restores dignity and humanity to the process of childbirth, and returns control to the mother is also the safest approach " - Michel Odent

Rather than artificially releasing waters, you allow waters to release spontaneously. Your baby remains lovingly enveloped in the protective amniotic fluids and sac until the exact right moment.

➜ Keeps baby protected in the amniotic fluid while you both work together towards the birthing moment.

➜ You remain undisturbed as you focus on bringing your baby down and following your body’s cues to help support your baby in finding the best possible position during birth.

The same movements that get the baby in, get the baby out " - Birthing From Within

Moving freely during birth allows you to work with gravity and tune into your body’s and baby’s cues. This helps you manage sensations and supports your baby in finding the optimal position for birth.

➜ Freedom of movement helps you respond intuitively to your body’s natural instincts, creating a truly empowering experience.

➜ It also opens the door to the full range of sensual and physical possibilities during birth, allowing you to stay deeply connected and even find pleasure in the process.

If you lay down, the baby will never come out " - Native American saying

Being upright and moving freely throughout the birthing process helps you work with gravity and respond to your body’s cues to bring the baby down and out.

➜ Upright positions include: standing, squatting, kneeling upright and on hands-and-knees. You can be supported by a partner and/or use props like a birth ball or a stool.

➜ Being upright can increase your pelvic space by 30%.

➜ Allow stronger, more effective pressure waves, shorter birthing time and less intense sensations.

It opens up the space in your pelvis so your baby can slip out " - Emma Armstrong

Knees in Calves out - a position to open up the pelvic outlet and give your baby maximum space for a “pushing” or “breathing baby out” phase.

➜ Your sacrum (tailbone) must be free to move outwards, knees in and calves out or parallel to each other.

➜ You can be in a KICO position on all fours, upright or laying down on your side.

➜ Ultimately listen to your own body and your own instincts to get into the best position for you and your baby!

Part of giving birth without fear is trusting your instincts " - Brande Holm

During the transformation phase many women instinctively rise up onto their tippy toes. This opens up the brim of the pelvis and helps the baby engage and descend.

➜ You can turn your toes in and lift your heels up while standing up, sitting or laying down.

➜ Listen to your own instincts and let your body guide you to help your baby move downwards and out.

We try to give a birthing woman freedom to find the right position for her own needs and comfort. Unfortunately, in our society we think of birthing as something done while lying down " - Michel Odent

Stirrup's function is to restrain you - mainly for the health care provider’s convenience.

➜ Lithotomy position - lying on your back in a supine position with hips and knees flexed, thighs apart, legs in raised stirrups or people holding your legs in the air - is the least favorable position to be birthing in for you and your baby.

➜ Lithotomy position puts pressure on the sacrum, makes the pelvic outlet smaller and doesn’t allow gravity to aid.

➜ Possibly increase the risk of severe perineal trauma, more intense sensations and a longer birthing time.

➜ It can be very triggering for sexual assault survivors.

Squat 300 times a day, you’re going to give birth quickly " - Ina May Gaskin

A squat bar or birth bar can be attached to the bed to help facilitate an upright squatting position.

➜ Squatting can open your pelvis up by 30% and use gravity to promote downward movement of your baby.

➜ Birth bar provides leverage to get into a deep squat, which can be very effective in helping you “push” or “breathe” your baby out.

➜ Birth bar most likely CAN be used with an epidural.

300,000 women will be giving birth with you today. Relax and breathe and do nothing else " - Unknown

Birthing stool and/or toilet - one of the best and the most underrated birthing tools - a.k.a. the dilation station!

➜ Sitting on the toilet we naturally let our mind, the pelvic floor and perineum relax. It lets the uterus and cervix work more effectively.

➜ Sitting on the toilet and/or birth stool puts you in a supported squatting position, opens up your pelvis by 30% and lets gravity help with downward movement of the baby.

➜ A toilet is a great place to rest, empty your bladder if needed, and allow birthing hormones to flow freely while undisturbed in a private, low light environment.

