Preparing for Labor

Today I am reflecting and preparing myself for labor.  I am thinking through and rereading things I have looked at over these past months.  I am very excited for this journey through childbirth. 

SURRENDER

"You must go through birth not in control, just like Israel and Babylon."
 
http://www.birthingnaturally.net/christian/devote/control.html

PAIN:

Purposeful

Anticipated

Intermittent

Normal

"If you think about what pain is, the true necessity of pain to a human body, it is a signal to the owner of that body. An indication something needs to be done. If you put your hand too close to the stove, you will feel a painful burn telling you to move your hand.  Labor pain operates on the same principle. Certain pains can tell you to move, let you know what to do or inform you of progress in the labor. In childbirth, pain that signals you to do something is sometimes called positive pain. Even without a specific message you can understand, many times the discomfort of childbirth leads a woman to do things that are beneficial to her baby being born. Frequent position changes, keeping the bladder empty, swaying the hips, walking and leaning forward are all common among laboring mothers and can help the baby get into a good position. You can labor more efficiently if you understand what the pain is telling you to do. Working with your body, instead of against it, helps your body and your baby's get in proper alignment for the birth."

A women's body was designed for pregnancy and childbirth.  Labor contractions are healthy, powerful sensations that push a baby into the outside world.