Preparing for Birth Beyond the Physical

With all the medical assessments in pregnancy- blood pressure, weight checks, ultrasounds, and more- it’s really easy to focus on the physical experience of pregnancy, labor, and birth.  But what about the emotional and spiritual sides?  As pregnant moms, we rarely get the opportunity to slow down, connect with the divine being growing inside of us, and consider our own emotional needs as we approach parenthood.  Nevertheless, it’s an extremely important part of pregnancy and unresolved issues can often create obstacles during labor.  (See Ina May Gaskin's books Ina May's Guide to Childbirth and Spiritual Midwifery, both available in Blossom's Lending Library.)

Recent scientific research supports the connection between mind and body.   When one stops to think about it, it’s really no surprise that emotional issues play a part in how labor unfolds.  Yet most women put much more emphasis on preparing physically for the event.  Chances are, most women just don’t even know where to begin to prepare emotionally.  Few health care providers draw attention to the importance of emotional health during pregnancy and friends and family may not know how to approach the issue either.  And while many birth classes will bring up the mind-body connection, it’s not usually the most appropriate forum to “do the work.”  

Prenatal yoga is an excellent starting place, with time to “go inward.”  Meditation techniques practiced in yoga class help the mom-to-be to notice what her mind tends to do and how it may affect her body.  And for many moms, it may be the only place where they can let everything else go and just BE pregnant.

Having already given birth and having years of supporting other moms through prenatal yoga and childbirth education under my belt, I wanted to do something special as I awaited the birth of my second child in 2008, but wasn’t sure what.  Most of the birth classes available to me, I was qualified to teach and I felt completely prepared on a physical level.  Fortunately, just before conceiving I met Elisabeth Manning, who expressed a desire to offer her services at Blossom.  By my sixth month, we had BabySpirit Meditation scheduled.  It was the best preparation I could have done during my second pregnancy, and I welcomed the opportunity to commit to connecting with my baby-to-be.  What I didn’t bargain for was how profoundly the experience would affect other areas of my life, particularly my challenging relationship with my first child. Through Elisabeth’s group, I was able to recognize our underlying issues, and find a new direction to repair the disconnection we had suffered in our relationship.

Currently, I am awaiting the birth of my third child due this July.   I have returned to BabySpirit with Elisabeth to take that special time to just be pregnant and connect with myself and my baby.  This time around, I am giving myself the gift of going even deeper and doing some private sessions with her as well.  I am amazed how much I learn about myself, my children, and our relationships with each other with Elisabeth’s amazingly intuitive guidance.  My birth experience with my son two years ago was incredible and I am confident that the work I am doing on a spiritual and emotional level will benefit my next birth experience as well. 

I encourage all moms to spend some time preparing for their birth beyond the physical realm.  Getting in touch with “old wounds,” spending the time to listen to your baby’s spirit, and considering the connection between all family members is so important during this transformative journey.  Pregnancy can be an amazing time of introspection and heightened intuitiveness- take advantage of this gift!  In addition to Prenatal Yoga and BabySpirit Meditation, Blossom’s Prenatal and Postpartum Moods and Challenges group is a safe place to find emotional support.  There are many providers on Blossom’s Provider List as well that can help- from Counselors to Coaches to Blessingway services (a ceremony to honor the transition into motherhood) and more.  And if you would like to explore this side of pregnancy, but you are not sure where to begin, don’t hesitate to give us a call- we can help point you to resources that will serve you best.  May your journey to parenthood be emotionally rewarding and full!
-Jeanna