The Mind Game of Birth
How mindset plays a major role in birth, and how to move through it with confidence instead of fear
The mind-body connection is a powerful thing, my friends. This is absolutely true in birth!
How you feel about birth before going into labour directly impacts how you feel and move during labour.
I’ve seen it happen every. Single. Time.
I have seen when things start to get more intense for my client, fear creeps in, and the brain signals to the body: “Warning! There’s a threat here; let’s slow down until we’re safe.”
When our brains perceive danger or a threat (even if the “threat” is the body having contractions and going through labour), adrenaline floods our system, and it signals that we need to slow down or move somewhere else until we are safe again.
In other words, labour can slow or stall until we can regulate our nervous system and feel relaxed again.
This is when I might have my client mirror my breathing by taking deep, slow breaths, provide extra validation and calming reminders that this is normal, and that they are strong and safe.
I have witnessed the power and calm that comes when my client trusts what’s happening with their body, moves with each surge, and feels safe, supported, and relaxed.
Here are some things you can work on in pregnancy (or before) that can help you prepare and even get excited for birth:
Take a childbirth course
Normalizes physiological birth and autonomy, lessens the unknowns, and helps you gain knowledge, confidence, and learn about your options.
Here are some great options for courses from trusted community pals:
Watch or listen to positive birth stories
Most often, our exposure to birth is what we see in movies and TV - and very rarely does it come close to reality! When you listen to and watch real-life birth stories, it helps you see the many ways birth can actually look, sound, and feel, making it easier to visualize and prepare for your own birth.
Create and honour boundaries
Be intentional and clear about the info and birth stories you consume and take in from others. Practice scripts like: “I’m choosing to only focus on positive birth stories during my pregnancy.”
Journal or communicate your feelings
Write out or talk with a trusted person (partner, friend, therapist, doula) about your hopes, emotions, and concerns. Plan out what you need to feel safe and supported during labour.
Hire a doula
Build your dream team! Hire a doula that you feel comfortable with, someone you can be vulnerable with who is a trusted, continuous support. Someone who will validate your feelings, provide info, partner support, advocacy and comfort during labour.
Bottom line? Your mindset is the biggest helper and hinderer in birth.
When you work through your fears and build knowledge and confidence prenatally, it will help you better communicate your needs and manage this big moment with strength and ease.
You got this. And if you need a little extra support? I got you.
