Embracing Water Birth with Barbara Harper

Rewire For Birth Podcast

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In this enlightening episode, we sit down with the renowned birth educator and water birth advocate, Barbara Harper. Fresh from her transformative trip to Dubai and UAE where she educated medical professionals at Fakeeh University Hospital on non-interventional birth practices, Barbara shares her insights into the spiritual connection of childbirth, the benefits of delayed cord clamping, and how parents can reclaim their birthing experience through education and preparation.

**Key Points Discussed:**

- **Barbara's Workshops in Dubai:** Over 200 birth professionals attended full-day workshops while an evening session captivated around a hundred parents.

- **Impactful Changes:** The head of neonatology at Fakeeh University Hospital commits to delayed cord clamping until pulsation stops—a significant shift towards non-interventionist practice.

Emphasizing the mother's chest (AKA “the sanctuary”) as a protected space for bonding and neurological connections between mother and baby.

Exploring how water births promote comfort during labor by providing buoyancy and freedom of movement which aligns with natural physiological processes.

Addressing gaps in medical school curricula regarding natural birthing methods; advocating for change within hospital settings by educating young doctors about nature’s plan for childbirth.

- **Preparation Techniques for Expectant Parents:**

- Encouraging communication between parent and child before birth.

- Utilizing hypnobirthing techniques like 'Bliss Born' classes that focus on deep relaxation.

- Preparing mentally through visualization exercises to create positive blueprints for childbirth experiences.

- Importance of having supportive partners who understand the nuances of labor—helping women stay focused in the present moment without distractions or negative influences from others.

**Quotes from Barbara Harper:**

1. "Parents deserve collaborative care with providers who understand normal physiology."

2. "What my mind thinks, my body feels—and what my mind thinks, her body feels."

3. "Pain is inevitable but suffering is optional."

Barbara Harper's approach to childbirth emphasizes trust—in oneself, your baby, one’s birth partner, healthcare providers—and most importantly in the process itself. Her global influence underscores not only an educational mission but also a deeply rooted belief that compassionately supporting natural birth has profound ripple effects across cultures worldwide.

Listeners will leave inspired by her vision that respectful maternity care combined with informed choices leads to empowering birthing experiences filled with dignity and joy.

Visit barbara at https://waterbirth.org/

And connect with her on instagram @waterbirthint

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