Birth preparation involves far more than physical readiness. In this episode, Ama K. Karikari, Esq., joins Lynn Schulte, PT, to discuss how pelvic health therapists can help clients build self-trust, find their voice, and become active participants in their birth experience. While outcomes are unknown, clients who feel empowered, informed, and supported often navigate birth with greater confidence and less fear.

Clinical Takeaways For Pelvic Health Practitioners

• Birth preparation should include emotional, relational, and physical readiness.
• Validating a client's experience builds confidence and self-trust.
• Self-advocacy begins long before labor starts.
• Understanding options and support systems can improve birth confidence.
• Partners, doulas, and advocates play a critical role during labor.
• Pelvic health therapists are uniquely positioned to help clients trust their body's wisdom.

Ways Practitioners Can Help Clients Prepare for Birth

• Encourage clients to communicate their needs, concerns, and preferences.
• Help clients identify their birth goals and non-negotiables.
• Foster body awareness and trust in internal sensations.
• Discuss informed consent and available birth options.
• Role-play conversations with providers when appropriate.
• Support clients in building a strong advocacy team, including partners and doulas.
• Recognize emotional patterns or previous experiences that may influence labor and refer for additional support when needed.

Resources & Links Mentioned

Books

• A Silence to Soaring by Ama K. Karikari
• No Bad Parts by Richard Schwartz

Concepts Discussed

• Internal Family Systems (IFS)
• Inner Child Healing
• Self-Advocacy in Birth
• Body Wisdom
• Birth Autonomy

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is self-advocacy important during birth?
Self-advocacy helps clients communicate their needs, ask questions, participate in decisions, and feel more empowered throughout labor.

What should comprehensive birth preparation include?
Effective birth preparation includes physical readiness, emotional support, communication skills, understanding birth options, developing self-trust, and creating a strong support system.

About The Speaker

Ama K. Karikari, Esq. is an author, transformational guide, community leader and founder of the Soaring Sisters Circle. She creates empowering spaces that support healing, resilience, and personal transformation. 

Ama Karikari’s website: https://www.amakkarikari.com/

Access her free book: http://bit.ly/42eVDqe

Message me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/instituteforbirthhealing/

Message me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/InstituteForBirthHealing/

Email Me: [email protected]

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Visit Institute for Birth Healing to learn more about how to care for the pregnant and postpartum body: CLICK HERE