Want to learn how to prepare for a pain free birth? Today we are joined by Dr. Porntip Israsena Twishime who shares what led to hear painless birth experiences.
Tune in to learn:
✔ The impact fear-based narratives can have on your birth experience
✔ How to be mindful as you prepare for birth
✔ The power of being present and mindful in your body during pregnancy
✔ How to stay present with distractions in the hospital
Listen to the episode now:
In this episode of The Mindful Womb Podcast, we had the privilege of speaking with Dr. Porntip Israsena Twishime , a mother, scholar, and storyteller, about her profound birth experiences. What makes her journey remarkable is the way she prepared for childbirth by reshaping the narratives around birth and embracing her own story—resulting in two largely pain-free and empowering birth experiences.
Shaping Birth Through the Stories We Tell Ourselves
Dr. Ploy’s story underscores the powerful influence of the narratives we inherit about birth. From a young age, she was exposed to a birth-positive perspective through her mother, who never associated labor with pain. This foundational belief significantly influenced her approach to pregnancy and birth, proving how the stories we hear can shape our expectations and experiences.
Many of us grow up exposed to media portrayals of birth that emphasize fear and pain—women screaming in hospital beds, chaotic scenes, and intense medical interventions. These narratives can instill anxiety and dread around birth. Dr. Ploy, however, was intentional about protecting herself from fear-based birth stories, choosing instead to seek out empowering narratives that aligned with her mother’s experience and her own innate trust in her body.
The Role of Mindfulness and Presence in Birth
Another key theme in Dr. Ploy’s birth preparation was mindfulness. She deeply committed to practices such as walking and mindful prenatal yoga, which allowed her to cultivate a strong connection with her body. By engaging in these daily rituals, she strengthened her ability to be fully present in her body and listen to its needs.
Rather than relying on rigid birth plans or external techniques, she trusted in her own ability to navigate labor intuitively. This approach not only helped her move through labor with ease but also allowed her to maintain a sense of calm and control even in high-pressure medical situations.
Navigating the Medical System with Confidence
Dr. Ploy’s second birth experience brought additional challenges. Despite her calm and centered presence, she encountered a hospital system that often prioritizes medical intervention over physiological birth. A shift change in providers led to increased pressure for interventions and, at one point, even a recommendation for a C-section.
However, by staying deeply attuned to her body and surrounding herself with a supportive birth team—including her partner and doula—she was able to navigate these pressures with confidence and ultimately birth her baby on her own terms.
Key Takeaways for Expecting Parents
Dr. Ploy’s birth stories offer valuable lessons for anyone preparing for childbirth:
Be Intentional About the Stories You Consume: Seek out positive and empowering birth narratives. The way we think about birth can shape how we experience it.
Cultivate Presence and Body Awareness: Engaging in practices like mindful movement, breathwork, and meditation can help you stay grounded and connected to your body during labor.
Trust Your Body’s Wisdom: Your body knows how to birth. While medical interventions can be necessary in some cases, staying present and informed can help you make decisions that align with your birth goals.
Build a Supportive Birth Team: Surround yourself with people who trust and advocate for your birthing choices. A supportive partner, doula, or midwife can make a significant difference in your experience.
Stay Flexible and Empowered: Birth is unpredictable, and while preparation is essential, being adaptable and trusting your intuition can lead to a more empowered experience, no matter what unfolds.
Dr. Ploy’s journey is a testament to the profound impact of storytelling, mindfulness, and self-trust in birth. By challenging fear-based narratives and embracing a deep connection with her body, she was able to experience birth in a way that many people don’t believe is possible—calm, empowering, and largely pain-free.
As you prepare for your own birth journey, take time to examine the stories you carry, cultivate mindfulness, and trust in the incredible power of your body. Birth is not just a medical event—it is a sacred, transformative experience that has the potential to be beautiful and empowering.
If you’d like to learn more about Dr. Ploy and her work, follow her on Instagram @ploytwishimi for more insights into storytelling, empowerment, and mindful living.
Did this story resonate with you? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and let’s continue the conversation about reclaiming birth as a positive and powerful experience!
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