When it comes to giving birth and parenting, the pressure to be PERFECT can be overwhelming. We have to challenge this.
60% of Mums have reported that they have felt a pressure to have a ‘perfect birth’, with over half of them saying their mental health was impacted. There is no such thing as a perfect birth, but all births - yes all births - have the potential to be positive.
What do we mean by Positive not Perfect?
Often, ideas of a perfect birth are built around it happening in a certain way. But the problem with birth is that it rarely goes to plan! There are so many variables with pregnancy, labour and birth, meaning that if you have a fixed vision of how it should go, you can be left devastated if things pans out differently.
Positive, however, is not about having a perfect birth. All births, no matter how or where you give birth have the potential to be positive experiences. A positive birth is one where you feel informed, supported and safe. Where you feel calm and able to make the right decisions for you and your baby and ultimately, you are able to meet your baby (or babies) in the best possible way.
61% felt a pressure to have the perfect birth
58% said this impacted their mental health
57% felt pressurised to give birth in a certain setting
50% felt pressure to avoid pain relief
Sources for this pressure: Social media, friends and family, medical staff
What our community told us
Shirin’s positive birth story as a first time mum
Read Shirin’s positive birth. A first time parent, who used the Freya App, up breathing and hypnobirthing tools to get through her birth which wasn’t as she planned, but was still a positive experience.
How do midwives view a positive birth?
Positive births can be the result of ALL types of birth. People frequently report positive experiences from emergency caesareans, forceps, unmedicated vaginal births and every other type of birth.
Induction masterclass with our midwife
We receive so many questions about inductions and there is just so much to say. So we’re holding a masterclass specifically discussing all things inductions! Spots are limited so secure your space now.
Ashleigh’s birth story
Ashleigh’s journey to the hospital was NOT like she imagined! Learner drivers, bus lanes and crawling out of the car! But it was still a positive experience.
Shell’s birth story
We're absolutely in awe of Shell's birth story, it really does go to show that even if your birth doesn't go exactly to plan it can be the most euphoric experience that will stay with you for the rest of your life.
Your positive birth tool kit
-
Hypnobirthing Pack - £45
The original, award-winning, expert-led antenatal and hypnobirthing programme that will empower you to have a better birth.
-
Freya birthing app - £4.99
Freya is your surge (contraction) timer and virtual birth partner. Coaching you through each surge with a simple breathing technique and helps you relax with positive affirmations, visualisations and guided relaxations. -
Affirmation cards - £8.50
Our Little Pack of Positivity is a series of 28 positive affirmations and phrases, motivational mantras and words to support you through pregnancy and birth. -
Live events
We often host regular free workshops and Q&A’s on our social media with our resident midwife and founder Siobhan. Visit our what’s on page to see when our next event is.