My birth story
TO: All the Mamas looking to stay active in pregnancy and prepare for birth
Mamas,
I remember being so terrified when I went into labour early with the birth of my son. I didn't really know anything about premature labour or infants, but all I could remember thinking was that "this can't be good."
But we went to the hospital, I breathed through my contractions, and when the time came and my contractions became stronger, I assumed the birth positions I had learned about. I breathed without clenching.
It wasn't at all perfect - I begged for drugs! But I knew exactly which positions I wanted to be in, what birth props I wanted.
The delivery nurse told my husband and I afterward, "I could tell you had done your research".
I am not telling you this to brag. I am telling you this because I want to prevent women from ever saying "I wish someone had told me."
The whole ignorance is bliss mentality isn't always the best way to face the marathon.
There may be situations, of course, that are out of your control. But I truly believe that knowledge and preparation gives you the power to make decisions and take back some degree of control.
Not only that, but staying active in pregnancy also helped me get back to fitness and my favourite sports postpartum with greater ease. This doesn't mean I "bounced back". But it means once I re-built my pelvic floor and core foundations, I could start progressing back to my pre-pregnancy activities without feeling totally out of shape.
So to all the Mamas afraid of birth (let's be honest, who isn't), now is your time to take back some control, knowing that you can do everything possible to prepare for labour and delivery, and your return to activity postpartum will be easier.
Peace, love and fitness,
Nikki xo