Each mother and each baby and each birth is different. But the potential for a powerful, transformative, normal, and natural experience is there in each and every birth. “Giving birth as nature intended is not “biting the bullet and letting it happen. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1595040/ Preparing for the birth of your child takes time, commitment, and education. I've been teaching the Bradley Method of Natural Childbirth for 16 years. The one thing you can count on in childbirth is the unexpected, but that doesn't mean you shouldn't have the loftiest goals paired with the ability to be flexible. Read on for steps to set your intention for your birth and create the best "Birth Day" ever. "If you were told you could have one of the most physically, emotionally, and spiritually transcendent moments of your life and here's the map to get there, would you really say no?" Elizabeth Davis, BA, CPM From the documentary Organic Birth One definition for intention is: "to have in mind a purpose or plan, to direct the mind, to aim." Take responsibility: transform the conversation around labor and birth from your fears and doubts, to hope and possibility, then take these steps and see results: 1. Get clear about the birth you want and write it down. Examples: - "I want to give birth to a baby who has no drugs in his/her system" - "I will stay home so that when I arrive at my birth place, I will be completely dilated." - "I will be patient with labor and know it can take a long time." - "I plan to have a natural birth but I will be flexible since a healthy baby is the ultimate goal." - "I plan to stay home as long as I possibly can I will go into labor at 9 Am and give birth at 4 PM" Write down YOUR OWN INTENTION: 2. Share your intention with someone who will support you, but also hold you accountable. - Write it down - Share it with your doula - Share it with your coach and anyone else who will be at the birth - Share it with the medical staff when you arrive at your birth place. Give them a copy of your birth plan and ask, "Can you help me have a natural birth?" - Write a birth plan. Have your doctor sign it. Have a copy at the doctor’s office, at the birth place, and with you when you arrive at your birth place. - Say it out loud and talk about it and discuss it with your birth support 3. Do something today to demonstrate your commitment to your intention. - Ask yourselves if your caregiver and birthplace truly support the outcome you want. - If you ‘re not sure go to: Questions to Ask Your Care Provider. If you don't get the answers you want, find another care provider and/or birth place. - If medication is the usual way of dealing with pain in labor, tour alternatives: - Do a Google search for birth centers, nurse midwives, licensed midwives, doulas, natural birth - Read Positive Birth Stories - Visualize your birth - Meditate on it - Pray about it - Write your birth story ahead of time and re-read it every day. Include every detail. - Write your birth plan 4. Acknowledge that you did what you said you would and then, take the next step. - Write your fears down - Look at each fear-one at a time, and brainstorm how to get past it - Take one small step at a time "By setting an intention, you make it clear to yourself and others, just what you plan to do. Set an intention to redefine what it means to be serious about your dreams." Marcia Weider by Liza Janda E-RYT 200, AAHCC Liza Janda, has valuable experience as a Certified Fitness Instructor for 27 years, Bradley Method Certified Childbirth Educator for 16 years, and Yoga Alliance Certified Yoga Instructor for 10 years. She has worked at some of the world's leading spas: The Golden Door, Cal-a-Vie, and Rancho La Puerta. Liza Has a passion for yoga, especially Prenatal Yoga. Her dedication to helping women during pregnancy, labor, birth and post-partum is a top priority. In addition to her educational programs she provides support, information, and fellowship for mothers-to-be and new mothers. Liza feels blessed to be doing what she loves and is excited to share the gift of health and contentment through yoga with her students and friends.
Prenatal Yoga 1 Liza Janda Prenatal Yoga 2 Liza Janda Prenatal Vinyasa Flow Jennifer Lux