Your support network and the benefits of reading positive birth stories

This is part three of our series on 'Preparing for birth'

A great way to really get your mind into the birth space is to surround yourself with positivity. So here are some simple ideas to get you there!

Birth Stories

Read as many positive birth stories as you can! Watch as many positive birth videos as you can. Here are a few great resources:

• Positive Birth Stories is a really great website for positive birth stories and a huge list of awesome birth affirmations.
• YouTube also has thousands of amazing positive birth stories.
• If you're into podcasts, I recommend Australian Birth Stories

Social Media

If you on Social Media be sure to follow Positive Birth Movement pages as they are really uplifting as you venture into the world of maternity.

An awesome page on Instagram which can be graphic but extremely positive is Stop Censoring Motherhood. 

You can also join a 'Due group'  Facebook group for your due month. Just search for due (month) (year) - eg 'due July 2020'.

There are also support groups for all sorts of Maternity subjects such as:

• Breastfeeding Support
• Biologically Normal Infant Sleep
• VBAC
• Cesarean Support
• Homebirth
• Montessori at home
• Baby Led Weaning
• Pregnancy and postpartum fitness.

Just search for the one that interests you and join the group.

Whatever you're into, there's usually a large support group waiting for you and this can be really beneficial in developing your support network.

It's good to be connected with like-minded people, especially if you're a new mama

Disclaimer: It always pays to be mindful that advise off these types of groups do not outweigh professional advice from health professionals such as:

• International Board Certified Lactation Consultants
• Midwives
• Obstetricians
• Pediatricians
• etc

Always make sure you make an informed and educated choice and talk to the appropriate specialists if you're not sure.

Birth Affirmations 

Birth affirmations can be used during pregnancy and birth for a mixture of motivation and confidence in yourself, your ability to birth, and your journey as a mother. 

It's a great idea to create a collage of positive birth affirmations! They really are motivating. You can print them for free from here or if these aren't your thing, type out your own! There is nothing better than reading your own words and motivation.

One great tip I recently received from a local hypnobirthing trainer was to record your own birth affirmation soundtrack. To do so is really simple:

• Play some peaceful meditation style music in the background using a TV, computer or laptop
• Start recording on another device (for iPhone use the 'Voice recorded' app)
• Whilst recording read out your affirmations in a slow calm voice that you would like to listen to during birth.
• This is your opportunity to talk to yourself and remind you of anything you might want to remind yourself of during birth.

This self-recorded birth affirmation will be exactly what you need when the time comes!