If you think your birth story won’t matter, that it won’t have significance in your life for years to come; just ask your great grandmother to tell you about her births. Pay attention to how she shares her story. Is she elated? Matter of fact? Does it bring her tears of sorrow and pain or tears of joy? Does she wish it could have been different? Would she have changed anything?
Sharing of birth stories is a timeless tradition that would be wonderful to revive in our culture. It is one that many women cherish, especially when a curious friend is asking and really cares. Ask a woman close to you in your life to share hers. And then be prepared to sit for awhile and listen. Listen to her emotions behind the words. Learn from her. Ask her to elaborate. Ask how it impacted her ability to mother in the year after.
Reading other parents’ birth stories is a wonderful way to prepare for your baby’s birth. Learn about the varied experiences of our clients in these stories they share with our community.