New Beginnings Doula Training

New Beginnings Doula Training
Courses for doulas and online childbirth education

Wednesday, July 29, 2009

Blessings

So basically I've heard two mindsets in regards to pain, and both of them are considered blessings. First, the idea that being able to experience a birth and work through the pain is considered a blessing. Second, the very fact that we are able to have drugs that will help to decrease the pain is considered a blessing. In either case a blessing is involved and is acknowledged as such.

In the LDS religion we believe that blessings come from the Lord and are available to help us in times of need. Elder Bednar has said this: "Since last October I have reflected repeatedly upon the phrase 'the tender mercies of the Lord.' Through personal study, observation, pondering, and prayer, I believe I have come to better understand that the Lord’s tender mercies are the very personal and individualized blessings, strength, protection, assurances, guidance, loving-kindnesses, consolation, support, and spiritual gifts which we receive from and because of and through the Lord Jesus Christ. Truly, the Lord suits 'his mercies according to the conditions of the children of men'(D&C 46:15)".

Some ideas that I have heard from people around this idea have to do with being grateful for these perceived blessings. "I was grateful to be able to do the hard work of labor", "I was grateful for the medication that we have these days", "I was grateful that I was able to not have unneeded medications". etc.

Believing that these things can be and are blessings from God may not change whether or not we follow the predominate culture in our birthing practices, but it does change how we perceive it.

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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.