How do you prepare?

Especially for something you’ve never experienced before?

Jill spent her pregnancy preparing in a particular way for her birth process. She was aware of practice called kiva (in fact she teaches that in her doula practice) in which a person becomes internally focused. It’s a type of focus where you are super present to the present – what’s going on with your feelings, vibrational energy and physically with your body in that moment. Jill knew that she wanted the ability to literally transition herself to an altered state of consciousness during birth, without the use of chemicals. And, she knew that she would need to practice in order to be able to do that during the birth process. Being internally focused when there are things going on in your external environment to prepare for the birth (whether it’s in a hospital, your home or somewhere in between, there are plenty of circumstances to distract you!) takes something.

There are ways to practice kiva – to practice creating that sacred space.  And, there are different ways to do it. You don’t have to be a great at meditating in order to do it. Although, that is an effective kiva practice. Jill created kiva in very distinct ways in each of her pregnancies. I found this to be so interesting.

In her first, her kiva practices were very visual. She was coloring and drawing and creating collages with pictures. And when she gave birth, it was a very visual experience for her – a sort of out-of-body experience for her where she could see what she and her baby were experiencing. Her second pregnancy was filled with physical kiva practices mostly including yoga. And that birth process was quite physical. It was essentially a 3 hour labor process in which she went from kneeling in a lunge to full squatting position and standing in her husband’s arms. From there her midwife caught the baby. In her third pregnancy, Jill practiced auditory kiva. She repeated mantras and sang songs. And, of course, Jill had music playing during the delivery. She knew this would aid her in getting to a place of internal focus where she could open herself up on every level. From that place, she would be acutely aware of the present moment and would be able to handle whatever the birth process asked of her. This was – and is – her firm belief. Her 3 pregnancies and birth processes were so uniquely different. I love that, and I know it serves her in being with her pregnant clients in creating their own unique birth experiences.

Join the conversation: How did you prepare for your delivery(ries)? How intentional was it?

You can learn more about Jill’s Montclair Maternity practice at www.JillWodnick.com. This is also where you can purchase her Prenatal Peace and Calming CD.