When you are pregnant you stand on the threshold between the earthly and spiritual worlds. You are the doorway for a new soul to enter earthly life. A ceremony to bless the mother can help and support this rite of passage, usually a circle of women who will stand with and around you and the baby at the time of birth. Molly has a wonderful list of resources on her website talkbirth.me.
During the birth it is wonderful if you have a trusted partner or friend to be your advocate. You will find that you are not drawn to the rational, everyday ordinary world of decision making, arguing and engaging with unfamiliar people and places. So it is helpful if your partner, doula or friend is able to fulfill this role for you while you concentrate on tuning into the processes of your body and being present to the movements of life.
The rhythm of the contracting uterus can be reframed as a “birthwave” – each wave bringing the birth closer and being a step on the journey. The rhythm is a life rhythm, and as each wave begins, you can move towards it, opening and softening all the other muscles in the body while the uterus shortens and opens the cervix. The poet Rabrindranath Tagore writes about this “stream of life”.
Being in nature, at the ocean or a river can connect us with the rhythms of life in a dynamic way. However, rhythmic activity such as walking is also very beneficial when pregnant. It is not about how much muscular strength nor how fit we are that helps during labour. Having a healthy body and allowing its natural movements and rhythms contribute to a successful birth process.
How we meet each birth wave requires a mastery over our attitudes and/or our responses, we can use our strength of our own I to ride the wave and not be fearful or allow tension to overwhelm us. Sometimes this takes practice – a simple way to practice is to have your partner compress, squeeze or pinch your thigh and try to spacially move towards the pain rather than away from it. I love these words from Susan Piver “we are asked to walk straight into our pain and fear, and in doing so, open up to a love that is greater than anything we ever could have imagined”.
Finally, at this time it can also be helpful to ask the spiritual beings such as angels or those loved ones who have crossed the threshold already to support us during labour and birth. Here is a beautiful and inspiring lullaby from Amy Robbins Wilson from her website lullaby-link
Nighttime Blessing Lullaby.