Ep. 10 Intuition, Knowsis & Primal Instincts in Unassisted Birth with Laura Kaplan Shanley

In this deeply personal and enlightening episode, our host shares her transformative experience with childbirth inspired by the work of Laura Shanley. As a prelude to motherhood, the conversation navigates through fear, empowerment, and the instinctual wisdom of birth.Key Points Discussed:Cindy credits Laura Shanley as a pivotal influence in her empowered approach to birthing her daughters, including an unassisted home birth.  The origin story of how Laura came into the field of natural childbirth is shared. It began at 18 when she met her future husband David who introduced her to "Childbirth Without Fear" by Grantly Dick-Read—a book that reshaped her perception of birth as an ecstatic rather than traumatic event.A key theme throughout is overcoming fear. By understanding that tension and fear can physically obstruct labor while calmness facilitates it, women can transform their birthing experience.Emphasizing intuition over intervention, Laura advocates for a more organic approach where trust in one’s body supersedes medical or external guidance during childbirth.Contrasting mechanistic views on human bodies with holistic ones that honor innate wisdom; discussing how thoughts and feelings significantly impact pregnancy and labor outcomes.The podcast touches upon societal disconnects between sexuality and birth—highlighting similarities in hormones involved and advocating for privacy during labor akin to intimate moments like sex.Encouraging positive affirmations about motherhood instead of succumbing to common fears such as financial insecurity or inadequacy which could negatively affect birth experiences. Observations are made about highly educated individuals often opting for c-sections due to heightened awareness (and thus fear) of what might go wrong during natural births—a paradoxical situation suggesting more knowledge (vs. connecting to one’s self and baby) isn't always beneficial.This episode invites listeners—especially expectant mothers—to embrace the strength within themselves while questioning conventional beliefs around childbirth. Through stories and insights from both host and guest, we explore how shifting perspectives towards love, acceptance, trust in nature's design can lead not only to better birthing experiences but also enrich life overall.Visit Laura www.unassistedchildbirth.com or www.freebirth.comYou can connect with Laura on instagram @shanley.lauraFor more information on support for experiencing the birth you desire visit: www.cindytahhan.com and follow @drcindytahhan on instagram