Episode 16: Latham Thomas

TRANSCENDENT BIRTH

“What I know now is that the neurochemicals and hormones that make it possible for you to have a transcendent experience during birth are ever present but are moving through us in copious amounts during labor. It is this way so that we can have an experience of transcendence. It is this way because birth is actually a meditation. It is designed to transform us in so many ways.” 

“A transcendent birth is about belief in your body, belief in the power and connection of nature as it moves through you. It is also important to have real, tangible connection and tether to community.”

COMMUNITY 

“We used to live in communities and tribes. Now we are alone. You are supposed to be surrounded by community. You are not supposed to do this alone.” 

“In the midst of chaos or rest, being able to design a sense of safety and a space to feel swaddled so you can have the birth you desire is important. It takes a practice of mindfulness, a belief in your creative capacity and community to help you fulfill it.” 

PREPARING FOR BIRTH

“We can benefit from looking at how our ancestors gave birth. They moved their bodies. They would walk miles and miles. They would be barefoot. They would forage. They did all kinds of activities that required mobility. And did all kinds of labor that prepared their bodies for childbirth.” 

“Functional movement is important to incorporate into preparation for birth. Do activities that allow you to move parts of your body that are helpful for the birth process, such as planting, gardening, weeding, mopping the floors on your hands and knees…It will make you have less pain.” 

“Eat food that is grown with more love and less chemicals.” 

BIRTHING FEARS 

“Most people are concerned about the pain of birth. My advice is to be more comfortable with the purpose of the pain and the process. If we can make our pain purposeful, it gives it a different meaning. It is also informing us.” 

“At some point we need to think about the joy. About conquests. Of overcoming. And having the best experience possible.” 

 BIRTHING METHODS

“We should not say a C-section is easier. It is not easier. Nor should we encourage it. There are so many benefits to having a vaginal birth to the body and epigenome. Recovery is quicker than with a C-section, which can be 6 months to a year.” 

BREASTFEEDING

“Breastfeeding is a transfer of liquid love.”

“If we look at breastmilk as the first food, everyone should have access to breastmilk. It is the gold standard for infant feeding. Everyone should have access to it and not just particular groups of people.”

“I am about a parent and a baby working together to develop their own communication dialogue. It is a dance. You are making decisions together. You are working together as a unit.”

EXPECTANT PARENTS

“What I hope that you [expectant parents] can take in is that this configuration will never happen again; it won’t be the same baby, same body, same time.” 

“Revel in the magic, mystery, beauty and benevolent nature of your body and what it is doing to support you and a growing baby at the same time.”  

“I think parenthood can be summed up as a journey of constant surrender. You are never in control. When these people come, you are holding their hands and gently walking by their side.”

“I know that holding him for three years and responding to his every need, carrying and talking to him and bringing him everywhere I went, I know that all of that imprinted him and created a sense of safety and emotional intelligence and kindness that he carries with him to this day.”