"Many women have described their experiences of childbirth as being associated with a spiritual uplifting, the power of which they have never previously been aware...To such a woman childbirth is a monument of joy within her memory. She turns to it in thought to seek again an ecstasy which passed too soon."

Grantly Dick-Read

Thursday, May 27, 2010

healthy birth practices and spirituality

new data shows that there is a connection between childbirth and spirituality. you can see what i've said about spirituality here.

“'Childbirth and motherhood provide many women with an ideal context in which to recognize the spiritual aspect of their lives,” said Lynn Clark Callister, R.N., Ph.D., FAAN, a professor of nursing at the Brigham Young University College of Nursing and study co-author.  “Our research illustrates that for most women, childbirth is a deeply spiritual experience.  As healthcare providers, we need to recognize and support this evidence, and listen to women’s voices to guide their care.'” 

The themes that emerged in the study included: childbirth as a time to grow closer to God, the use of religious beliefs and rituals as powerful coping mechanisms, childbirth as a time to make religiosity more meaningful, the significance of a Higher Power in influencing birth outcomes and childbirth as a spiritually transforming experience."

read the summary here.

at the end of the article, it lists Lamaze International's "Six Healthy Birth Practices" so i wanted to list them here. i truly believe that following these six practices will almost always lead to a wonderful outcome for mother and baby.

1. let labor begin on its own
2. walk, move around, and change positions during labor
3. bring a loved one, friend, or doula for continuous support
4. avoid interventions that are not medically necessary
5. avoid giving birth on your back and follow your body's urges to push
6. keep mother and baby together; it's best for mother, baby, and breastfeeding


1 comment:

  1. I love your new blog, and your other one as well. You are inspiring and I hope I can learn from your example. I am excited for the children we hope to have someday and you have opened the door for me to start thinking about a more natural birth as I was unprepared and did not know enough to choose any other option. Thanks Kami!

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