Who You Allow in your Birth Space

When planning for your labor and birth, one of the things you think about is who will be present in your birthing space while you are in labor and giving birth. This is one of the most vital choices you will make for your labor as it will set the tone for what your experience will be like.

We always think about where we want to birth, what kind of atmosphere we want surrounding us, and how we want to give birth. But the first and most important thing to think about when you are planning your birth, is who will be there to support your choices.

~Your partner! That one person that will be your voice when you cannot speak up for yourself during labor. The most trusted person in your life, that will go above and beyond to make sure your needs are being met, and that your wishes are being adhered to.

~Your provider! This person needs to be someone you trust, that will be looking out for the well being of you and your baby. Their job is to provide the best medical care possible, understand your wishes and desires, agree to help make your birthing experience as close to your ideas as possible. They should be able to communicate with you in a way you understand and that puts your mind at ease about any medical concerns that may arise. They should be supportive of your choices and not follow their own agenda, as they are hired by YOU to help you give birth.

~Your Doula! This person comes along side you and your partner to bring comfort and education to you both. Your Doula is there to answer any questions you might have about anything that is happening. They provide coaching for you and your partner on the best comfort measures to help you manage the waves of labor. They help you develop a birthing plan so you can share your plan with the nursing staff and your provider when labor begins. They help you prepare for postpartum through education and personal support. They provide emotional support when needed and physical support through labor. They will help you and your partner advocate for yourself and the choices you make for your birthing experience. They help you on your feeding journey with your new baby and support you through the first few weeks of postpartum.

~Other support people! Whomever else you invite into your birthing space should also be supportive of you and your choices. They should bring a calming and secure presence to your space. Don’t feel obligated to have your mom in your birthing space if you don’t feel she will bring that kind of energy. This journey is about you, your baby, your birth partner, Not other peoples agendas, baggage, or negative vibes.

So, in short, when planning for your birth, be sure to only have people in your space that make you feel supported and like the Birthing Goddess you are!