If there is one thing I would want all first time mothers to know about birth, it is this: spiraling " - Elena Tonetti-Vladimirova

Having the right tools available during birthing is essential to finding comfortable positions that work with your body as your pressure waves work to bring your baby down. Birth balls offer many benefits in positioning, opening the pelvis, and supporting you during birth!

➜ This versatile tool can help encourage gentle movement as you open your mind and body to sensations.

➜ You can easily spiral while on the birth ball - instinctively rotating and moving your hips in a circular motion as you sink deeper and deeper into a sensual birthing process.

➜ Leaning against the birth ball is an amazing way to find support and rest while working with gravity and your body to encourage optimum positioning of your baby for birth!

If there is one thing I would want all first time mothers to know about birth, it is this: spiraling " - Elena Tonetti-Vladimirova

Spiraling - instinctively rotating and moving your hips in a circular motion can help you feel expanded and sink deeper and deeper into a sensual birthing process.

➜ Close your eyes and feel your body naturally take over as you spiral.

➜ Rotating hips during pressure waves can assist your baby to naturally descend.

➜ Try pairing your movements with your breathing, let your body take over.

Muscles send messages to each other. Clenched fists, a tight mouth, a furrowed brow, all send signals to the birth-passage muscles, the very ones that need to be loosened. Opening up to relax these upper-body parts relaxes the lower ones " - Dr. Sears

A relaxed jaw and mouth allow your cervix and vagina to open up to its full capacity - and help you birth your baby!

➜ During your pressure waves, instead of tensing up, relax into it - soften your face and melt into sensations.

➜ Breath out with a sigh, do “Horse Lips” or simply kiss to soften and relax your jaw and pelvic floor.

➜ Soft relaxed face and jaw equals relaxed vagina and stretchy perineum reducing the risk of tearing and interventions.

Women have to open up to give birth, and allowing them to be calm and to feel secure can help this process. To help her to dilate, keep the lights low and the noise and commotion to a minimum " - Ina May Gaskin

The environment we make and birth our babies has a profound impact on our hormones and experience as a whole.

➜ Dimming the lights wherever you give birth can help create a calm, peaceful atmosphere that signals your body to release key hormones that allow you to relax and surrender to the birthing process.

➜ You are able to feel safe, secure, and private as you work to meet your baby. Bright lighting can make some women feel exposed or observed and even stall birthing.

➜ Dim lighting creates a peaceful transition for baby as they emerge from the dark security of the womb into the big, open world.

To speak of birth, to touch people’s hearts and souls and to awaken that part of humankind that has forgotten that it matters enormously how a baby comes into the world – that is our task " - Vicki Chan and Nick Edmondstone

Maintaining a sense of reverence for the birthing experience through quiet, soft voices allows you to dive deep into the physical and spiritual work of bringing your baby earthside.

➜ Keeping a sense of calm and quiet helps maintain a private and undisturbed birthing environment.

➜ This will help your body release the perfect hormones to help you relax, open, and birth your baby.

Birth is an opportunity to transcend. To rise above what we are accustomed to, reach deeper inside ourselves than we are familiar with, and to see not only what we are truly made of, but the strength we can access in and through birth " - Marcie Macari

Music - like birth - can be a transcendental experience. Music is a powerful tool for focus, relaxation, release, and DANCE. Choosing music that helps you feel sensual, empowered, and happy can help you focus and fully experience the spiritual power during birth.

➜ Music and dance is a powerful tool to flow with intense sensations, release tension and reach full relaxation. You can dance your baby out!

➜ Using music that is significant to you during birth can help create a completely unique and sacred space to welcome your baby into the world!

The issue of eating and drinking during [birth] should be reframed as one of bodily choice " - Rebecca Dekker

Choosing to drink water and eat yummy food that provides energy and properly nourishes you before, during, and after birth is a part of a natural birth process.

➜ Gives your body and muscles the energy they need to birth your baby without relying on IV fluids.

➜ You intuitively give your body the physical nourishment it's asking for and needs. You can stay tuned into your physical sensations, respond appropriately, and feel energized and focused.

