Open
This word. One small word. If you take anything into labour with you, take this word.
What a beautiful word it is. Many moms have told me that this word has taken them through some bumps in their baby bump season.
How many times did I share it on hospital maternity ward tours? I encouraged couples: if you’ve forgotten everything I’ve said about the hospital and the protocols, remember just this one word.
This is why I love it and why moms need to use it in birth:
- You need to Open Physically: Your body will slowly go from one centimetre dilation to ten centimeters (roughly the size of a grapefruit) before you are ready to push your baby out
- You need to Open Mentally: Your birth plan needs to be OPEN. It’s best to hold it loosely, letting go of control and imaginations as to what you think birth will turn out like.
- You need to Open Spiritually: There is an old saying, “Let Go and Let God”. In other words, lean on him for strength and strategy, letting go of fear and negative thoughts. Be at peace.
Meditation:
There is a verse in the last book of the Bible, Revelation, that is actually being written to a first-century church. The words are from Jesus through a vision given to the apostle John. You can take them for yourself too.
What (God) opens no one can shut, and what he shuts no one can open. I know your deeds. See, I have placed before you an open door that no one can shut. I know you have little strength, yet you have kept my word and have not denied my name. (Revelation 3:7-9)
God can help you to ‘open that door’ to deliver your baby, to be open mentally and spiritually to whatever may happen on that special day. Think on these things.
Doula Tip:
Remember in labour to open your mouth, drop your jaw and breathe deeply and rhythmically., By doing these simple measures, you will open your pelvis to leave room for baby to drop down. The tip of the week is, THINK “OPEN”!