Know normal.

I have a sticky note on my desk with ‘Know Normal’ written on it. It has been there a while now. I think it came from a course that I was on, or a blog or book that had been recommended.⠀

But by seeing it every day it has become important to me. It rattles around my subconscious.⠀

Know Normal. ⠀
Now how many pregnant women do?⠀
How many HCPs do?⠀ ⠀

How many women are being given the opportunity to know normal birth?⠀

Undisturbed birth.⠀

Birth in a safe space. Trusted. Revered. Supported in the knowledge of their inherited capabilities.⠀ ⠀

Or how many women are only told of their flaws? Birth judged by all that can go wrong as opposed to all that can go right?⠀ ⠀

It amazes me that approximately 40% of women still have straightforward, unmanaged, unmeddled with births today.⠀

It amazes me that even with the best efforts of a system at play these women still get through unscathed.⠀

And then what of the stories they are told. The stories that we tell ourselves?⠀
Women who absolutely believe that they are incapable of dilation, or birth. Venting the fault on themselves and the saving on others. When if only they were encouraged, taught, protected and safely held then their bodies would have potentially responded perfectly.
Normally.⠀ ⠀

Of course there will always be some babies and some mums who will need medical assistance and we are so, so fortunate that we have this. But the scales have tipped.⠀ ⠀

You are faulty. Broken. ⠀
It is dangerous. Tricky.⠀
Test this. Measure that. Drink this. Feel that...or feel nothing. Nothing at all.⠀ ⠀

Know normal. Understand the power of labour, without fear... and greet it like an old friend and ally. Create the space both externally & internally to birth. Trust in the process. ⠀

Know what is normal.