People never sing...except in the bathroom. Birthing women also make their natural sounds next to running bath water. There is something about the power of water. People are drawn to water, spas, and sacred streams. Women in labor are drawn to water, too " - Michel Odent

In the shower water pressure and heat running over your body are incredibly relaxing and calming. It’s instinctual to want to birth in water.

➜ Standing in the shower allows you to take advantage of gravity and get relief from strong sensations.

➜ The deeply relaxing effect of water allows your body to open and release the necessary birthing hormones, and gives you a sense of safety, privacy, and calm.

Whenever and however you intend to give birth, your experience will impact your emotions, your mind, your body, and your spirit for the rest of your life " - Ina May Gaskin

Essential oils can be a very effective tool for muscle tension release and relaxation. The molecules in the essential oils are thought to stimulate parts of the brain responsible for emotion, memory and your response to sensations.

➜ Lavender, Citrus, Jasmine, Salvia, Bitter Orange, Rose, Geranium Rose, and Rose Plant have all shown decreased discomfort scores in evidence-based research.

➜ Peppermint is an effective antinausea and Salvia has shown to decrease birthing time.

➜ Consult an aromatherapist and/or try to sample different oils to find the ones that are most appealing to you.

Every word you say is a blueprint that your mind, body and psyche want to make a reality " - Marisa Peer

Mantras and affirmations are positive statements that can help you manifest the birth of your dreams.

➜ A repetition of a simple phrase about your birth over and over again will eventually make it difficult for your mind to object to it.

➜ The more you affirm, visualize and believe the more your body will respond to your thoughts and images and make it your reality.

➜ Mantras and affirmations: “I welcome my baby”, “I let go and relax”, “I’m expanding and opening”, “I can breathe through it”, “baby and I are a perfect team”, “l can do it for 60 seconds” are some examples.

A relaxing massage relaxes the whole being " - unknown

Massage during birthing time is a sure way to increase natural oxytocin and relaxation, especially when given by your partner or a doula who is skilled in massage techniques.

➜ There are different types and techniques of massages for birthing - lower back massage, back, neck and shoulder massage, effleurage, feathering, counter pressure and hip squeeze.

➜ Massage can decrease discomfort levels, birthing time and increased overall satisfaction with birth.

➜ A rolling pin or tennis balls are simple but effective tools for massages.

Giving birth and being born brings us into the essence of creation, where the human spirit is courageous and bold and the body, a miracle of wisdom " - Harriette Hartigan

Counter pressure or sacral counter pressure is applying steady, strong pressure directly down onto the sacrum to release tension, strong sensations and get much needed relief.

➜ This can be done by your support person placing their palm flat onto your sacrum and pressing down (slightly inward) onto the sacrum.

➜ Counter pressure can be applied at the start of the pressure wave and held for the duration of the pressure wave.

➜ It’s especially comforting when the pressure waves are felt in the back.

➜ Combine counter pressure and hip squeeze for double the relief.

There is no way out of the experience except through it, because it is not really your experience at all but the baby's. Your body is the child's instrument of birth " - Penelope Leach

One of THE BEST comfort measures during birthing is a double hip squeeze - a type of pressure massage.

➜ This is done by your support person putting the heels of their hands around your hips (below the hip bone) and squeezing your hips in (and slightly up) during your pressure waves.

➜ It pushes your pelvis back into a relaxed position. This relieves the pressure of the baby’s head bearing down, and causes your pelvis to flare out slightly, giving your baby some extra wiggle room.

At the end of the day, we can endure much more than we think we can " - Frida Kahlo

Rebozo means “shawl” in Spanish and represents the traditional long scarf worn by women in Mexico. It is also used as a comfort measure for pregnancy, childbirth and postpartum.

➜ Rebozo sifting is a technique that has been introduced to mothers and birth workers by traditional Mexican midwives.

➜ The technique involves gently rocking or sifting your abdomen or pelvis using the rebozo to ease discomfort, relax the body and make more room for the baby.

A pregnant woman is like a beautiful flowering tree, but take care when it comes time for the harvest that you do not shake or bruise the tree, for in doing so, you may harm both the tree and its fruit " - Peter Jackson

Shaking the apple tree or jiggling the body is an old technique used to promote relaxation of the butt, pelvic, and inner and outer thighs muscles.

