I think there's a big mindset shift that was really helpful for me, which is that we think of each

contraction as also an expansion. So in yoga, there's this principle called spanda, which is a Sanskrit

word, which basically means the constant fluctuation of the universe, so that everything comes into form

through this like contraction expansion cycle. And you may have experienced this

energetically in your life, like something amazing happens, like you get a promotion. And then there's

kind of like that success hangover, right? Where like you maybe don't feel as good or something,

you know, goes wrong. And when we understand that, you know, new things are always birthed in this

contraction expansion cycle, I think that for me was like a

total reframe on the labor process itself because I was like, oh, I'm not just contracting. It's like,

I'm contracting so that my cervix can like dilate and expand. Getting pregnant and giving birth are two of the most exciting things you can ever hope to experience in this life.

The moment you think you could be pregnant, you're frantically searching for all the best information,

which is why you're here today. I'm Stephanie King and with my many years of experience as a professional

childbirth educator, doula, and lover of all things, pregnancy, birth and postpartum. I'm here to make preparing

for your birth enjoyable, empowering, and totally easy. Each week, I'll cover different topics,

interview professionals, and get into the nitty-gritty birth stories from mamas just like you.

And when you're ready for more, you can join me in the My Essential Birth course

at MyEessentialbirth.com, where I take you step by step through exactly how to prepare your mind,

body, spirit, and partner for a birth you love. So let's get started.

Welcome back to the podcast and this week's reviewer of the week is Lady Abbs.

She says, thank you for such a great podcast.

Your very last podcast was made for me, 212.

So now I have to go back and listen and figure out exactly why it was made for you.

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