Losing yourself in labour

I was recently at a beautiful homebirth.

The mother was having her 4 th birth, and after a difficult 3 rd birth, she found herself being triggered by the previous experience. She was also caught in the idea of how long it would take.

At one point I took her face in my hands, and told her to let go of all thoughts, lose yourself in labourland.

She did just that, and became a birthing goddess, lost to labourland, and riding those waves. It was amazing to witness the change.

Another one of my mothers described her surrender as a move from resisting the sensations, to stepping into them.

They immediately became more intense, but more
manageable.

What is it that allows us birthing women to lean into the pain?

I think the path is different for each woman.

• The support and confidence of those around her that know she can get through it, especially her partner and caregivers.
• A mind that isn’t overwhelmed with fear for herself and the safety of the baby.
• Understanding of what is happening and recognizing the value of the path.
• A quiet and intimate environment, with little to no distractions.
• The ability to downregulate stress and relax.

Accepting the path of pain/ suffering/ discomfort is against the nature of the mind. It prefers to move towards pleasure and away from pain.

Yet, this is what childbirth demands. This is what parenting demands.

Many times we find ourselves in situations with our children where they create discomfort in our bodies. The crying, the public meltdown, the aggression with other kids. When we lean into these situations, then we can help our children back into balance.

Perhaps childbirth is the training ground for this

Thoughts to ponder,

Tracey

PS If you would like support in surrendering to labourland, check out our ‘Transform
Your Birth’, podcast, to find out what moves the needle in childbirth.
Ready to sign up? See our ‘Transform Your Birth,’ course.