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You have the power to create a positive the connection between the body and
perception of birth. Most movies portray mind. Undertaking any of these will help
childbirth as an excruciating experience you immensely with your drug-free birth.
but in reality, it’s not necessarily an
accurate description. Remember, all These include:
childbirths are unique to each individual
so if you want a drug-free birth, don’t let • Meditation: When undertaking this
anybody stop you! method of relaxation, meditation allows
the release of melatonin (a hormone
DON’T BE AFRAID TO BUILD YOUR KNOW- released to regulate sleeping and
LEDGE AND TRUST YOUR INSTINCTS waking cycle). Melatonin is only released
Go back to basics and take time to learn during stressful times. Meditation can
about everything related to birth. Read also produce an increase of endorphins
books, watch videos or do research on and has powerful pain-relieving effects,
the Internet. You can also attend classes similar to morphine. If prenatal women
and meet other mothers who can pass on commit to meditation regularly, they
knowledge to you if they have had a birth will be less afraid of the pain associated
previously (bonus if they’ve had a drug- with childbirth.
free one). Learning everything related to ●
birth will help you be more sure of yourself • Yoga: This a popular form of exercise
and prepared for the big day. during pregnancy. Yoga is the
combination of gentle stretching,
You can psychologically prepare yourself relaxation and breathing techniques.
by letting nature run its course and trusting One of the biggest perks of doing yoga
your instincts when it comes to your regularly is that it builds stamina and
body. We underestimate how powerful relaxes the pelvis. It can also improve
our bodies are, so don’t be afraid to trust the wellbeing of mothers and help
what your body can do during childbirth. alleviate the pain associated with
Most importantly, treat it with care during labour. Taking up some yoga classes
your pregnancy. can definitely decrease stress levels
prior to the birthing stage too!
PLAN AND VISUALISE THE BIRTH
If you’re a visual person, this will be an Depending on your preference, both
easy step for you! Planning how you’re meditation and yoga will provide adequate
going to approach your birth can be an time for you to relax and be prepared for a
efficient way to decrease any anxiety and drug-free birth. It will also help strengthen
stress associated with the birth. Imagining the mind and body connection, enabling
pleasant birth scenarios can help you a positive mentality during the birthing
keep on track and increase motivation in process.
following through a drug-free birth. Make
a dreamboard and put up pictures, which No matter how much you prepare for
will help you feel peaceful and harmonious. a drug-free birth, be prepared for the
This will help you be more confident in unexpected outcomes when you start
yourself and your decision for a drug-free going into labour. Even if you are ready
birth! to not take any medical interventions, a
complication during the birth can happen.
FIND WAYS TO STRENGTHEN THE MIND- Otherwise, by following the steps above,
BODY CONNECTION you’ll be right on track in preparing for a
There are a number of ways to strengthen drug-free birth!
18 may 2017 | mychild
