Discovering Your “Why” in Childbirth

Childbirth is one of the most transformative experiences in a person’s life. Whether it’s your first baby or your fourth, every pregnancy and birth come with their own set of emotions, challenges, and choices. Amid the planning, advice, and expectations from others, one of the most important things you can do is discover your why—the deep, personal reason that guides your choices in childbirth.

Why Does Your "Why" Matter?

Your why is the foundation of your birth journey. It’s what anchors you when doubts creep in, when decisions need to be made, and when labor feels overwhelming. It helps you navigate the noise of societal expectations, medical recommendations, and personal fears to find a path that aligns with you.

For some, the why is about healing from a past birth experience. For others, it’s about reclaiming autonomy, honoring cultural traditions, or simply desiring a peaceful, empowered entry into parenthood. No reason is too big or too small—what matters is that it’s yours.

Questions to Help You Find Your Birth "Why"

If you’re unsure of what’s driving your birth choices, take a moment to reflect on these questions:

• What do I want to feel during my birth experience?

• What fears do I have about birth, and where do they come from?

• How do I view birth—as a medical event, a rite of passage, a spiritual journey, or something else?

• What parts of my past birth experiences (if any) do I want to repeat or change?

• What values matter most to me in this experience (autonomy, safety, tradition, connection, etc.)?

• Who do I want to be in this process, and how do I want to show up for myself and my baby?

Honoring Your "Why" in Birth Planning

Once you’ve identified your why, use it as a guiding light when making birth choices:

• Choosing Your Birth Team: Surround yourself with providers, doulas, and loved ones who respect and support your why.

• Crafting Your Birth Plan: Your why should shape your birth preferences—whether that means prioritizing a VBAC, planning a home birth, or advocating for specific interventions.

• Preparing Mentally and Physically: Birth is as much a mindset as it is a physical event. Educate yourself, practice affirmations, and engage in activities that align with your why.

• Advocating for Yourself: Your why is worth protecting. If you face resistance, remember that your birth belongs to you.

My "Why" as a Doula

As a birth worker, my why is deeply rooted in advocacy and empowerment, particularly in supporting Black maternal health and VBAC journeys. My own birth experiences and background as a nurse have shown me how essential it is to have informed, compassionate, and culturally competent care. I became a doula because I believe every birthing person deserves to be heard, respected, and supported in their choices.

Whatever your why is, know that it is valid, powerful, and worth honoring. When you birth with intention, you set the stage for a transformative experience—not just in bringing your baby into the world, but in stepping into your own strength.

Are you still exploring your why? Let’s talk about it. I’d love to support you on your journey!

How to Prepare Your Body for Labor and Delivery Naturally

Bringing a new life into the world is a transformative experience. Preparing your body for labor naturally can enhance your birthing experience, increase comfort, and promote a smoother delivery. Whether you’re aiming for a doula-assisted birth, planning for a natural childbirth, or simply looking for ways to support your body in the final weeks of pregnancy, this guide will provide essential steps to help you get ready.

Why Preparing for Labor Naturally Matters

Taking a holistic approach to labor preparation can:

• Reduce the risk of interventions

• Improve endurance and stamina for labor

• Enhance relaxation and pain management

• Support postpartum recovery

1. Nourish Your Body with a Labor-Boosting Diet

Key Nutrients for a Healthy Labor

Eating a well-balanced diet supports optimal fetal development and prepares your body for the physical demands of birth.

• Leafy Greens & Iron-Rich Foods – Spinach, kale, and lentils help prevent anemia and support strong muscles.

• Healthy Fats – Avocados, nuts, and salmon provide energy and aid in hormone balance.

• Hydrating Fluids – Coconut water, herbal teas, and plenty of water keep you hydrated and maintain amniotic fluid levels.

• Dates – Studies suggest that consuming six dates daily in the final weeks can promote natural labor by ripening the cervix.

2. Stay Active with Labor-Optimizing Exercises

Exercise and movement help to strengthen your body, improves endurance, and helps position your baby for an easier delivery. Strengthening the pelvic floor and core muscles also supports the uterus and reduces the risk of complications like prolonged labor or back pain. Additionally, staying active enhances circulation and oxygen flow, which can help reduce swelling, improve stamina, and support a smoother, more efficient labor. Gentle movement techniques like spinning babies exercises or bouncing on a birthing ball can also aid in natural labor progression. By incorporating safe, intentional movement throughout pregnancy, birthing people can increase their confidence and physical readiness for labor and delivery.

Best Exercises for Natural Labor Preparation

• Prenatal Yoga – Improves flexibility, reduces stress, and strengthens the pelvic floor.

• Walking – Encourages baby’s descent and keeps the body aligned.

• Squats – Opens the pelvis and strengthens leg muscles for labor endurance.

• Pelvic Tilts & Hip Circles – Encourage optimal fetal positioning.

3. Practice Natural Childbirth Techniques

Mastering natural childbirth techniques can ease labor discomfort and promote a more positive experience.

Breathing & Relaxation Methods

• Deep Belly Breathing – Helps maintain oxygen flow and keeps muscles relaxed.

• The 4-7-8 Technique – Inhale for 4 seconds, hold for 7, and exhale for 8 to calm the nervous system.

• Visualization & Guided Imagery – Picture a peaceful birth setting to reduce fear and tension.

Hands-On Comfort Measures

• Massage & Counter-Pressure – Reduces pain and tension in the lower back.

• Hydrotherapy – Warm baths or showers can soothe muscles and promote relaxation.

• Movement & Position Changes – Rocking, swaying, and kneeling help progress labor naturally.

4. Work with a Doula for a Supported Birth Experience

A doula-assisted birth provides emotional, physical, and informational support before, during, and after labor.

Benefits of a Doula in Labor

• Reduces the likelihood of medical interventions

• Encourages confidence and informed decision-making

• Provides hands-on comfort measures

• Offers emotional support for both mother and partner

5. Prepare Your Mindset for Birth

Affirmations for a Calm Labor

Repeating affirmations can shift your mindset and reduce fear:

• “My body is strong, capable, and designed for this.”

• “Each contraction brings me closer to meeting my baby.”

• “I trust my body and my baby’s wisdom.”

Journaling & Visualization

• Write out your ideal birth experience.

• Visualize labor progressing smoothly and confidently.

6. Support Cervical Ripening Naturally

In the final weeks of pregnancy, certain natural methods can encourage cervical readiness.

• Red Raspberry Leaf Tea – Strengthens the uterus and may promote efficient contractions.

• Evening Primrose Oil – Contains prostaglandins that help soften the cervix.

• Gentle Perineal Massage – Prepares the tissues for stretching during birth.

Final Thoughts

Preparing your body for labor naturally involves nourishing foods, movement, relaxation techniques, and emotional preparation. Whether you choose a doula-assisted birth or simply want to use natural childbirth techniques, these strategies will help you approach labor with confidence and strength.

Every birth journey is unique—trust your body, embrace the process, and prepare for a beautiful experience!

Ready to Feel Confident in Your Birth Journey?

If you're looking for personalized support, guidance, and hands-on assistance, I’d love to help! Reach out today to learn how a doula can empower and support you during pregnancy, labor, and postpartum. Let's create a birth experience that aligns with your desires and needs!