Key Influences for a Positive Birth Experience
Honoring the birth experience as a meaningful event
Being prepared
- Inborn knowledge
- Modern knowledge of terminology and technology
Learning skills to cope with stress and pain, adaptability
- All are designed to create a response that promotes relaxation, peace of mind and cooperation with labor, and to prevent the stress response
Beliefs and attitudes that promote trust and confidence in the labor process and in yourself
Positive, nurturing and patient support of loved ones
- Regardless of what may happen with the birth, women say this is by far the most important factor in how they felt about the birth overall
Opportunity to complete a difficult task
Having choices and involvement in what happens
- Participating in decision-making
- Having information to make informed decisions
Togetherness of the new family
Ultimate Goal: Safe outcome for mother and baby
