Listen to Your Instincts

It is with great pleasure that I introduce Kristen, kidHaven’s newest monthly contributor.  Kristen’s enthusiasm and passion for helping women prepare for childbirth is not only relevant, it’s invigorating.  However, if there’s anything I know, pregnancy and childbirth can be as controversial a topic as religion or politics!  Consider this an invitation to participate in a conversation that I am CERTAIN we all have our own, individual opinions about.  Afterall, there’s nothing that makes kidHaven contributors happier than a few comments and a healthy conversation.

Written by Kristen Miller

Pregnant women get inundated with information and advice on EVERYTHING from what to eat and what not to eat to what is the best anti-stretch mark cream to use during pregnancy.  This can be an overwhelming and unwelcomed experience.  Unfortunately many mothers-to-be fall prey to the latest fad or to what their mother-in-law swears worked for her some thirty years ago!

Women have been birthing babies for over one thousand generations.  ONE THOUSAND GENERATIONS!  That is pretty spectacular if you think about it.  But think about what women one thousand generations ago did during their pregnancies.  They obviously did not have television, magazine articles or even physicians to fill their minds with the “correct” way to care for oneself during pregnancy.  I like to believe that women way back when listened to their bodies, heart, mind, and soul and did what came naturally.

What comes naturally?  BABIES!  Pregnancy is one of the most natural and innate experiences a woman can have and if there are too many outside interventions the experience may become “unreal”.  Pregnant women are often treated as patients with a medical condition instead of amazing and powerful women with the ability to adjust to pregnancy and birth a child in any way, place and form they choose.  The right to choose!  It’s a wonderful thing to have and something to remember when making a birth plan.

So if you are pregnant, or thinking about becoming pregnant, educate yourself on all of the options available to you during this time.  Seek out a medical provider who makes you feel excited (really excited) about your pregnancy!  Read books about pregnancy which help you connect with your baby and your roots as a birthing woman.  Be healthy, drink tons of water, and eat organic foods and exercise.  Most of all be EMPOWERED!

Please check out next month’s article on pregnancy and exercise, what to look for in an instructor, proper exercise guidelines and how to find the right class/instructor for you.

Recommended pregnancy books:

“Birthing From Within“, Pam England

“Bountiful, Beautiful, Blissful“, Gurmukh

“Ina May’s Guide to Childbirth“, Ina May Gaskin

“Thinking Woman’s Guide to a Better Birth“, Henci Goer

“The Continuum Concept“, Jean Liedloff

Kristen Miller received her Masters degree in Exercise Physiology from the University of New Mexico.  She is a certified exercise physiologist and personal trainer with over twelve years of experience.  Kristen’s focus is on preparing women for childbirth and beyond by strengthening the muscles used during labor and teaching women how to use them correctly.  Kristen is currently offering a pre-natal class at Blend for Kids in Branford, CT.  She also does private and small-group in home pre and post-natal conditioning and meditation.  Please check the website for more information: www.ppnatalconditioning.com