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If you are pregnant or an expectant dad, you may feel overwhelmed by how much information is available on childbirth preparation. It can be difficult to decipher what will help you prepare your mind and body for the miraculous, life changing process of childbirth and postpartum transition. Here are a few tips to help you prepare holistically:

1. Participate in a Childbirth Preparation Class (Non medical) Although the free or low cost prenatal classes offered by the local health authority or hospitals are an excellent foundation for childbirth preparation, there are some aspects of childbirth that are not explored. "Childbirth is a profound rite of passage, not a medical event (even when medical care is a part of the birth)" Birthing From Within, Pam England & Rob Horowitz. Although there may be medical events during a birth, to prepare holistically means that the whole person is considered. This involves preparation from the mental, emotional and spiritual perspectives, as well as, the more common physical/medical focus.

2. Yoga Through the practice of breathing and relaxation techniques and physical exercises, a pregnant woman can gain a greater awareness of her body, as well as prepare mentally and spiritually for childbirth. Students may experience decreased back pain and muscle tension, a calm mind and stress reduction. Many Yoga styles are practical for pregnant women, some of the more common styles are Kundalini, Hatha and/or Iyengar Yoga.
3. Dance - The labor and birth process works best when a woman is able to surrender and open her body. Dancing gets you in touch with your inner motion and helps you to follow your body flow! If you want to dance at home try the 5 rhythms by Gabrielle Roth, take a dance class or join a community dance group.
4. Chiropractic Care Focuses on stabilizing the nervous system and creating homeostasis. Pregnant women may experience decreased irritability/mood swings, more energy, greater focus and/or a decrease in back pain and sore feet. Chiropractors can help some new mothers feel more confidant and avoid postpartum mood spectrum disorders and depression.
5. Positive Birth Stories Often pregnant women develop fears and anxieties about childbirth from listening to negative birth stories and watching TV births. Yet, many women have pleasurable and positive birth experiences and are willing to share their story too. A pregnant woman may be more likely to trust the birth process, if she anticipates that it could be pleasurable. Try reading Ina May's Guide to Childbirth by Ina May Gaskin.
6. Cultivate a Non-Judgmental Attitude No matter how much preparation expectant parents do, they can never control the unpredictability of the birth process. Even if a woman wants to birth at home, doesn't want a cesarean birth or wants to avoid pain medication, the possibility of experiencing an "unwished" for event always exists within the realm of childbirth. If you create a birth plan, work on avoiding becoming too attached to the content, as uncontrollable circumstances can happen. If you plan to birth at home, take a tour of the hospital so you can get comfortable with the setting, should you require a transfer. If you plan to birth in the hospital don't neglect preparing spiritually and emotionally for your birth. No matter how or where you give birth, focusing on being non-judgmental can prevent birth trauma and unnecessary feelings of guilt or disappointment.
Whenever childbirth preparation is done with the intention of improving or shortening labor, the cultivation of an open mind is essential. Where as, childbirth is it's own force and sometimes long, arduous labors are the way a woman's body needs to give birth.

Learn more about this author, Regan Grill.
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