On Freedom and Fear Part 1

Well, a lot happened in our country in the last few weeks.

I don’t want to get too political here, but it's something that is on our minds and hearts and I know many people felt the irony of celebrating freedom this year.  It might seem pretty hard to celebrate freedom and independence while also being told that women’s freedom of choice is being tested in many parts of the US. 

Conceiving a child really makes a person ponder some deep questions:

• How in control am I of my life? 
• Who is in control of me? 
• Who will make decisions for me about my pregnancy?
• My birth?
• Raising my child? 
• How free am I really? 

We automatically feel some fear when we ponder birth, it's a natural part of the process. 

Losing some autonomy around birth choices feels even more scary. 

I get it. Pregnancy and birth hold a lot of unknowns. Sometimes it might even feel safer just to have someone tell us what to do, then we can’t get it wrong. 

I want to remind you that you have choices. 

You are free to choose your pregnancy, your birth, your parenting style, no matter what the government says. Exploring choices and finding alternatives that work for you takes more effort and leaves you responsible for your own care. That can feel scary. 

Freedom might feel scary at first. 

• The feeling of flying… feels scary when you jump. 
• Choosing to have a baby… or not have a baby… feels scary.
• Deciding to have a home birth instead of going to a doctor, might remind you of your mortality.

Fear does not have to impede your freedom, feeling it can just be the first step toward change.