➜ Jiggling can help muscles release tension and temporarily get a tiny bit longer creating more room for the baby to move.

➜ You can simply lean over a bed or a birth ball, get in a hands-and-knees position and let your partner vigorously jiggle your posterior back and forth.

➜ Never shake the abdomen or the hips vigorously.

Take rest. A field that has rested gives a bountiful crop " - Ovid

When mother and baby are doing well, but birthing begins to slow, this is the perfect time to rest. Trust your body to work and rest as needed during birth without unnecessary intervention.

➜ Rather than beginning to worry or actively trying to restart pressure waves, you can take this time to relax, sleep, and rest. You will feel renewed and energized once the pressure waves pick up again!

➜ Resting during birth helps you hone in on exactly what your body needs to birth your beautiful baby without exhaustion and fear.

While the doula knows more than a partner about birth, hospitals and maternity care, the partner knows more about the woman's personality, likes, dislikes and needs. Moreover, he loves the woman more than anyone else there " - Penny Simkin

It is your choice on who you would like in the room with you. Choosing someone who will calm you, support you, and give you a tranquil environment is important to ensure you will have a relaxed and joyful birthing.

➜ Your partner can help you release birthing hormone oxytocin just by being close by, through touch, massage, kissing and intimacy.

➜ Be clear with your birth partner about what you expect and what you will choose, so they can provide you with the support you need.

The instant of birth is exquisite. Pain and joy are one at this moment. Ever after, the dim recollection is so sweet that we speak to our children with a gratitude they never understand " - Madeline Tiger

Photos taken during your birthing process (without disturbing you) will quickly become one of your most treasured possessions.

➜ Having these special moments captured in photos can help you look back and see the beauty, bliss, and incredible power of your birthing experience.

➜ You are able to look back and see details you might have missed during your birth such as your partner's constant presence and love or their face as they first met the baby!

The length of labor is usually proportional to the number of people around " - Michel Odent

Intentionally choosing whom you want present during and immediately following your birth. Birth is a sacred event. Only you can know what you need to feel safe, secure, and supported. So whether your birthing space is intimate with an extremely small group of people or filled with your specific tribe is entirely up to you!

➜ Lovingly and intentionally creating your ideal birthing environment helps you stay focused on the joy of birthing, bonding, and feeding your little one.

➜ Maintaining a sense of privacy allows your body to relax and release important birthing hormones as you prepare to meet your baby.

The major role that the body’s natural oxytocin plays in birth encourages the idea that birth is an experience of love…birth is a spiritual experience simply because it is largely an act of love on the part of the body physiology and the indwelling spirit " - Cathy Daub

Oxytocin is known as a ‘love’ and ‘forget oneself’ hormone because of its involvement with sexual activity, orgasm, birth and breastfeeding.

➜ Oxytocin initiates the rhythmic pressure waves and moves birthing forward. It reaches its peak levels as the baby's head emerges and stays high during the Golden Hour.

➜ It's a shy hormone and needs an intimate, private and undisturbed environment.

➜ Sex, clitoral stimulation, orgasms, nipple stimulation, kissing, hugging, massage, dim lights, feeling of love etc., will flood your body with natural oxytocin.

➜ After birth it promotes a strong bond between you and your baby, and allows successful breastfeeding.

➜ High levels of oxytocin as the baby is breastfeeding help you birth the placenta and prevent postpartum hemorrhage.

I have never observed even the slightest laceration in a woman who used clitoral stimulation as a relaxation method during birth. Clitoral stimulation seems to increase vaginal engorgement as the baby emerges " - Ina May Gaskin

Stimulating the clitoris during birthing results in a huge release of the birthing hormone oxytocin.

➜ Many women instinctively touch their clitoris during pressure waves and as the baby crowns.

➜ Clitoral stimulation can help open and soften the cervix and potentially turn strong discomfort sensations into pleasure.

➜ Physiologically the surges experienced during birthing are similar to the surges experienced during an orgasm.

