4. Undisturbed environment
Physiological birth happens best when you feel safe and respected with your privacy and dignity maintained. Oxytocin is the love, sexual and birthing hormone. There’s an almost identical hormonal process involved in natural conception, as there is for birth to progress efficiently, so lots of hands-on support from your partner with touch, massage, hugs and kisses. Your care provider is meant to support your birth being as undisturbed as possible. They are not there to tell you what you’re ‘allowed’ to do or not. Your informed decisions should be supported, guiding the birth pathway that you choose based on evidence, and not scare mongering outdated practices.
5. Learn about your baby BEFORE birth
The focus on birth means postpartum planning is often overlooked. Hands-on education, learning about ‘normal’ newborn behaviour, breastfeeding, and safe sleep is vital in setting realistic expectations. Discussions around caring for each other as your relationship changes is a priority, and practical parenting workshops will provide supportive education. Humans are ‘carry’ mammals and babies are totally reliant on us for food, safety and warmth. Optimal brain growth occurs when babies feel safe and trust in their caregiver responding to their every need. The societal pressure for early independence is overwhelming, when in fact appropriately responding to newborn needs is what will build the most independence later on.
Birth, like breathing, is a normal bodily process. Remind yourself, there are 8 billion humans on Earth, so it’s an efficient process! Transitions into parenthood are challenging and trying to ‘bounce back’ to what you ‘were’ before having a baby isn’t the goal, because you’re meant to be different – you are a mother or father now! With preparation and realistic expectations, you can overcome the challenges and be inspired by the joy and love that your child brings. Hold your partner and your baby close, so you can thrive on each other’s loving touch, and far from creating a rod for your own back, you might just create a well-adjusted little person together.
Natalie is a Midwife, Child & Family Health Nurse, and International Board Certified Lactation Consultant in South West Sydney, NSW offering Calmbirth® Childbirth Education, parenting preparation workshops and lactation home visits. Her passion supporting families for 18 years and her personal journey becoming a mother through IVF, pregnancy loss and breastfeeding challenges gives her a deep understanding of the chaos and beauty that parents can experience.
