There has been a buzz about Kate Middleton’s photo just a few hours after birth. She looks beautiful, relaxed, radiant. Many people have said that this is neither “real” or realistic.
I believe it is both.
In our culture, we have been so conditioned to believe that birth is difficult, painful, dangerous, and traumatic. And to be fair, for many who choose the wrong environment, the wrong care provider, and who are unprepared or have special circumstances, their experiences are often as described. However, when a healthy woman, carrying a healthy baby becomes well educated and is supported by her loved ones, a doula, and her medical team, it is not only possible, it is probable. When she is able to birth without unnecessary intervention, surrounded by calm and support, the experience is often empowering and satisfying. As a doula, I have attended the births of hundreds of babies and have seen this many times. In fact, I have often joked that I know I have done a great job when I look at the photos and notice that the new mother is radiant and certainly looks much more vibrant than I do.
So how is this possible? It’s all in the preparation. Most of my clients have taken (as Kate did) HypnoBirthing®-The Mongan Method. It is a complete childbirth education course that focuses on a positive mindset, deep relaxation, and a connection to our innate birthing instincts. She lets go of fear and “unlearns” all of the negative programming that she may have embraced over her lifetime. She learns that birth is a normal process and that her body is perfectly designed to give birth. She reconditions her body and mind for relaxation, trust, and calm through daily meditative practice. The results are incredible. She is able to birth as nature intended; naturally, calmly, instinctively. She may not have a stylist to provide her with makeup, hair, a dress, and heels but she is nevertheless, stunning! I see powerful, beautiful, radiant mothers who are ready to take on the world!
