Enneagram Type 6 - The Loyalist

The Enneagram Type 6 is known as the Loyalist or the Loyal Skeptic.

Enneagram Type Six in Pregnancy

They gain these titles from their deep commitment to their people. The Type 6 acquired an idea early on that they could not trust themselves exclusively, but needed consistent outside input in order to be prepared for life and possible negative events.

The Type 6 is reliable and hard working. When given a job, they follow through proving their loyalty to the group. They are engaging and yet cautious, always looking out for remote possibilities and alternative outcomes. They want all of the details and all of the information so that they can consult with their people and be prepared. The long to feel safe. A Type 6 can be pessimistic at times and can be clingy and insecure, fearing being left completely alone.

At the core, a Type 6 feels like they can never guarantee their safety, yet they are always trying - making plans, and backup plans for plans, preparing for possible worst case scenarios. They fear uncertainty, and they don't like being surprised or caught off guard. They are terrified of being in danger and ultimately having to face that danger alone and unprepared. Their safety comes from their preparedness. They long to feel safe, secure, and supported but may doubt that it is ever possible to find this level of security. As a child, an Enneagram 6 may have started to believe that they could not depend on or trust themselves and had to look to outside resources in order to find the security they long for.

• The information that a Type 6 receives comes directly through fact and logic. Type 6's can then get stuck in their head analyzing all of the facts, reasoning with their "inner committee" which always seems to be lacking, and trying to figure out all of the possible worst case scenarios so they can be most prepared.

• A Type 6's Identity is based on outside feedback that they receive. They are constantly asking whether they are safe based on who is surround them and is loyal to them and their cause. They seek to maintain their close group and may even become possessive of their friendships.

• Enneagram 6's value being understood in conflict. If they are feeling misunderstood (at risk of rejection or abandonment) they may escalate the conflict beyond the current issue in order to make sure that they are fully seen and understood. Type 6's can be loud and feisty in conflict and can at times come across controlling.

• Type 6's are realistic about getting their needs met. They find a deep sense of self based on their attachments in life and how safe they feel. If they are surrounded by loyal friends, a Type 6 can be a great team player, responsible, and caring toward others.

In growth, a type 6 will move toward the top side of Type 9, relaxing and resting more and worrying less. They may be more willing to see and pursue peace and compromise with others rather than being exclusively wrapped up in their own needs. When they are growing, a type 6 can see more of the positives in life and can be more optimistic about possible outcomes. In stress, a type 6 moves toward the low end of the type 3, pursuing accomplishment and achievement in order to create a sense of safety. They may go overboard in their need to see all of their people safe and secure, so they will work hard to the point of frantic control and may come across as hoarding their relationships.

The Core Question of a Type 6 is "What could go wrong?"

In pregnancy, an Enneagram type 6 is going to be doing research and asking questions from day one! They want to avoid any sense of surprise or the unknown. They long to understand every possibility so they can be prepared. They may look to experts, friends, and family (as well as print resources) to discover all of the "what ifs" and how to be prepared for them. A Type 6, once finding a provider may remain exceptionally loyal to that provider (because they make them feel safe). This can become loyalty to a fault - if the provider is pushing interventions in the name of safety and disregarding the desires of the mama. The Type six may be willing to compromise simply to avoid any danger or pain (whether or not the danger is truly present). They can benefit from the presence of a consistent labor support/advocate of a doula who can help them navigate the waters and help them feel safe.

A truth to hold to is that they are well-prepared and safe with their people. A Type 6 will not go into birth unprepared, so even in a turn of events, their backup plan already exists. So when the time for labor and birth comes, remind them to relax. They've already done all their homework.

The type 6 needs to acquire a close knit group of people around them during pregnancy and birth who can answer their questions and help them to feel prepared and safe. They need to know they can depend on these people when the time of labor comes. A Type six can also benefit from understanding that they have everything they need in the moments of labor and birth. Their birth team is for them and their support people will be present no matter what happens. Finally, it is helpful for an enneagram six to know they have their plans, but then to open their hands in surrender. Birth is unpredictable, but that doesn't diminish its beauty or intimacy. Remind them that they are strong. They are prepared. And that they can be present with where they are in that moment.

A type six tuning into the present moment can experience a birth that is full of beauty and free from fear!

Are you a type six? How did that affect your pregnancy and birth?

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