For years, natural birth has fascinated me. The work of doulas, midwives, and the innate inner strength a woman holds in bringing life into this world, without intervention—is something I’ve marveled at.

After finding out I was pregnant, I knew my passion for a more natural approach to childbirth would keep me feeling in control. Yet I knew the biggest challenge would be in maneuvering through the modern world that wants us to believe we can’t do it on our own. That the simple act of connecting to the body and breath isn't enough.

Now, I'm not here to say our advanced medical industry is bad. I'm here to share the tools and ancient wisdom that have given me a sense of empowerment during my 7 months of pregnancy.

Below are the most important resources I’ve turned to and hope they can help guide you on your journey into motherhood.

Yoga Wisdom:

Only a week after finding out I was pregnant, I started my prenatal yoga teacher training program. My journey of connecting to ancient wisdom began here. Our first chapter was on learning how the studies of Ayurveda can support a pregnant person. This class connected me to the power of nutrition, self-care, and plant medicine for pregnancy.

A few of my favorite Ayurveda practices for pregnancy and beyond are:

-Warm lemon water in the morning
-Oil massage before or after a shower. I’ve loved finding the right lotions and oils specifically for pregnancy. My favorite has been this Pregnant Belly Jelly from Earth Pharma. Its made with all organic, natural ingredients, and soothing essential oils.
Getting to sleep by 10 pm.
Morning meditation. I’ve used the app InsightTimer for its vast library of guided pregnancy meditations. Meditation has been one of my biggest anchors during this journey. It's kept me feeling connected to my body and soothed my mind. Be gentle with yourself in the morning though. When you’re pregnant, sleep as long as you want and meditate when you wake.
Eating for your Dosha through nourishing, whole foods. This is also a form of intuitive eating that has been deeply important for me during pregnancy. Listening to what the body wants and needs at all times. Our bodies are very intelligent if we listen.
Honoring Dinacharya (meaning the rhythms of the day). Throughout pregnancy, you have to adjust your routine to match how you’re feeling. Using Ayurveda can be helpful in maintaining a routine.
Neti Pot & Nasya Oil before bed and in the morning. One random pregnancy symptom is a stuffy nose/congestion. This is been a constant for me almost throughout my entire pregnancy. Especially with seasonal allergies, these Ayurveda staples are great to have on hand.
Pren atal yoga has of course been important for keeping me connected and grounded. Each trimester will shift how your body wants to move, listen and honor it. The key is to keep the body moving. I’ve also loved using simple stretches through Spinning Babies.

Within each trimester, a whole new onslaught of symptoms arises. Yet honoring these simple practices has kept me feeling balanced through it all.

Reading For Finding Wisdom Within:

The below books have given me the knowledge to feel educated about pregnancy, birth, and beyond. Along with gaining tools for feeling empowered throughout the entire process. Each book offers helpful perspectives from leaders in the natural birth community.

Ancient Road Map To Modern Birth by Pam England

I cannot recommend this book enough. It's written from the lens of birth being a heroic journey into what the author calls “Labor Land.” She artfully takes the reader through a detailed roadmap of pregnancy, labor, and beyond. The knowledge and wisdom I’ve gained from this book have helped educate and guide me both physically and emotionally. Along with equipping me with knowledge of the medical industry, how to have a natural birth, and being prepared for what might arise on the journey.

Nurture by Erica Chidi Cohen

Confession: I ordered this book well before I was pregnant. Erica Chidi Cohen has been an inspiration to me for some time. Her modern look at birth, connecting to the body, and her knowledge as a birth educator, and Doula are everything the world needs right now. This book is great for quick knowledge, insight, and meditative journal prompts. She shares supplements to take, recipes to cook, and knowledge on each stage of birth, labor, and postpartum.

Ina May’s Guide To Childbirth by Ina May Gaskin

I ordered this book later on in my pregnancy when I started to feel a lot of fear around labor and birth. Ina May is a legend in the natural birth world. She's considered the “mother of authentic midwifery.” Her tone is humorous but also deeply empowering. She is passionate about teaching women and birthing professionals alike. Sharing how labor and birth shouldn’t be scary and that our bodies know exactly what to do if we allow them to do it.

Through her extensive research in both the medical and non-medical birth industries. She walks the reader through all the knowledge. I will forever call her my birth guru as this book has been so important for me removing fears.

HypnoBirthing: The Mongan Method by Marie F. Mongan

I recommend buying this book early on in pregnancy. Start using HypnoBirthing medication tools early on as well. The HypnoBirthing method is a fascinating way to have control in labor. The method is simple in that it's about learning to access our breath and establishing a mindful meditation practice. Involving visualizations, smells, sounds, or anything that will keep you feeling connected and empowered during labor and pregnancy.

Birth Companion Wisdom:

Research shows having a birth companion called a doula, by your side throughout pregnancy, and labor can greatly reduce the need for medical intervention. Now, this doesn’t mean a doula isn’t beneficial if having a hospital birth with pain management tools. I would argue having a doula in this environment is even more important.

Often times a birthing person can become overwhelmed by the sensory overload in a hospital setting. It’s a doula who can help bring them back into their power and strength.

My passion for the work of a doula has led me to write two articles for the women’s wellness publication The Good Trade. In my first article “What Is A Doula,” I describe all the ins and outs of their work.

In my second article “How To Find A Doula” I share a more in-depth look into my journey with finding our doula and how to go about finding one for yourself.

Read the articles to go deeper and learn more. In short, having a doula as part of your pregnancy and labor journey for emotional support can help to completely transform your labor experience.

No matter how you choose to birth and educate yourself. My hope in sharing these resources is you feel empowered on your journey. To know that no matter what, you are strong, capable, and so deeply wise!

Dress: Second-hand

White Sandals: Famolare