Written by Dr. Lisa Goodman, DC
Every day more women are taking control of their births. This goes beyond just having a skilled provider, a birth plan and a solid support system. If a woman plans on having a successful, enjoyable and natural birth, there is one other thing she must do: Train. The phrase “practice makes perfect” is true. Here is the idea, if you wake up tomorrow planning to run a marathon but have never trained for it; there is no amount of positive mindset that will ultimately propel you 26.2 miles. This is the same if you head into your labor thinking that you will ‘see how it goes’ or ‘try to go natural’. These are obviously great intentions, but the main thing missing in the preparation.
As a pregnant woman the most important things you can do to prepare for labor and delivery are
- Get to know your body & understand how it works
- Prepare your mind & soul for the journey
- Find a way to connect your mind, body & soul
In my opinion the most complete birthing education to connect the mind, body & soul is Hypnobirthing.
After birthing two children naturally and un-medicated, I have become a huge proponent of Hypnobirthing. Hypnobirthing allows you to be in control of your birth by giving control away to your body and your baby. Most women are not truly hypnotized, but after many weeks practicing Hypnobirthing they become extremely in tune with their baby and their body. With this training, comes the confidence and assurance that your body is designed to give birth.
One of the most important components of Hypnobirthing and having a positive birth is to surround yourself with positive birth stories and supportive women. Unfortunately, many movies and TV shows enacting birth show it in an elaborate, alarming and fear-provoking way.
It is also unfortunate that many women believe that the birth process should be left in the hands of the doctor. While doctors and midwives are extremely important, they are not the ones giving birth. Birth is not and should not be treated like a medical condition. It can be the easy, natural process it was intended to be.
To read more about my personal experience with Hypnobirthing and my birth story, visit the Washington Park Chiropractic website
It’s a good story & worth a read!
About Dr. Lisa Goodman
Dr. Lisa Goodman, DC, CCSP lives in Denver, CO with her husband and two young sons. Her chiropractic practice specializes in women’s health and sports injury & prevention. She is a certified chiropractic sports physician and is prenatal certified. For more information, visit www.washparkchiro.com