It is a little known fact, aside from a slight push or two in the last seconds of labor, pushing is not necessary or even desirable for the laboring women " - Laura Kaplan Shanley

When you instinctively direct birth and listen to the urge to push, you allow birth to happen rather than making it happen.

➜ You are able to fully relax into the instinctual process and conserve energy to prevent exhaustion.

➜ You are able to intuitively change positions as you feel the need and work with your baby and body as the glorious moment of arrival comes closer with each purposeful surge!

➜ Giving birth can be compared to having an orgasm or a bowel movement - it can not be forced or directed by others.

It is a little known fact, aside from a slight push or two in the last seconds of labor, pushing is not necessary or even desirable for the laboring women " - Laura Kaplan Shanley

By slowly breathing in and slowly breathing out you create pressure from above while relaxing from below - this let’s your baby gently descend down.

➜ Take a deep breath in through the nose and let your body relax, then gently breath out through the mouth pushing your breath down your body.

➜ You are able to fully relax into the instinctual process and conserve energy to prevent exhaustion.

➜ You are able to intuitively change positions as you feel the need and work with your baby and body as the glorious moment of arrival comes closer with each purposeful surge!

The instant of birth is exquisite. Pain and joy are one at this moment. Ever after, the dim recollection is so sweet that we speak to our children with a gratitude they never understand " - Madeline Tiger

A hand held mirror can be used to watch your own baby being born.

➜ A large mobile mirror or a mirror on the ceiling in the birthing room is another exceptionally motivating option.

➜ Being able to see what is happening while you’re “pushing” or “breathing” your baby out can be especially beneficial for women who have had an epidural.

The knowledge about how to give birth is born within every woman: women do not need to be taught how to give birth but rather to have more trust and faith in their own body knowledge " - BirthWorks

You can have a birth experience without anyone else touching you or intervening unless explicitly requested or absolutely necessary. You can move through your birthing experience fully in your own power, bliss, and joy!

➜ Your care providers act more as witnesses and guardians of your sacred birthing experience rather than constantly intervening “managers”.

➜ Power, authority, and control remain exactly where they should - in the hands and body of the person birthing life into the world!

Muscles send messages to each other. Clenched fists, a tight mouth, a furrowed brow, all send signals to the birth-passage muscles, the very ones that need to be loosened. Opening up to relax these upper-body parts relaxes the lower ones " - William and Martha Sears

Having a warm compress pressed gently on your perineum as your baby is passing through the birthing canal can help you feel safe and supported as you surrender to the birthing process.

➜ Gentle perineal support not only helps you focus your pushing efforts, but it also reminds care providers that your body is to be supported during this process rather than using surgical interventions.

Let choice whisper in your ear and love murmur in your heart. Be ready. Here comes life " - Maya Angelou

There is no moment more powerful than reaching down to pull your baby up to your chest at the moment of birth.

➜ It is sacred, and powerful, and complete bliss to be the very first person to place your hands on the sweet human you have been getting to know during pregnancy.

➜ Refocusing the moment of birth back to this intimate meeting of your baby creates lasting confidence in your ability to care for your children.

Let choice whisper in your ear and love murmur in your heart. Be ready. Here comes life " - Maya Angelou

The opportunity to catch your baby is a special and utterly magical moment.

➜ It is sacred, and powerful, and complete bliss to be the very first person to place your hands on the sweet newborn baby - let it be the parent.

I think one of the best things we could do would be to help women/parents/families discover their own birth power, from within themselves. And to let them know it’s always been there, they just needed to tap into it " - John H. Kennell

Each part of birth remains in your and partner's hands without any interjections from your birth team.

➜ Meeting your beautiful baby remains a truly intimate moment.

➜ Team green? This could really be the BEST surprise of your life!

Contact with you activates your baby’s parasympathetic nervous system that switches off stress; enhances digestions, healing and growth, and imprints calm and connection " - Sarah Buckley

Immediately placing your baby on your chest, skin-to-skin, changes EVERYTHING. This delicious, intimate contact has incredible benefits to both you and your baby and needs to be protected as sacred and necessary!

