Clearing the Path: Benefits of Proactive Prep for Birth and Beyond
In a literal sense, “clearing the path” refers to the physical action of removing objects like branches, rocks, or debris that might block or impede movement along a trail. The purpose of doing so is to make the path easier to travel or navigate.
Metaphorically, and in the context of birth and beyond, “clearing the path” means taking proactive steps during pregnancy (or even before) to identify and manage potential obstacles and challenges along the route that you plan to take. This can make your birth and postpartum journey smoother and more straightforward.
Here’s what this can look like:
Working through fears
Choosing an aligned care provider
Hiring a doula
Focusing on health and wellness in pregnancy
Starting a mindfulness and meditation practice
Becoming familiar with the birth process
Creating a birth plan and discussing your options in advance
Preparing for postpartum, not just birth
Building a support system
While it can be beneficial to clear the path, this doesn’t mean that it’s possible to remove every obstacle. Here are some examples:
Chronic illness
Insurance that limits your options
Options limited by where you live
Complications that arise
Lack of access to paid leave
Financial limitations
Difficulties in finding support
There may be challenges that we just have to navigate. Knowing what they are in advance can be immensely helpful when it comes to problem-solving solutions to managing them. Maybe they are completely unavoidable. Maybe there is a different path to take.
It’s also critical to understand that unexpected challenges will arise during the journey. Support and tools can help us navigate them in the moment. This can look like:
Doula support
Non-medical pain management techniques
Knowing which labor positions to use and when
Medical interventions
Postpartum doula support
Support from an IBCLC (International Board Certified Lactation Consultant)
“Clearing the path” is all about knowing where you want to go, removing any obstacles that you can in advance, coming up with a plan to navigate the ones you cannot move, and being ready to navigate the unexpected challenges in the moment.
Interested in being proactive in pregnancy? Check out my toolkit, called Proactive Pregnancy: Early Essentials for Expectant Parents. Click the button below to check it out!