There is an in-between. There are moments during labor and delivery full of breath and tenderness marked by a pause. During these moments all labor stops. Time hesitates. If we learn to relish this respite we can find a gentle calm in which to rest between the storms of contraction. To catch our breath. But we will need to practice being present. If we allow our mind to hold on to the previous contraction or to fear the next one, we will lose the opportunity to be presently aware and pleasantly at peace if only for a moment.Contractions are unlike any other physical pain. When we work our muscles through exercise we often experience a fatigue lasting for hours or even days. We feel achy, tired or depleted. When we experience contractions during labor they come and then they go completely and without residue. The achy, depleted feeling does not follow. We are offered a break in between each physical effort to birth our baby. We can relish these moments in between by coming into our breath, one inhale at a time and one exhale at a time. Letting go of the past and surrendering the future. We can be present with our baby and this birth.
Practicing presence requires us to sit with our breath. To bring our mind into our body. We can practice mindful breathing daily in preparation for childbirth.
Take a comfortable seat. Close your eyes. Bring your mind into the four corners of the room. Begin breathing in through the nose and out through the nose. Feel the body begin to calm. Feel the mind begin to quiet. Follow your breath, saying to yourself, "I know that I am breathing in." And then, "I know that I am breathing out." As you inhale, know that you are breathing in all that you and your baby need for Life. As you exhale, release any tension you feel in your mind or in your body. Let go of anything that is not of service to you or to your baby. Be here and breath, presently and peacefully.
