The Freedom and Empowerment of Sacred Freebirth
Free What? You may have heard of the term “ freebirth” and asked yourself “what the heck is that?” Well, if you’re not up to date on the latest hippy dippy lingo “crunchy” mamas like myself use, no worries. This article is for you!
Freebirth is the term often used to describe the process of giving birth (rather at home or otherwise) without medical assistance. It is a highly personal, deeply spiritual, truly empowering, and unique opportunity for those who choose to experience this form of childbirth! Also, it can be a great alternative option for those who have had traumatic experiences in a traditional hospital setting! The choice to freebirth is often linked to a profound respect for the body's natural and innate ability to give birth without medical interventions. Still, as a woman who has freebirthed twice, I can personally attest that thoughtful consideration and proper preparation, must be taken into account before one embarks on this self-appointed initiation into motherhood.
Read on to discover the power of freebirth and how to accurately prepare for one:
Preparing for a Sacred Freebirth
Prenatal Care:
Trusting Your Body: While regular check-ups with a healthcare provider can offer valuable insights, it's equally important to trust your body's innate wisdom.
Spiritual Practices: Incorporate practices like meditation, yoga, or journaling to connect with your inner strength and cultivate a peaceful mindset.
Education: Educate yourself about the natural birthing process, potential physiological changes, and emergency procedures.
Exercise: Exercise during pregnancy helps the body optimally prepare for labor, delivery and postpartum.
Creating a Sacred Space:
Birth Sanctuary: Prepare a serene birthing space that feels nurturing and supportive.
Natural Elements: Incorporate natural elements like candles, crystals, aromatherapy, or plants to create a calming atmosphere.
Positive Affirmations: Surround yourself with positive affirmations and visualizations to empower your birthing journey.
Building a Support Network:
Trusted Companions: Choose supportive loved ones who can provide emotional and physical comfort during labor.
Online Communities: Connect with other women who have chosen unassisted home birth for shared experiences and advice.
Birth Kit:
Gather the essential supplies needed for a home birth. Include supplies for postpartum care such as medicine for afterbirth pains.
Empowering Aspects of Freebirthing:
Bodily Autonomy: Freebirth allows women to make informed decisions about their bodies and their birthing process.
Natural Approach: By choosing unassisted birth, women can experience the natural progression of labor and birth. Thus, avoiding medical interventions like epidurals and inductions which interfere with the body's natural rhythm; and may lead to negative outcomes.
Personalized Experience: A freebirth setting provides an intimate and personalized environment, reducing feelings of stress and anxiety.
Mind-Body Connection: Freebirth may allow women to connect with their bodies and minds on a deeper level, promoting a more spiritual and transformative experience.
Emotional Healing: For women who have had previous traumatic birth experiences, freebirth can offer a chance to heal and reclaim their birth stories.
Avoidance of Medical Trauma:
Unnecessary Interventions: Hospital births often involve traumatic medical interventions, such as forceps deliveries, vacuum extractions, or cesarean sections-many of which are unnecessary. *It's important to note that freebirth is not without risks. While many women have successful unassisted home births, it's crucial to be well-informed, prepared, and to have a backup plan in case of emergencies
Loss of Control: In a hospital setting, women may feel a loss of control over their bodies and the birthing process, leading to feelings of helplessness and fear.
Medical Gaslighting/ Coercion: Some women report feeling dismissed or disbelieved by medical professionals, contribute to a negative birthing experience.
Racism: Many women of color especially black and indigenous women experience racism that leads to inadequate care and/or death.
Myth-Busting with a Spiritual Perspective
Myth: Unassisted birth is risky and dangerous.
Fact: It's important to be aware of potential risks. Nonetheless, many women have had safe and empowering unassisted births. Trusting your body's innate wisdom and preparing adequately can significantly reduce risks.
Myth: Unassisted birth is selfish and irresponsible.
Fact: Many women choose unassisted birth as a deeply personal and spiritual decision, believing it honors the sacred nature of childbirth.
Myth: Unassisted birth is painful and traumatic.
Fact: While labor can be intense, many women find that unassisted birth allows them to connect with their bodies and the natural rhythm of their labor, leading to a more positive and empowering experience.
Lalita Love
Sacred Waters Holistic Care
