A message to our babies

An everyday miracle, birth transforms us and ushers in new life. We are strong, yet vulnerable. Wise, yet with a beginner’s mind. Navigating perinatal systems can feel overwhelming and even with the best laid plans sometimes birth goes quite differently than expected. Much in the way that positive affirmations in a birth space help remind families of their strength and the power of their body, these direct messages to the baby may help remind parents to talk to their sentient and sensitive womb child.

Birth leaves its mark not only on a birthing parent but also on their baby who will try to tell their story again and again until it is received. When we practice communicating directly with our baby we are opening the door to also listen to what they need to tell us.

Affirming our intentions, love and desires can help us to make heart-centered choices rather than getting swept up in fear. We build a relational field with our baby that can withstand the potential complications of birth. If something overwhelming happens either for baby or parent as part of the birth process they may return to these messages and hold their relationship with their child at the center of their care.

As a birthworker I have the honor of working with families as they journey through pregnancy and birth. Because I am not a medical provider, and also because birth is not inherently a medical event, I look for ways to support families that are relationally based. I hope to use the art I’ve created to help model how parents can speak to their babies. For some folks this practice might feel odd at first and having a template may help them get started.

Especially in technocratic births, I’ve witnessed babies whisked away from their parents without providers really acknowledging their humanity. I know that I cannot prevent birth trauma alone but whispering “Welcome, I’m so glad you are here” to a fresh soul transitioning is important work. Then, when that baby is embraced by their parent and they connect heart-to-heart the work of repair, bonding and growth flourishes.

• Davis-Floyd, R. (2009). Birth models that work. Berkeley, CA: University of California Press.

• Seng, J. and Taylor, J. (2015). Trauma informed care in the perinatal period. Edinburgh, UK: Dunedin Academic Press.

• Wilks, J. Ed. (2017). An integrative approach to treating babies and children: A multidisciplinary approach. Philadelphia, PA and London, England: Singing Dragon.