Positivity during pregnancy

I hear over and over again from my clients and pregnant women in general, that they're being told fear filled, scary stories while they are going about their business.

A friend or family member recounting some scary and dramatic pregnancy or birth experience.
It's as if they are a magnet for these people to lay this negative energy onto them.

My intuition tells me that this is because pregnancy and birth brings up so much for many people, especially other women. It is very loaded.

Our culture and society have so much fear around pregnancy and birth and perpetuate this fear dogma at every turn it seems. This is the last thing women need to come into contact with when they are growing a baby and facing their own fears about their changing identity, relationships, and life transitions.

When women are pregnant they often find themselves opening and becoming more vunerable and sensitive. This is actually a strength that prepares them for the flexibility and surrender needed to traverse the challenges and power of birth and parenthood.

I think it is important for pregnant women to surround themselves with positive people and stories of positive birth experiences. If you're opening up, fill yourselves with light and goodness.
This may mean asking friends and family to keep their negative and scary stories to themselves.
It's a practice in asking for what you need and protecting your space and peace of mind in this special time of your life.

If you know women who have had positive birth experiences, ask them to tell their story to you. Read good books that recount positive birth stories. Watch positive birth videos. Whatever you're ready for in your time.

But don't feel like you have to be the dumping ground for other people's fear and negativity. Be the mother lioness and begin practicing your roar!

You can do this in a loving and compassionate way, while standing your ground. If the person doesn't respect your wishes, you can just tell them you have places to be and happy people to see and then walk away or tell them you'll talk to them later.

Below I will list some books and videos that will fill you with positive images of birth and new ways to conceptualize pregnancy and birth.

This time in your life is an opportunity to open to your personal power potential. Grab it with both hands. It's all right there for you.

Be well.

Books

Spiritual Midwifery by Ina May Gaskin (all birth stories)

Ina May's guide to natural Childbirth by Ina may Gaskin (first half of book is birth stories, more recent than the previous book)

Birth as an American Rite of Passage by Robbie Davis-Floyd (from an anthropologicl point of view, looking at our American system of birth)

The Thinking Woman's Guide to a Better Birth by Henci Goer ( De-mystifying the myths around birth that perpetuate the fear I spoke about above)

Videos

Gentle Birth Choices (shows births that again, de-mystify myths around obstacles around women having positive experiences)

Birth Day ( a beautiful example of the way birth can be with your partner and family)

ENJOY!