The Childbirth Womanifesto

by Lisa Schuring of Purebirth Australia

When you make the conscious decision to be solely in charge, and to face up to your own thoughts, actions, feelings and choices knowing that you and your baby alone will face their consequences,
that's empowerment.

When you say "OVER MY DEAD BODY!" and refuse to comply,
that's empowerment.

When you 'accidentally' kick your care provider in the head for ignoring your screams of pain and orders to cease and desist violating you with their fingers and instruments,
that's empowerment.

When you have no qualms about physically taking steps to protect yourself and your baby,
that's empowerment.

When you avoid being around people whose influences are affecting you negatively and causing fear, doubt, panic, uncertainity, or emotional distress,
that's empowerment.

When you see other women voice interest in natural, demedicalised childbirth and offer a voice in support,
that's empowerment.

When you see other women express fear, doubt, uncertainity, lack of trust in themselves and their own abilities and give them a hug and tell them that it is okay to love themselves, to be selfish, to make their own decisions regardless of what other people might think including their care providers,
that's empowerment.

When you see a woman being violated against her express wishes and you lift your hand to stop it at the risk of losing your job or position,
that's empowerment.

When you stand up and yell the core, essential truths of womankind to the rooftops knowing that you may alienate your friends, family, partners and end up being pelted with rotten fruit fromq threatened, angry guilt-ridden women,
thats empowerment.

When you educate yourself on what is truly natural and physiologically normal for women, babies and childbirth,
that's empowerment.

When you fire your care provider because you know deep down that they are dangerous, and look for one that respects women and babies,
that's empowerment.

When you find out information for yourself through various sources rather than going to someone else for advice because they happen to hold a piece of fancy paper with lots of letters with periods or commas after them,
that's empowerment.

When you refuse to lie down and give up, when you keep trying even after having emotional upheavals and distress,
that's empowerment.

When you tell your partner that despite the fact that it may be his baby as well, as long as that baby is within you, its your body, your baby, your fuckin' choice,
that's empowerment.

When you know that childbirth isn't inherently risky and that you can give safely birth by yourself anywhere, any time, without assistance,
that's empowerment.

When you listen and follow your primal instincts and your baby's primal cues,
that's empowerment.

When you love and listen to other women, honouring their differences and their feelings,
that's empowerment.

And empowerment is self protection. Protect yourself and your children and in so you'll also be protecting OTHER women and THEIR children. What happens to one, happens to all.