you cannot fail at birth

Yes... you read that right!

YOU CANNOT FAIL AT BIRTH.

It's not an exam. No one is giving you marks. There is no "right way".

However... you can be failed by your professionals in preparation to, during and post birth.

I don't care (in the nicest way possible) what mode of birth you chose to birth your baby.

I don't care if you chose to write a birth plan or not.

I don't care if you chose all the drugs or non at all!

What I care about is

how you feel going into labour and birth
how you feel during labour and birth
how you remember you birth experience and
how you feel starting your parenting journey.

Now this is not a dig or bash at any professional in particular. I'm looking at professionals as a whole. This includes:

Antenatal Educators
Hypnobirthing Teachers
Doula's
Midwives
Student Midwives
Maternity Care Assistants
Obstetricians
Paediatricians
Breastfeeding Support
GP's and all the others you may come in contact with!

Because we are all human! We all make mistakes- some unknowingly, some from lack of knowledge, some from judgements, some from fear. The list is endless. The important part is how your care is during the most vulnerable time in your life.

As a pregnant/ birthing/ new mum, you should always be put at the heart of everything. Approaches should be tailored to individual needs and there should be zero expectations set on women. As a birthing women you DO NOT NEED to do anything because it's easier or "the right way" for your professional. What you chose may not fall in line with others and THAT IS OK.

So long as you feel you are making informed choices, weighing up your options and understanding the risks and benefits. You should be entitled to make whatever choice you feel is right for you without judgement or backlash. And if things don't pain out... you should not be made to feel like you did something wrong.

If you're reading this and not sure how to manage your expectations of self and others in your journey to meeting your baby... Well I think that's your sign to join my Hypnobirthing course today!

Pooja xo