➜ Skin-to-skin helps release important hormones in both of you to stimulate intense attachment and bonding.

➜ Heart rate, blood sugar levels, breathing, and core body temperature are all regulated as baby is snuggling skin-to-skin with you.

➜ This natural urge for closeness with your baby is essential in establishing breastfeeding, easing the transition from the womb to the outside world, and falling head over heels in love with your baby!

The moment a child is born, the mother is also born. She never existed before. The woman existed, but the mother, never. A mother is something absolutely new " - Rajneesh

The first delicious hour after your baby is born into your arms deserves to be honored, respected, and as undisturbed as possible. Basking in the golden glow of new life - both your baby's and your own as a mother - is a sacred time of bonding and transition.

➜ Immediate skin-to-skin, patiently establishing the first latch and breastfeed, and holding off on all newborn procedures during the first hour(s) after birth allows you and your baby to soak in the blissful hormonal cocktail designed to create a powerful, lifetime bond.

➜ Protecting the Golden Hour after birth also ensures your baby has a peaceful transition to the world in the safety of your arms.

At the time when Mother Nature prescribes awe and ecstasy, we have injections, examinations, and clamping and pulling on the cord. Instead of body heat and skin-to-skin contact, we have separation and wrapping. Where time should stand still for those eternal moments of first contact, as mother and baby fall deeply in love, we have haste to deliver the placenta and clean up for the next ‘case’ " - Sarah Buckley

Protecting the 3rd stage of birthing is essential in trusting and honoring the entire birthing process.

➜ There is no need to rush the birth of the placenta, just as there is no need to rush the birth of your baby.

➜ Refocus the time between the birth of the baby and the birth of the placenta to sacred skin-to-skin, bonding, and rejoicing in the ecstasy of it all!

For a few minutes the baby straddles two worlds as it were. Then slowly, slowly he can cross the threshold from on to the other peacefully and easily, and with all safety, as long as we don’t rush in, interfere " - Frederick Leboyer

Waiting for the umbilical cord to cease pulsing and become white allows ALL of the blood from the placenta to be transferred to the baby - an absolutely essential step in the baby's transition from the womb to the outside world.

➜ Extra stores of iron and red blood cells help babies oxygenate more effectively and prepare for life without the constant support of the placenta.

➜ Beyond basic benefits are the more nuanced benefits of allowing for uninterrupted time and connection. By asserting a pause after birth through delayed cord clamping, you set the tone for that Golden Hour of bonding and pure bliss between you and your baby.

➜ Umbilical cord ties can be an alternative to regular plastic cord clamps used after your baby’s umbilical cord is cut.

Women, don’t ever apologize for your behavior or choices during birth. When you OWN your experience and take pride in your journey, you help other women do the same thing. No matter how you did it, you just brought a human being into the world! The world should be kneeling at your feet " - Lauralyn Curtis

Saving your placenta after birth is your right and can open the door for powerful practices and options during your postpartum period.

➜ Working with your care provider during pregnancy to make arrangements for saving your placenta can help ensure a smooth process in the moments after birth.

➜ Consuming your placenta through different methods (smoothies, encapsulation tablets, etc.) can help manage the major hormonal shifts after birth.

The way a culture treats women in birth is a good indicator of how well women and their contributions to society are valued and honored " - Ina May Gaskin

Today, the husband stitch is considered malpractice - obstetricians have sometimes sewn an extra stitch or two while repairing vaginal tears and episiotomies after childbirth.

➜ It was thought the extra stitch would tighten the vaginal opening and increase sexual pleasure for the husband/male partner.

➜ Many women have gotten the husband stitch without their knowledge or consent.

➜ Adverse reactions include longer recovery, chronic pain and discomfort, painful sex, swelling, scar tissue formation and infections.

