In the last week, I have had the honor of attending two labor and births; both for mamas having their 4th baby.

It made me very aware of a belief I have, and which these women both exhibited so beautifully. That belief is that pregnancy, labor, birth and motherhood require ATTITUDE.

That attitude is one of positivity and strength. The attitude is one that whatever comes ones way, one can adapt and will make the best of it. A positive attitude in facing labor and birth is not making some quick assumption on blind faith that everything will work out just the way you pictured it. It’s believing in your body and your baby and the process. That whatever happens is how it is meant to be, and honestly trusting in that. It is taking an obstacle, such as a bout of not-quite-it-yet labor (yes, even 4th time moms can experience that!) and being OK with the frustration and upsetting kind of fear that can provoke. Really, truly being in touch enough with what’s going on to have the attitude of pure acceptance.

I’m not a hippie midwife in Sedona for nothing–how great that I get to learn and love from these clients of mine that not only have a great attitude about birth, but know how to heal themselves. The fact that we can share that concept as a mode of living is a great blessing. To us both, I think. Again, healing yourself and realizing that we all have the capability does not mean we are living in some fantasyland about our health in the first place. Many of these women have legitimate things to “worry” about, at various points, just like we all do. But especially with these mamas–their ability to take various scenarios in their prenatal care or birth or even postpartum and meet them with such a positive attitude–they are the picture of responsible health care. You learn, you research, you read, you discuss–and you make your own informed choices about the decisions you are faced with. Whether that is being GBS positive, or Rh negative–it is all about the attitude that we face these obstacles with.

I am so grateful, to these women in particular, for teaching me so much in the last 9 months. I will miss seeing them weekly, as I would so look forward to our exchange of information and opinions. I will miss eagerly looking forward to the way their attitudes embraced every decision and situation they met. As birthing women, we should all take a look at the way we see things. Not what we are faced with or what our choices are, but how we deal with things; from the inside. To my two mamas, and the ones to-be; inspire the world with your empowered-ness and your attitude. The world needs more women like you!