Pregnancy and birth, like the journey of life is a learning process. The first time you give birth you might not know exactly what you need. It is understandable that anything we do we can't learn everything in just one attempt. The same principles apply to pregnancy and labor. It takes practice and the right knowledge, much you will acquire through your experience or other peoples experiences, to have the pleasant birthing experience desired. My first pregnancy was complicated and labor was traumatizing. However,because of my first experience I sought the knowledge of certain things I didn't know the first time around.  Because of that my second pregnancy was beautiful all the way.  So you learn as you go, but wouldn't it be great to get valuable information ahead of time before your first experience so that it will turn out wonderful. It ispossible to get everything right the first time and not by luck only. Auset Connection is here to provide the information you need to pursue a healthy, empowering and blissful birth experience.

~Nina Brooks, co-coordinator for Birthing Bliss Workshop Series

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

         For centuries women have given birth holistically; an empowering and life changing experience. The approach of an holisitc pregnancy and childbirth professionals is that the woman’s body already knows what to do and we aid the woman in becoming more knowledgeable and comfortable in allowing her body to complete its task of giving birth. Natural pregnancy and childbirth is the process of bringing forth life with the well-being of both the woman and child’s best interest at heart. Pregnancy and childbirth are monumentally special times in women’s lives. Having a natural birth is a woman-centered and holistic/integrative approach. The mind, body and spirit are one, in which each component affects the status and efficiency of the other. An intimate connection between the growth of the baby and the state of the mother are imperative to their well-being during pregnancy, birth and postpartum. Natural pregnancy and childbirth aims to maximize the body’s innate laboring movement of healthy, well-nourished women. Women who actively participate in a natural pregnancy and childbirth are more in touch with their birth experience and have a feeling of accomplishment and empowerment.

         The benefits for a mother who has a natural pregnancy and birth, increases the chances of a healthier recovery due to fewer interventions during the labor and birthing process. This is because a woman who has given birth naturally (with minimal to no intervention in the labor and birthing process) is less likely to need to recover from a cesarean section, assisted delivery, epidural, induced labor, IV, etc. Likewise, the infant born via a natural birth is not likely to be exposed to narcotics and other drugs that interfere with the body’s natural response to the labor process. A natural birth also reduces the likelihood of needing to separate the infant from its mother after birth. This is important, as immediate skin-to-skin maternal contact and breastfeeding in the first hour after birth increases the likelihood of successful breastfeeding for a longer duration.

          It is possible to give birth in a hospital setting, at home or in a local birth center. There are also a variety of professionals (midwives, independent childbirth education instructors, “doulas”) and support networks. These support networks accommodate a family during the pregnancy, birth and postpartum to assist in the commitment to a healthy experience.  Natural pregnancy and childbirth is an investment in time, commitment and awareness energy toward a family’s well-being.

          As women, mothers, sisters and aunts, one of the many roles we have taken on is that of a nurturer. Especially during the period of pregnancy and birth, we should take the time to learn about the processes as well as how to assist in making those processes more effective and woman centered. Support professionals as well as our family and friends make an integrated effort for us to have an optimal birth experience. However, in many cases women are unaware of the resources available to create the birth experience desired.  Based on the birth experiences, training and research, the women of Auset Connection are empowered to share their knowledge with the community of women interested and curious about natural pregnancy and childbirth.

~ Y. Dera Baskin, co-coordinator for Birthing Bliss Workshop Series