In this episode, we dive deep into the intricacies of childbirth and postpartum experiences. Our guest, Marnie Parrell, shares her expertise on how to navigate labor and birth while emphasizing informed consent and mental preparation.
Join us as we explore the importance of embracing chaos, understanding pain management options, and fostering a supportive community for new parents.
Key Topics Discussed:
Understanding Pain in Labor:
The natural feedback loop between sensations during labor and hormonal responses.
How numbing interventions can disrupt oxytocin release.
Importance of movement in response to pain cues from your body.
Informed Consent & Epidurals:
The necessity of fully understanding potential outcomes when opting for an epidural.
Discussion on risks such as slowed labor or incomplete numbness.
Encouragement to prepare mentally regardless of planned interventions.
The Role of Movement During Labor:
Benefits of changing positions based on bodily instincts during birth.
Personal anecdotes highlighting successful births through intuitive movements like sitting on a toilet (the dilation station).
Mental Preparation for Birth & Parenthood:
Embracing vulnerability as strength; letting go of preconceived inadequacies before entering parenthood.
Strategies for maintaining self-compassion amidst parenting challenges.
Community Support & Asking for Help:
Importance of reaching out within your community network post-birth rather than stuggling alone unnecessarily.
Navigating Postpartum Realities: – Debunking myths around immediate postpartum appearances; focus instead on personal well-being over societal expectations.
Empathy's Power in Parenting: Understanding empathy not just towards others but also oneself throughout the parenthood journey. This helps build resilience against burnout cycles often faced by mothers today due largely because they neglect their own needs until it becomes too late leading them down a path of difficult recovery back to normalcy again.
Remember that prevention is the best medicine.
If you’re curious about how Marnie can support you on your journey, visit her website:
Want to start your journey to rewiring your ‘BODYMIND’ for birth? Download our FREE birth meditation below:
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