Trusting Birth: Honoring the Path while Respecting Potential Challenges
Have you ever heard people say to “trust birth” and that “your body was made to do this”? Did this rub you the wrong way? What about if someone said they didn’t trust birth, they respected it? Well, an OBGYN over on Instagram did say that, and it was the root of some heated discussion in the birth world. I’ve decided to do a podcast episode and blog on this very topic in response to her post.
If you’ve been wondering why the natural birth community seems so adamant that you can trust birth and why the traditional medical system is so adamant that you can’t, this episode is for you!
In this episode, we dive into the following:
The comparison of birth to the ocean (per the controversial Instagram post).
How trust in and respect for birth can coexist.
A reminder that at our essence, humans are still animals.
…and so much more!
Birth is NOT like the Ocean
I’m not a fan of metaphorically comparing birth to the ocean. While both are considered "natural," it’s not accurate or fair to equate the complex biological and physiological process of birth with the vast unknowns of the ocean. The ocean remains largely undiscovered and unstudied, while birth has been extensively researched and understood within the medical community. By acknowledging the differences between the two, we can talk about the topic of birth with a more nuanced perspective, recognizing its complexities. Instead of throwing out poetic metaphors that oversimplify the realities of birth, we must embrace a deeper understanding of the nature of this experience.
Trust and Respect can Coexist
Trust in and respect for birth can coexist. Trusting birth means having confidence in your body's innate ability and design, while respecting birth involves acknowledging potential complications. It's important to remember that trust in birth does not mean blind faith or ignorance of potential issues. Trusting birth means trusting your body and trusting yourself to prepare for any complications that may come up. Both trust and respect are essential in approaching birth with an open mind. By combining trust and respect, you can create a positive and empowering birthing experience.
At Our Core, Humans are STILL Animals
It's important to remember that, at our core, we are animals—of course, more advanced and developed. But people often forget this. In the animal world, complications and loss during birth are natural occurrences. However, we tend to shy away from discussing this because acknowledging that death is a part of life can be uncomfortable for many people.
I want to clarify—I am not suggesting that we should accept death during birth. As conscious and social beings, we naturally try to prevent harm and death. We have the medical advancements that allow us to address complications effectively when necessary. However, it's important to recognize that interventions can sometimes introduce their own set of problems. While physiological birth without intervention carries the risk of maternal and infant death, it's worth noting that so do births in the medical setting, especially in the United States. No birth is without risk.
I Still Trust Birth AND Respect It
Regardless of the risks, I still trust birth AND respect it. I trust that with its design, the human female body was biologically and physiologically made to grow, birth, and feed a baby. I trust in the innate abilities of my body to birth, just as I trust my lungs to breathe, my heart to beat, and my body to wake each day. I’m not going to go live in a hospital or intervene “just in case” something goes wrong with my body. That’s just living in a state of anxiety and fear, focusing on things I can’t control.
However, it’s important to acknowledge that each individual's body may not operate the same way as the blueprint it was created from. Unexpected challenges and tragic events can occur without warning. There are times when the normal functioning of our bodies may fail. While such possibilities exist, they do not stop my trust in the overall capability of my body. It’s a delicate balance between acknowledging the potential for complications and embracing the inherent strength and adaptability of our physiological processes.
Only YOU Can Determine Your Perceptions of Birth
The key takeaway is the importance of trusting your body's inherent abilities while simultaneously acknowledging and preparing for potential challenges. It’s essential to recognize that trusting your body does not mean ignoring the possibility of complications. Instead, it involves learning all of your choices and options, evaluating the risks and benefits associated with each choice, and learning how to navigate both positive and negative outcomes.
You need to empower yourself and take ownership of your feelings and perceptions about birth. While input from me, your healthcare provider, and the internet, can provide valuable information, it’s ultimately up to you to make informed decisions regarding your birth experience. By embracing your autonomy and actively participating in the decision-making process, you can shape a birthing experience that aligns with your values, desires, and priorities. Remember, you are the ultimate authority in determining what feels best for you.
Thank you so much for being here!
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