A Perfect Birth

Women have innate wisdom and capacity to give birth perfectly. Some say we have innate expectations of how birth should be, and when these expectations remain unfulfilled, we mourn, oftentimes not realizing why.

There are many variations of a perfect birth. We cannot put all women into a mold and expect that the same treatment, measuring, and testing will bring about the same results. Labor and birth is unpredictable. This is the beauty and wonder of birth.

A perfect birth is not necessarily painless. Perfection is not a designed pattern one should fit into. A perfect birth involves freedom to create a safe haven to welcome a new baby. It is how a woman feels inside; having peace of mind, and the opportunity to express and release feelings and emotions.

Homebirth allows for more variations in birth than does giving birth in a hospital with an obstetrician. The latter is most common, but many obstetricians have certain ideas on how women should give birth, and this can be detrimental to the mother. It is important to make choices which don't hinder a woman's freedom and unique way of giving birth. A woman must be free to find what is normal and safe for her and her baby without restriction.

Many obstetricians are insensitive to the delicate nature of birth. They perform many routines and overlook natural modesty, and discourage the mother's natural urges to make changes and listen to her body. When birth attendants do this, the mother cannot have the birth that is right for her. Perhaps this is why I favor homebirth and planned unassisted birth. What a better way to be in tune to your body, your inner self, and a to higher consciousness to create a safe and empowering birth.

The more a woman prepares herself for birth, the more likely she will have a good birth. When she rids herself of unnatural fear, educates herself about what is happening with her body, and thoroughly explores her birth options, she will more likely have a satisfactory experience.

Birth is perfect when the woman's body can work unhindered.

Birth is perfect with all its natural, unpredictable variations.

Birth is perfect when the woman feels empowered and when the family is strengthened.

A perfect birth for the mother is also a perfect birth for the baby. As Ellen C. Waff, RN said; "When left to their own devices, babies work their way out and are welcomed into the bosom of mother, father, family and friends in breathless attendance. Birth is indeed a sacred event."

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