Enneagram + Birth | Type 2

2: THE HELPER

“Twos are empathetic, sincere, and warm-hearted. They are friendly, generous, and self-sacrificing, but can also be sentimental, flattering, and people-pleasing. They are well-meaning and driven to be close to others, but can slip into doing things for others in order to be needed. They typically have problems with possessiveness and with acknowledging their own needs. At their Best: unselfish and altruistic, they have unconditional love for others.”​

INSIGHTS:

• Twos have a hard time accepting help when asked “what can I do for you?” – if someone you love is a two, don’t ask how you can help, just do something for them before they can say they are “fine.”

• If you are a two, learn to accept help. I know that’s easier said than done, but people WANT to help you, especially when you’ve just had a baby, so let them!

• Allow yourself to believe that during labor, you deserve help. Your birth team WANTS to be with you and guide you through labor. Birth workers love their jobs so don’t feel bad that they are helping you.

HOMEWORK:

• Accept help from someone this week. Whether they offer to help with your older kids, put together a postpartum meal train for you, or help you clean your home before baby arrives, just say “That would be so nice! Thank you!”

• Talk to your birth team about your tendencies to not accept help or to feel like a burden to others who are helping you. Also talk through your fears about labor and birth.

• Create a plan for after baby is born. Will you have someone looking out for you while your partner is caring for baby? Two’s basic desire is to feel loved, but they also rarely accept help from others – look out for yourself and prepare for how you may be feeling if/when baby needs your partner’s attention. Maybe consider hiring a postpartum doula.

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