Trust Your Body

My decision to have a natural birth came very easy. I was lucky enough to have been raised around warrior women whom although all from very different walks of life made the decision to bring forth life as naturally as possible. During my pregnancy I realized a lot of women weren't afforded that option. In a world where technology supersedes all, natural birth is considered archaic and in some cases unsafe. I learned about the medical industry and how it kept its claws deep in maternal affairs with complete disregard for the female body. What was more disheartening was that this view of natural birth was frowned upon even worse within the black community. Most in the developing world wouldn't understand my decision because of the badge of prestige one has based on the ability to afford birth in clinics, why struggle when you can afford to give birth in the hospital? I was met with a lot of worried faces from fellow women in my community. Understanding that some may not even have a chance to choose their birth story I knew it was important for myself to plan (as much as a pregnant woman can "plan" anything) a birth free of chaos and unnecessary up selling. I really believe a lot of women if given the chance at complete knowledge of the birth industry, the effects of all the chemicals and drugs taken in, they would be better informed with their decision. There are some women who regardless of the effects still want to have painless births and that's their decision but I believe it should at least be an informed one. 

We as women are robbed daily of our innate strength and ability to give birth naturally without complications. Women are constantly battling fear mongering doctors who spew "facts" from classroom books as if giving birth hasn't been happening since the dawn of time. After all the research I did, and with all the support I received from my pillars I knew I had the strength in me in spite of what seems to be the norm. Yes I was afraid, yes I was confused because I didn't know what to expect, but I kept remembering all the women before me telling me to trust in my body. Women who had different types of birthing experiences, some in hospitals, some at home, some unexpected, some right on time, all these women said the same thing,

TRUST YOUR BODY, don't force anything, that was motivation enough to know that my home birth would be a beautiful one.  Please meet this article with non judgement (as I know many of us mothers have an urge to judge others). 

My birth was how I wanted it because it is my body and therefore my choice. However my gratitude is extended to my partner and those near me for supporting my decision. I saw that many women were uninformed about home births every time I would express my excitement and sometimes anxiety for mine.  My giving birth and subsequent motherhood has taught me so much in so little time, there is so much more strength in women that seems to be feared by many and snuffed out constantly. I just want women to regain their power and understand the strength we possess. It isn’t financially profitable for companies to empower us and to give the human body a chance at self healing, preparing, and even birthing.  I wish for us to understand and accept advancements within the medical industry and appreciate the newfound knowledge, while understanding that the human body especially the woman's body is a beautiful and ultimately strong machine capable of so much more than we give it credit for.

Zeinabou is an entrepreneur, artist and new mom. She has been blogging for over 4 years as a lifestyle and travel blogger. She is currently working on a socially conscious baby tee shirt line inspired by her 10 month old sun. Born in Zimbabwe with roots from Angola and Zambia, Zeinabou aims to use her Pan African up bringing as a foundation for all that she does. From curating dinners that entice the tastebuds as well as teaches patrons about the many connections within the diaspora to shooting and directing photoshoots, Zeinabou’s diverse experiences within the Arts have afforded her the ability to continuously contribute to the culture.