Our Journey into Parenthood
by Jo Anne Lindberg

This article originally appeared in the American Whole Health Inc. newsletter, Fall 1999. www.americanwholehealth.com

One of the biggest events in a woman's life is that of birthing a child. This event will have a life long impact on a woman's health. While fathers are affected too, the woman's body, mind and spirit are impacted most. Becoming a mother and creating another human being is one of the most powerful creative acts on earth. In our culture this event is often viewed as a medical crisis instead of a natural, normal bodily function. Pregnancy, labor and delivery are viewed as dangerous events needing to be managed instead of honored and respected passages. Most parents are left to labor alone.

There are many things that women must know to make informed choices about pregnancy, labor and delivery. Each medical procedure must be understood and decisions must be made that could impact them, their baby and their family for life. Women must read, study and find practitioners that are willing to assist them in the educational process and to seek out others who share their interest in optimal health. Fathers should do the same to prepare for their journey into fatherhood. Many women don't realize what they are risking and giving up by having a medicated birth. Women's bodies have managed natural childbirth for thousands of years.

One of the many variables that affect outcomes during labor and delivery is our cultural beliefs. For example, the one thing that women fear most about labor is pain, and if they will be able to tolerate it. Our modern culture has taught us that the pain of labor and delivery is unbearable, and the solution is to medicate.

Women used to gather together and assist each other in the birthing process. I had the honor of attending a birth with a single mom who was committed to a non-intervention birth. She had chosen two labor support doulas, midwives and an alternative birthing center that supported her requests. It was incredible to be part of this passage into motherhood. Many times we had to provide reassurance. when things seemed to be getting out of control we brought her back from being lost in fear. We used laughter, tears, encouragement, ice packs, heating pads, hot showers, massage, music, love and support to help her on her journey. When she finally pushed her son into the world and held him in her arms she said, "Now I know why I had to go through all that. It will make me love him all the more!" Both mom and baby were wide awake and full of life an love as they gazed into each others' eyes. Her son began to bond and breastfeed right away. There was no separation of mother and baby.

Medical intervention can be life saving and is extremely valuable, but knowing when it is appropriate is the key. Do we first instill in parents the confidence to birth naturally? Do we give them the support, skills and information they need to make informed choices? Do we put more faith in the medical system than we do in our own bodies? Do women feel empowered by their birthing experiences? Do we approach birth with joy and anticipation?

There are many wonderful resources available for support during the childbearing years. New parents must invest time and energy into finding them. The more active involvement parents have in the birthing process the safer and more satisfying it will be. Best birth wishes.

JoAnne Lindberg, Founder and Director of BirthLink