New Beginnings Doula Training

New Beginnings Doula Training
Courses for doulas and online childbirth education

Friday, March 27, 2009

A different strength

Normally when we talk about strength and birth, we picture a woman braving it through the pains of labor, but I wanted to talk about a different kind of strength this time. Sometimes, when things don't go as planned, I see a look of defeat and hopelessness on the mothers part. Many times this happens when they are told that they are just not dilating enough and need a c-section. What amazes me though is how they move forward.

They move forward by continuing to even want to bear children. They shoulder their responsibility and don't let their trials pull them down. You can't tell me that a mother who goes through 24 hours of labor to only get a c-section is not brave or strong. Because they are. What is even neater is to see the ones who break out and decide that they will take charge of their next birth. They will seek other options. They will fight for what they believe to be their choices and options. The defeat is often turned into a victory that way.

It is my opinion that just choosing to carry and bear children requires a certain kind of strength in and of itself, regardless of how that baby arrives here. And then to continue to do so afterwards, once consequences and attitudes are in place, is even braver. I only wish those that feel defeated could see how truly strong they really are.

2 comments:

Cherylyn said...

I really enjoy your blog, and I applaud you for the work you're doing! I know this is a different topic, but I wasn't sure how to get this information to you. I'm trying to spread the word about a wonderful birth movie screening that's being planned in American Fork, Utah, and if you could please post about it on your blog, I would really appreciate it. We'll be showing 3 birth films: Orgasmic Birth (along with an appearance by the film's producer), The Business of Being Born, and Pregnant in America. Tickets are being reserved at $25 for all 3 films, and we expect them to go fast! You can get more information at www.doulamelissa.blogspot.com or my blog at www.MamasAndBabies.blogspot.com Thank you so much for helping us get the word out!

Rachel said...

I thought I'd comment on these films a little....I have seen The Business of Being Born and it does represent an accurate representation of how they give birth in the hospital vs. home. It had good information, but is probably not for those who could don't care about that difference:) The other two I've heard of, but haven't seen, so I'm not sure of accuracy or quality. But, more info never hurts.

Birth is a Journey: Does it have to be life changing?


  • One woman might have to climb on an overfilled boat, risking her life and nearly dying as she escapes over the ocean to come to this land. This experience could certainly be life altering. It may very well color the rest of her life, positively or negatively. (I overcame this amazing struggle and here I am triumphant! OR Holy crap, that was SO hard I don’t know if I can go on! By the way, neither response is “right”. No one would judge the woman with the 2nd response.)
  • One woman may buy an airplane ticket, sit on a comfortable 747 and fly to America with a nice smooth flight and landing. She is happy to be in America. Those welcoming her are glad she is here safe and sound. She may only travel by plane 2-4 times in her life, so it is pretty memorable. But the journey itself probably wouldn’t be life changing; it would simply be a journey.
  • One woman may learn to fly an ultra-light plane to lead a flock of geese into America teaching them to migrate. This experience could certainly be empowering and life altering.