In the last post, we discussed ways to process the trauma of a c-section in preparation for VBAC. As you do that, begin to incorporate these habits into your life:
Practice letting go. When your child or partner tests your patience, take a deep breath and feel your body relax. Find your happy place and go there often. Do it now, deep breath, feel your shoulders drop, ah, feels good, doesn’t it?
Get still with yourself. Recently, after hearing another ICAN leader give this advice, I realized how often I say this. It’s so, so important. Spend time with yourself each day. Breathe and feel your body relax. If the thoughts swirl, let them, but don’t get stuck on them. Let your brain get out of the picture and connect with your baby. Rub your belly. If your fears rise up, let them be there for a minute and then let them go. It’s in this quiet place that you can hear your heart, your gut, your innate knowledge, your intuition. Let it guide you.
Meditate, pray or practice deep breathing. Whatever feels right for you. Develop positive affirmations and use them during this time. For example, “my body knows how to birth my baby” or “I am growing a healthy baby, just the right size for my body.” You can even tape them up around the house to remind yourself throughout the day.
Those are great ideas for all of us to do, even if we’re not pregnant! Thanks for the reminder to be still with myself and listen in on my inner wisdom.
You are so right, mama. I need to give myself this reminder all the time. Especially as a midwife, it’s when I become still that I can let the birth unfold the way it was meant to.