Over the last century there has
been a very rapid development in obstetrics. No one would deny
the safety net provided by modern obstetrics when problems occur.
However, the vast majority of labours have the potential to
be uncomplicated when not hindered by the routine use of
interventions in labour.
Janet Balaskas, founder of The Active Birth movement, has pioneered an
approach to birth in which the woman regains the responsibility
of childbirth, and in which she is enabled to use her body to the best advantage. Many studies have revealed the
advantages to a woman when she is walking about and assuming
upright positions in labour.
An active birth is one in which a woman is
in control of her body, following her instincts and the natural
physiology of normal labour and birth. She is an active participant in her birth, rather than a passive recipient of routine care.
This will probably mean
that she will move around freely, choosing comfortable, upright
positions during contractions, and resting and relaxing between. She will also be able to benefit from medical support, where it used appropriately, to bring about a positive result.
Active Birth yoga and relaxation is
effective and empowering exercise for pregnancy, and as
preparation for birth.
Ruth originally trained as an Active Birth Teacher with Janet Balaskas, and has since joined up with a group of similarly trained teachers to form a group called YogaBirth. YogaBirth now offers a training programme, and so if you are interested in becoming a YogaBirth Teacher, please visit our site www.YogaBirth.org.