Risk

There is an irreducible risk inherent in childbirth because although it is your body, you cannot control what it is doing.

Allowing your body to move, contract, change and push as it needs to during childbirth means risking you may not be comfortable all the time. It means risking that you may look "funny" some times. It means risking you may react to childbirth in ways that are socially unacceptable in other situations.

Allowing your body to give birth means risking that you will find out how strong your body is created, and how weak you let yourself believe you are.

When you step out of your comfort zone, you risk discovering just how much of what you thought you "needed" wasn't really needed at all. Just how much of what you thought was necessary for childbirth wasn't necessary at all.

Facing your fears is always risky. There is that little voice that tells you, "this is too big for you to handle." But isn't allowing your fears to dictate who you are more risky?

Encouraging words for you

“A ship in harbor is safe, but that is not what ships are built for.” Walter Bagehot

Questions to Work Through

1. In what ways is natural childbirth risky for you?
2. How will you face the risks of childbirth?
3. What are you willing to risk for natural childbirth?
4. How can you keep the risks associated with childbirth to a minimum?
5. What strengths have you found from taking risks?

You May Also Be Interested In: Understanding the normal labor process can help you identify false beliefs. Explore ways exercise in pregnancy can help you prepare for childbirth. Finding out how to tell if labor has started. The Coach's Notebook helps you master comfort measures for labor. Learn how to identify myths about pregnancy, pregnancy nutrition and childbirth. Virtual Labor Game lets you practice your new labor skills.

© Copyright 2000-2007 Jennifer VanderLaan and Birthing Naturally

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