Birthing to the beat of your own drum

Drums have a unique rhythm and it is believed that drummers are the heartbeat of the band. The relationship between a drummer and their drum includes a blend of physical energy, emotional expression and often the technical skills required to feel the groove rather than just play.

Birth too has a rhythm and it is believed that mothers are the heartbeat of birth. The relationship between the mother and her birth includes a blend of physical strength, emotional connection and skills required to harness her natural rhythm and flow.

Attuning to ones own rhythm and flow relies on a powerful balance of knowledge, skills and attuning to ones own beat.

Knowledge brings confidence to trust in the process, the skills provide the ability to perform efficiently and attuning to the beat is a combination of the intuitive sense of direction, values, determination, courage, commitment and resilience when faced with the challenges of birth. The beat remains steady even when the rhythm changes.

Birth is a unique opportunity for women to find their own rhythm and birth to the beat of their own drum; to feel the groove rather than just play. The beat; the guiding compass is steady despite the changing rhythms.

Strong Women who march at the beat of their own drum…

Two incredibly strong women; Bethany Hamilton and Turia Pitt, who in the face of extreme adversity found their rhythm to overcome unimaginable pain. They both connected with their inner compass of determination and courage to choose purpose over pain.

Bethany Hamilton is an American author, motivational speaker and professional surfer who at the tender age of 13 had her left arm ripped off by a shark whilst surfing. She endured, she healed and she came back to accomplish what many women can only dream of doing.

With her strong faith and determination she was back in the surf 26 days after her surgery.

Bethany had a dream that she still wanted to compete in the Olympics however because her board was modified to support her getting up with one arm she was not eligible. Instead she was offered the para olympics, to which she replied;

“ I don’t need easy, I just need possible”

Bethany took on the task of reinventing herself as a big wave surfer; typically waves that are 6.2 meters high. Finding the rhythm of the waves, learning to align physical movements, positioning with the natural energy placing oneself in the pocket of power to match the waves peaks.

Faith, determination and not needing easy.

Turia Pitt is an Australian author, motivational speaker and athlete who survived a bushfire while competing in a 100km ultra marathon.

Turia sustained burns to 65% of her body, underwent 200 surgeries and spent two years in hospital. She has become an advocate for resilience and her immense strength to overcome adversity.

She too endured, she healed and returned within 5 years to compete in two iron woman events in Australia and Hawaii. This entails a  3.8km swim, 180 km bike ride followed by a 42.2km run.

“Some people think that to be strong is to never feel pain. In reality, the strongest people are the ones who feel it, understand it, and accept it.”