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Birthing Choices Part II: Unassisted Childbirth

© Lara E. Kaskabas

Okay, I know what you are thinking. What are you nuts? Are you actually thinking about giving birth ALL BY YOURSELF? Is that even safe? Well, it is something women do every day all around the world; some by choice, others because that's just what happens sometimes. Believe it or not, there is research and there are women out there who are certain that unassisted childbirth is the SAFEST way to bring a child into the world. I hope you will read this with an open mind and discover something truly amazing and inspiring as I have.

My introduction to the entire world of unassisted childbirth came through an article I read by Laura Shanley. The stories of the births of her children who were brought into this world in the most peaceful, calm and safe environment -- her own home -- without the frightful interventions of any medical personnel. Laura Shanley's words awakened within me a strength I already knew I had, but was afraid to unleash: an unwavering trust in myself - mind, body and soul. A woman's body is designed to give birth. We are made to bear children and nourish and nurture them. So why do so many women fear that which we were created to do? Because someone told us we needed help to do it right. But they were lying. We are able. Finding faith in our own bodies is truly transforming.

Laura Shanley believes that we create our own reality according to our desires, beliefs, and intentions. If one subscribes to this belief, takes it to heart, then one is able to accomplish nearly anything by visualising it as a reality, following through with mind and body and faith in oneself.

During the birth of my daughter, I surrendered to the power of my body. I was fully aware of each uterine muscle pulling and stretching to open me up and bring my baby down and out of my body. This knowledge gave me the power to transcend the 'pain' of childbirth, and instead, I enjoyed the release after each contraction and was able to relax and laugh and even sleep between the contractions. I was able to surrender because I trusted my body. I trusted God's design and miraculous creation of the female form -- made to give birth. I knew I was fulfilling a purpose. It was truly empowering.

After the birth of my daughter, many people asked me, "How long did you have to push?" I was baffled. I was befuddled. "Push?" I asked, "I didn't push -- my body pushed the baby out. I didn't have to do ANY pushing at all." This seemed to shock everyone who asked. But after reading an excerpt from Laura Shanley's book Unassisted Childbirth I knew I was no oddball. Laura says, "Don't push the river, it flows by itself." That is exactly what happens during childbirth. The river rushes and flows. There is no need to push, pull, extract, deliver or be delivered from anything.