Some things I have learned....

A birthing woman should be free to move, eat, drink and follow the inherent rhythms of her body. She deserves to be somewhere warm, soothing, beautiful and surrounded with love and gentle caring hands. Women need to know this is an option. Search out your dream birth, strive for it, be flexible if somethings are not possible, but take responsibility and your experience will be empowering.

Last month I assisted in three births. One was at Genesis Clinic, one was a homebirth and one was at Parklane Clinic.
I just wanted to share that having the honour to take part in such a wide variety of births is an honour and gives me great opportunities for learning.
At Genesis I was the mother's only partner. The Genesis staff and myself made her feel loved and secure with gentle support. No matter what a woman's circumstances if she surrounds herself with caring and capable people, she will have a birth that is not only beautiful, but will also give her the confidence to begin motherhood.
At the homebirth I learned that if a woman wants to birth at home she needs to make sure she is under the care of a professional midwife with many years of experience. The mother and baby were fine, but if the midwife had not been there to give the baby a bit of suction and oxygen there could have been a problem. It was a beautiful and gentle waterbirth that was very empowering to this mother.
At Parklane I was with a first time mother who was very nervous. Offering words of confirmation and gentle encouraging touch are essential to uplifting the mother and allowing her to release her fears and let her body open and show it's power. In a hospital setting it is more likely that a mom will feel like using medical pain relief. I also learned that there are some gynaes that encourage woman to birth naturally and are not quick to bring them into surgery. Search for one of these if you want to have a gynae as your primary caregiver, they are special and rare. I hope every pregnant woman will think carefully and listen to their gut. Do not be quickly convinced that you need to birth by cesarean section. Get a second opinion and find a gynae and or private midwife that will give you honest and ethical support. Chances are you can do it! If baby does need to come via c-section that is fine, just make sure the reason is valid. When you make empowered choices you will have an empowering birth, however it turns out.