Welcome Guest Blogger Kelly Pietrangeli from Project Me
I’ll never forget back in high school when they showed a video in Health class of a woman giving birth. I didn’t know whether to throw up or pass out. I did both.
From that moment onwards I dreaded the prospect of giving birth. The mere thought of it made me cringe. Pregnant at age 32 with my first son, I was obviously filled with anxiety. I’d had many years to build up my negative association to giving birth. During the antenatal birthing classes I kept my legs firmly crossed and had to breath deeply to prevent another incident like I’d had in school.
When the big day arrived and my waters broke, I tried to stay calm. But as soon as I entered the hospital panic set in and the rest of my 12 hours there were a completely out of control blur. Of course at the end of it I had my amazing, perfect little boy, but I told my husband I would never be able to do that again. Two years later, with friends reasoning with me that I could go for a planned cesarean, I got pregnant again. Thankfully during my pregnancy I happened to meet an osteopath. He began telling me how it’s best for a baby to come through the birth canal and cesareans should be reserved for special cases and complicated births.
Of course my head was now in a major spin. Was I seriously thinking about going through it all again? The very next day I spotted an ad in a local family magazine:
Looking for an easier birth?
Hell yes! I called the number straight away and found myself setting up a meeting with a private midwife. She explained that Fear = Pain and suggested some books for helping me to gain a positive mind set about giving birth. I read ‘Rediscovering Birth’ by Sheila Kitzinger and I felt a shift in my thinking.
I was born to give birth!
I suddenly understood that a baby wasn’t simply shoving itself through a small hole, but that my body’s designed to open like a flower to release my child into the world. (Wow!)
Next it was suggested that I try Hypno-birthing. My husband, who doesn’t want to do group anything, insisted we have a private teacher come to our home for the two-day course.
The first thing she did was show a video of people walking on fire. She explained that we have an incredible ‘mind over matter’ ability if we learn how to tap into it. If we truly believe we won’t have pain, not only will we not – but we also won’t have the physical reactions. The fire walkers in the video didn’t even have blisters.
I spent my final month of pregnancy listening to recordings of positive affirmations and educating myself about childbirth. I created a healthy mindset towards the birth. I actually looked forward to the big day!
And you know what? It was amazing. I’ll fill you in on the beautiful details next time.
The take-away message is this: Your thoughts create your reality. Beliefs are just thoughts you have over and over again. You can change your beliefs by putting the needle in a different groove on the record.
Where in your life could you do with changing your tune?
What beliefs do you have that are not serving you?
Please share with us in the comments below. We’d love to hear!
Kelly Pietrangeli is passionate about helping mothers learn how to quickly identify where things could be better in life – and taking action. She overcame her early struggles with motherhood by constantly expanding her knowledge and evolving into the happy mama she is today. www.myprojectme.com is an on-line destination for busy mothers who are ready to put themselves on the front burner. For a limited time, get your Free Life Wheel Tool when you sign up for the Project Me motivational newsletter. It’ll help you get clear about which areas of your life could use some focus so you can find a happier balance.
photo credit: Camdiluv ♥ via photopin cc
