Weekly Reads: Challenge Your Perception of Birth

Before birthing a first child, every woman has a perception of childbirth. For some of us, and personally speaking, it’s the fearful what-my-mother-told-me story that culminates in a “Get the epidural!” piece of advice, and yet for others it’s the peaceful and empowering story of a friend or sister who experienced a water birth in the privacy of her own home.

Challenging your own deep-seated beliefs about birth is the first step in becoming educated and open to the ways in which childbirth can progress. And chances are, if you’ve stumbled upon this site, you’re interested in learning how to find the beauty, power and—dare I say it—fun in childbirth (not like “getting a pedicure” fun; more like “running a marathon” fun). Take a look at these reads from around the ‘Net to see how others have challenged their views.

7 ways to have fun during labor @ Mothering

Pushing, breathing and birthing naturally, even with an epidural @ The Baby Dust Diaries

Birth plan 180° @ Dooce (and be sure to read parts 2 and 3 of this story—it’s beautiful!)

Following the urge to push – video @ Birthing Beautiful Ideas

Celebrity trend-setting: natural births @ CelebrityBabyScoop

Blessingway – a baby shower, revised @ SouleMama