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August 29, 2019

Enneagram + Birth | Type 7

My goal with these blog posts is to create a resource for mommas who are planning a pregnancy or birth and find a lot of insight through the Enneagram. This is just one tool in your toolbox when preparing for birth but I hope it’s an eye-opening one!

So, let’s dive in! Below is a description of the Enneagram Type 7 as defined by The Enneagram Institute. After that, I have some insight from women who are type sevens and have given birth. At the end of the post, I’ve shared a few insights and “homework” for you. I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comment section!

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ENNEAGRAM TYPE 7: THE ENTHUSIAST

“Sevens are extroverted, optimistic, versatile, and spontaneous. Playful, high-spirited, and practical, they can also misapply their many talents, becoming over-extended, scattered, and undisciplined. They constantly seek new and exciting experiences, but can become distracted and exhausted by staying on the go. They typically have problems with impatience and impulsiveness. At their Best: they focus their talents on worthwhile goals, becoming appreciative, joyous, and satisfied.”

Mom and dad holding their newborn baby boy after unmedicated hospital birth.

Jaclyn’s Experience:

“I’m a 7w8, I love to be busy, I could be around people 24/7, I love to be “doing” and having fun. I’m a fast learner, and I’m pretty quick to the draw, whether that means verbally processing things out loud instead of thinking ahead, or bantering back and forth with others. I get severe FOMO and love the center of attention. I’m generally a people-pleaser, but my wing 8 comes into play if someone causes injustice, hurts my friend, or challenges my core values and beliefs. I’m not afraid of a little debate, and actually kind of enjoy it :)

I knew I wanted to do a natural labor/birth with my first baby (well really with all of them), but I took a “hands-off” approach and did zero planning, zero birthing classes, zero research. I didn’t want to think about it too much because it would scare me, I just wanted to DO IT. I believed the Lord could carry me through, so most of my preparation was spent creating a worship playlist for the delivery room, praying through fears, and trusting God would give me the strength I needed to deliver without medication. Everyone thought I was crazy. They said “you can’t deliver naturally without any planning!” But it spurred me on (that 8 wing coming into play) to prove them wrong and show them I could do it. And praise God, I did it! It was so beautiful to lean solely on the Lord and the whole process was such a spiritual experience for me.

At first I thought I was just fearful and that’s why I didn’t want to plan for my birth. But I realized it’s more who I am – acting on impulse, being optimistic about the outcome, believing God would give me the strength to take it on (as with any big decision/challenge ahead). It was exciting to me to take a risk and try to do birth naturally. I wanted to see what I was made of. Learning I was a 7w8 really helped me make sense of my thoughts and actions through the whole process. I wasn’t just a CRAZY person!”

Mom holding baby boy in the birth tub while looking at dad with excitement and midwife wipes baby's head.

Kortnee’s Experience:

“I’m a 7w6 – I’m loyal, love new experiences, and am relationship-oriented. I am quick-witted, always positive, dreaming, and productive. I researched and researched and always stayed positive.

I wanted the absolute best experience for my husband and I and the safest experience for our babies. I was excited to experience such a big, spiritual, life-changing event. Creating and birthing life is like no other experience! During labor I joked some in the beginning and then did not say a word, but turned internally – giving myself pep talks. I reminded myself of this beautiful journey. I told myself “10 more minutes” when it was hours long. My husband and midwife were the only ones I wanted in the room. They were quiet, always touching me and whispering love to me.

Birth was hard but I always look back at it as the greatest. I was told by the staff that for both births I was incredibly strong and the most peaceful.”

Dad with tattoos holding new baby boy right after unmedicated birth in birth center.

INSIGHTS:

  • Sevens seek new experiences and happiness. They may view birth as something new and exciting – a fresh outlook on something many women are afraid of. Own that!
  • Some sevens are very spontaneous and may not be interested in planning anything for their birth. If this is you, be careful not to go into birth completely “blind.” Being uninformed could put you in a situation where you end up losing the joyful experience you’d hoped for.
  • Others around you may not understand your excitement about or outlook on birth. Keep that in mind when chatting with friends and family and don’t let them take any of your excitement away.

HOMEWORK:

  • Research your Enneagram wing. If you’re a 7wing8, you may approach birth very differently than a 7wing6.
  • Talk to your birth team about your hopes for your birth. An experienced doula will be able to tell you how to make sure the room stays happy and excited throughout your labor.
  • Make sure the care provider you’ve chosen has a similar outlook on birth. Be sure that they view birth as a beautiful, normal event and not as a medical emergency – this could lead to major issues during your labor.
  • Share your joyful outlook with another momma! Many women view labor and birth as a scary, anxiety-inducing event. If you could chat with them and help them feel better or more excited for this experience, wouldn’t that be amazing?!

Are you an Enneagram Type 7 who’s given birth? If so, I’d love to hear your thoughts on these insights below in the comments!

How to prepare for your birth using the enneagram for type seven.

You can also read about Type One, Type Two, Type Three, Type Four, Type Five, Type Six, Type Eight, and Type Nine.

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