It’s true! You have SO many choices when it comes to birth. There are lots of ways that you can explore these choices - research, speak with healthcare professionals, or a hypnobirthing teacher or doula.
Honestly, I think this might be one of the most important affirmations for birth preparation! Making choices about how and where you want to birth is so empowering. Being able to respond to any choices about medical interventions will help you to stay empowered as you release to the process of birth.
It’s also a great affirmation for any moments when things aren’t exactly as you expected. Birth is often going to bring up surprises and the refrain of ‘I have choices, I have choices’ can remind us that even as the path changes, we choose how to walk down it.
Check out our recommended reading this week for more on your choices and the skills to make them.
Your Baby, Your Birth: Hypnobirthing Skills For Every Birth by Hollie de Cruz *
From the blurb: "In-demand hypnobirthing coach Hollie de Cruz provides you with the skills and tools to make any birth feel safe, calm, connected and empowering. Drawing on her experience working with new mums, including Fearne Cotton and Giovanna Fletcher, Hollie de Cruz helps you prepare for a positive (not 'perfect') birth experience and approach motherhood with confidence in yourself and your instincts."
#8 Use an affirmation as a journalling prompt. Even if you don't usually journal, this can be a really lovely exercise to get you started. Write the affirmation at the top of your page, then write down some of your thoughts on what the affirmation means to you. You could even write about how this affirmation makes you feel about birth.
Today we are talking with Amy Duke, The Birth Preparation Midwife.
Hi Amy! Tell us about the work you do
I am The Birth Preparation Midwife and I am based in Hitchin, Hertfordshire. I offer Maternity Complementary therapies to help with pregnancy and postnatal ailments - nausea, hip pain , backache, breastfeeding issues and more. I also offer moxibustion to help turn breech babies, birth preparation to encourage labour, massage, reflexology and more.
What made you decide to work with people giving birth?
I always wanted to be a midwife, since I was 12 years old. I wanted to support women and families on their journey. Pregnancy and birth is incredible and women are so amazing!
What is one thing that you would like people approaching birth to know?
You are so amazing, strong and powerful.
How can people work with you if they would like to?
Through my website. You can also find me on Instagram or Facebook.
If you would like to be featured in our birth worker spotlight, please click here.
*Affiliate link - a small amount of commission will be made on any sales through this link, at no extra cost to you. Thanks for your support!