Holistic Pregnancy and Birth

Giving birth changes a woman's life forever. Holistic birth care prepares a woman for birth in mind, body and spirit. Every woman's experience of birth is unique, and no amount of preparation in body, mind and spirit will ever dictate what a birth will be like. Holistic birth care accepts that necessary obstetric intervention can become part of the perfect birth experience in a loving way if it is welcomed and accepted by the woman and her partner as part of their decision making process. Women need to feel safe, secure, happy and private in their chosen birthing environment.
Good holistic birth care begins long before pregnancy manifests! Pre-conceptual care is essential to prepare body, mind and spirit for pregnancy. This can include:

Proper Nutrition through organic food and herbs; Natural Healing for menstrual problems; Avoidance of environmental toxins, geopathic and electromagnetic stress; Creating a harmonious home and office environment; Balancing body energy, e.g. through Shiatsu; and Clearing emotional and unresolved birth issues, e.g. through Rebirthing and Metamorphic technique. Flower essences can help to clear the auric field of mother and baby.

Birth - The baby feels the physically uncomfortable process of being weighed and washed immediately after birth, as well as the psychological effect of being removed from its mother's arms unnecessarily. Pioneering obstetrician Michel Odent states that the first hour after birth should be undisturbed to allow maximum potential for bonding and initial breastfeeding.

Prenatal counselling to help resolve anxieties associated with giving birth is necessary for many women who have had a traumatic birth and who are frightened about giving birth again. The healing process can be enhanced by touch therapies like Shiatsu and Aromatherapy. Flower essences are very supportive at this time, particularly where grief connected with the previous birth is evident.

Post Partum Care - The desire to "get back to normal" can cause serious health problems in many women, e.g. uterine misalignment leading to menstrual problems and relationship difficulties. Holistic Partum Care includes Ayurvedic diet for rapid energy return and plentiful breast milk, natural womb care and preparation for return to menses, healing remedies for perineal stitches, Caesarian scars, sore nipples, etc.

Debra Norton trained as a nurse and midwife over twenty years ago, She now teaches a holistic approach to birth care to expectant parents and midwives. The article provides a list of books for further reading.