Positive birth stories: preparing for a positive birth
Discover how positive birth stories, informed preparation and the right support can help you approach labour and birth with greater confidence.
Fear is a powerful emotion that can influence how we feel, think and make decisions. So, how can you approach birth with greater confidence? Be courageous in your preparation and take time to learn, ask question and find what helps you feel supported.
Birth has been around since the beginning of time. Every day, hundreds of thousands of babies are born around the world, yet pregnancy, birth and family are unique.
The way we think about birth can be influenced by many things, including our culture, family, community and previous experiences. The stories we hear from people around us can also shape our expectations of pregnancy and childbirth.
Unfortunately, conversations about birth can sometimes focus heavily on pain, complications and negative experiences. Pregnant women may hear frightening birth stories or advice when they haven’t asked for it. While it is important to understand that birth can be unpredictable, hearing only negative stories can contribute to feelings of fear and anxiety.
What if we heard more birth stories? What if conversations about birth focused more on preparation, support, confidence, connection and the many different ways a baby can be born?
Preparing for a positive birth
Preparing for birth doesn’t mean expecting everything to go exactly to plan. Instead, it can help you to feel more informed, confident and prepared for different possibilities.
Fear is a natural response, and acknowledging your concerns can be an important part of preparing for birth. Take the time to learn about labour and birth from reliable sources, ask your maternity care team questions and talk openly about anything that worries you.
You may also find it helpful to seek out positive birth stories and connect with people who can share encouraging and empowering experiences. If certain conversation or stories are increasing your anxiety, it’s okay to set boundaries and let people know you would prefer not to hear them.
As you prepare for your baby’s arrival, consider what matters to you. This may include learning about different positions for labour, pain relief options, breathing and relaxation techniques, having a support person with you, or understanding what may happen if your birth doesn’t go according to your original preferences.
A birth plan can also be a useful way to think through your preferences and start conversations with your care team. Remember that your plan is not a guarantee of how your birth will unfold. It is an opportunity to consider your options and consider what is important to you.
Trust yourself and your support team
Preparing for birth is about more than learning what happens during labour. It’s also about building confidence in your ability to ask questions, make informed decisions and seek support when you need it.
You are not a statistic or a number. Your pregnancy, your baby and your circumstances are unique. Your birth experience may be different from your friends, family members or people you see online.
Surround yourself with people you trust and a care team who will listen to your concerns, explain your options and support you throughout pregnancy, birth and early parenthood.
And when your baby arrives, don’t forget the power of your own story. Sharing a positive birth experience can help other expectant parents feel informed, supported and encouraged as they prepare for their own journey.
As January Harshe writes in Birth Without Fear:
“You. Are. Powerful.
You have a voice, intelligence, and an innate wisdom that is invaluable to your birth journey."
Her message is a valuable reminder that you are an important part of your own birth journey. Listen to your questions and concerns, work through your fears, seek evidence-based information, and surround yourself with people you trust.
You’ve got this!
Resources to help you prepare for birth
There are many resources available to help you learn about pregnancy, labour and birth, including:
- Birth Matters – Ina May Gaskin
- The Positive Birth Book – Milli Hill
- Birthing with Confidence – Rhea Dempsey
- Birth Without Fear – January Harshe
You can also explore the following websites for further information on pregnancy and parenting support.