Sharing our birth joy

Finally I can no longer contain my joy. As a midwife and a doula I have had the privilege of sitting in all sorts of rooms and situations whilst women, their partners, their supporters and their precious amazing children show me over and over again what a spectacular and life changing event childbirth is.

Many women have said that they found their exhilarating birth story was not always well received - the dramatic and fear filled story of a child's journey into their parent's arms holding much more fascination for the listener hence the popularity of 'One Born Every Minute'.

Great birth stories seem to have become taboo. Many birth stories today, particularly those of first time birthers in the UK do appear to have a disproportionate amount of drama in them. Perhaps it is time for us to re-examine our approach to this process of replenishing ourselves that has continued mostly unchanged for millions of years.

As my passion for childbirth intensifies I am becoming a massive fan of the 'boring birth story' - nothing makes me happier than a drama-free birth.

The best ingredients for a deeply boring, healthy, gentle, satisfying, empowering and exhilarating birth are:

• Informed, relaxed and confident parents
• Informed, relaxed and confident supporters
• Informed, relaxed and confident care givers/health professionals
• A safe, quiet, private, dimly lit and glorious environment

Relish your pregnancy and all of the methods available out there to prepare you for YOUR BEST BIRTH.

Meanwhile be encouraged by those that will be so generously sharing their stories of birth joy and when you yourself have had your amazing birth please get in front of the camera and pay it forward.

With acres of love

Kemi