The benefits to the mother of immediate breastfeeding are innumerable, not the least of which after the weariness of labor and birth is the emotional gratification, the feeling of strength, the composure, and the sense of fulfillment that comes with the handling and suckling of the baby " - Ashley Montague

Extend a respectful, hands-off approach to the incredible first latch! After placing your baby skin-to-skin on your chest, you can gently support them as they use their incredible instincts to wiggle their way to your breast. #breastcrawl

➜ The first few days of breastfeeding are essential in establishing a strong immune system through colostrum. Colostrum is super concentrated, high in nutrients, and full of antibodies - basically liquid gold!

➜ Alongside the incredible health benefits to both of you, breastfeeding requires a slowed pace and focus on tuning into the beautiful relationship being built between you and your baby.

➜ Breastfeeding meets your baby's physical needs, but also their emotional needs for connection, comfort, and love.

The breast was the first pacifier and in most cases remains the best " - Kelly Bonyata

Responding to your baby's need to suck, especially in their first moments, is essential to establishing trust in your breastfeeding relationship. Your body is perfectly designed to meet all of your baby's needs.

➜ When infants' innate need to suck is met with the option to nurse you increase opportunities for connection, bonding, and establishing a core belief that your baby's needs for food, safety, and comfort will consistently be met.

➜ Allowing your little one to nurse on demand instead of offering a pacifier helps you to establish your milk supply and your baby to establish their latch.

At a time when Mother Nature prescribes awe and ecstasy, we have injections, examinations, and [cord] clamping… Instead of body heat and skin to skin contact, we have separation… Where time should stand still for those eternal moments of first contact as mother and baby fall deeply in love, we have haste to deliver the placenta and clean up for the next case " - Sarah Buckley

Honoring the magical and extremely important first moments after birth by having routine baby exams done while the baby is on your chest.

➜ Babies should never be separated from their mothers right after birth unless there is an acute medical necessity.

➜ This allows you and your baby to bond, encourages skin-to-skin, and establishes breastfeeding early.

➜ You can bask in that afterglow of your blissful birth as you finally meet the little person you have worked so hard to bring earthside!

A person's a person, no matter how small " - Dr. Seuss

Gazing into your newborn’s eyes does not need to include a layer of thick eye ointment.

➜ Focusing on bonding, rest, and only medically necessary interventions or treatments helps you extend the power and confidence you found during birth.

➜ Using erythromycin ointment as a preventative treatment may not be necessary when mothers have had access to reliable testing for STD's prior to birth.

➜ Choosing to have a low or no intervention birth philosophy can also extend into your parenting choices.

At a time when Mother Nature prescribes awe and ecstasy, we have injections, examinations, and [cord] clamping… Instead of body heat and skin to skin contact, we have separation… Where time should stand still for those eternal moments of first contact as mother and baby fall deeply in love, we have haste to deliver the placenta and clean up for the next ‘case' " - Sarah Buckley

Honoring the magical and extremely important first moments after birth by delaying routine baby exams.

➜ This allows you and your baby to bond, encourages skin-to-skin, and establishes breastfeeding early.

➜ You can bath in that afterglow of your blissful birth as you finally meet the little person you have worked so hard to bring earthside!

Did god make man too perfect, So that a piece has to be removed through circumcision? " - A.J. Beirens

Protecting your child's bodily autonomy is a cornerstone of respectful parenting and relationships in general.

➜ Circumcision is a painful (during and after) surgical procedure that is cosmetic in nature and completely medically unnecessary for your beautiful newborn boy.

➜ Declining circumcision or forced retraction of your son's foreskin communicates a deep respect for and trust in the way his body is designed - absolutely perfect, just like your daughter's.

➜ Considering the ethical implications of forced retraction and circumcision is important as parents both personally and culturally.

There’s been a gentler view towards birth and the care of the baby, and that’s made a difference. There’s been really a revolution in skill level at bedside, which includes a more hands-off approach " - William Keenan

Waiting to bathe your baby for at least the first day(s) is beneficial to your baby physically as well as refocusing those first hours and days on bonding, feeding, and getting to know each other!

➜ Soaking up every moment of skin-to-skin after birth is vital to bonding, establishing bonding, and allowing you and your baby rest and connect after birth.

➜ Delaying your baby's bath can help establish a healthy microbiome, protect their body temperature, and allow the amazing vernix to soak into their skin!