Childbirth Apprenticeship and Birth Education

I was a part of Britta Bushnell's apprenticeship program for perinatal professionals back in 2022-2023. Then this past summer, I had the opportunity to dive deep as an assistant for her childbirth education course. Her work is unique to the field as it weaves together mythology and birth, often providing a deeper level of spirituality to pregnancy, labor, and parenthood.

Below are three tips I have found to be successful for clients:

1. REFLECT ON PAST EXPERIENCES DURING WHICH YOU FELT STRONG

Your labor experience might require you to shed everything you thought you needed (physically and mentally) in order to attain a "successful" and/or "natural" birth. How do you keep going when the intensity of contractions increases? How do you persevere when your birth plan/preferences change all of a sudden? Think back to experiences in your life where you have demonstrated this level of strength, and call upon that source.

2. PRACTICE COMMUNICATING HOW YOU WANT TO BE SUPPORTED

It's easy to assume that your partner knows how you want to be held and supported during labor. Try practicing a hypothetical scenario where the roles are reversed and you are asked to support your partner; it is surprising how you might not know what they need/want. As the birthing person, give directions and practice labor positions, love on each other, and communicate in advance. In the heat of the moment, it is much easier to call upon tools that we have already rehearsed. 

3. PLAN FOR YOUR RETURN

From a mythological perspective, the labyrinth of labor and birth also includes the component of renewal and a return to oneself. Foster a community that will nurture you back to life. Find those individuals that know how to hold space, listen, and be supportive. Know that when you undergo an experience of this magnitude, you will inevitably be a new iteration of yourself - rich with new tools you need in this curriculum of life. 

Birthwork is profound. If you feel called to deepen your knowledge or to learn more about Britta's apprenticeship program, browse here. 

Warm regards,

Stephanie