Dear Katrina,
Being my first pregnancy I have found that, not only are you dealing with the fear of the unknown but worst of all that most stories from other mothers have unfortunately had a very negative effect on my mindset.
I am by nature a perfectionist and very organised type of person who is a high achiever. I like to enter everything prepared, so it is in my nature to seek out as much information as possible. You have helped me to learn to LET GO!!
I am now 35 weeks pregnant. To date I have found that friends and people I know tend to try to out do each other with their stories of heroism, pain, agonising length of labour, medical complications they experienced etc etc…. In addition post labour it seems to be all about lack of sleep, your life will never be the same again, breastfeeding problems & pain and the list goes on. All negative!
Last but not least they then finish by saying……. But “it is the best thing that will ever happen to you!!”
Given that their last statement is such an after thought and almost brushed over the only thing that stays in my head are all the gory details and the word PAIN!!
Furthermore I attended birthing classes at the hospital. Although the information was helpful I also found the dvd’s and experience quite frightful and off putting. Again the word PAIN stood out as opposed to embracing the natural wonder of the experience and assuring us as women that it is a natural process which is both beautiful and empowering.
I was starting to become very anxious about labour and childbirth which I recognised as becoming unhealthy.
My sister in law, Anna Athas, gave me your book now a few months ago. Admittedly I only picked it up 3 weeks ago now. Since reading the book { A Modern Woman’s Guide to a Natural Empowering Birth} I cannot begin to tell you how much it has helped release my fears about the birth and motherhood. After reading the first two pages it was as if the book was especially for me… Just what I needed to hear, I could totally relate to what you were saying.
Although I must be totally honest and admit I am not opposed to having an epidural, the thought process and philosophies behind your book were inspiring and gave me the confidence and hope I needed to feel strong and positive about birth and motherhood as opposed to fearing it. I can’t thank you enough…….
Since commencing the book, I have started my pre-natal yoga classes, printed out positive affirmations etc. I have also always been a big believer in thoughts become reality and putting out positive energy means you’ll receive it etc.
Thank you for reminding me to practice these basic universal laws and using my spirituality to guide me through this process. I feel more at peace within and with my baby… I feel calmer and more excited about it all- the way it should be.
My anxiety and fears are dissipating and as I move toward my due date I can’t wait to meet my baby and become a mother.
Thank you Katrina. I am certain you have helped many women who experienced similar fears.
I will definitely recommend your book, A Modern Woman’s Guide to a Natural Empowering Birth, to other expecting mothers.
Kind Regards
Claudine
