WHAT EXACTLY IS HYPNOBIRTHING?
I hate Hypnobirthing.
Well, just its name. It puts so many people off doing the course when in fact it is a form of antenatal education.
It is not airy fairy, let’s all chant in the woods and talk about our vaginas opening. It is factual, science and effective.
So let me tell you about what we cover in my course and how Hypnobirthing could actually change your birth experience.
Firstly, expectant parents message me and say they are petrified to give birth. I easily get 3-5 messages a week saying the exact same thing. I understand and totally get that. It’s the fear of the unknown, the worry of not getting the brith you envisioned and the concern you’ll not cope with the pain. I can assure you, that Hypnobirthing can help.
So what exactly is Hypnobirthing?
It is a form of antenatal education including tools and techniques to help manage and conquer labour and birth.
It includes aspects such as relaxation, the mind-body connection, breathing techniques, visualisation, positive affirmations, birth partner support and decision making. Let me explain each to you.
Relaxation:
Believe or not, this is a skill that is learned.
Not everyone relaxes in the same way. Some people love a beach trip, some love a hike, a bath, chill time with a book or even a spa treatment.
Hypnobirthing teaches you how to create a relaxing birth environment and how to relax your mind and body together. This then helps your body’s natural birth hormones do their job.
The more relaxed and in control you are during your labour, the quicker and more comfortable your journey should be. It is my job as your Hypnobirthing teacher to show you how this can be done.
Mind-Body Connection
“What the mind believes the body achieves”, A statement I’ve been saying repeatedly during my slimming world journey haha! I am determined to loose weight. I am in the mind set that I want to feel comfortable in my own skin. So every day I’ve been saying to myself that I absolutely will do it. I will achieve this because I believe I can. If everyday I said awk I’m never going to be able to do it, get that takeaway phoned, the scales would be saying something different each week.
In Hypnobirthing I will teach and show you the process of birth and how it is not something that needs to be feared.
The mind body connection is simple but effective.
Your mind is the boss and can be so easily influenced. Hypnobirthing shows you just how you can imbed into your mind that you are capable of anything you set yourself. So Hypnobirthing lessens your fears surrounding birth. It fills your mind with positivity and reassurance.
Breathing Techniques
There are 2 simple but effective breathing techniques that should guide you through your labour and birth. A tool that I can show both you and your birth partner to manage and control together.
Visualisation
Whether its picturing reaching the peak of the mountain or holding your brand new baby, visualisation is powerful.
Sports Psychologists and Athletes use this regularly to encourage a positive mindset prior to and during their sport.
Positive Affirmations
Positive reminders that you are capable of so much more than you believe. These can be read everyday scattered around your home, read before bed, or even available to look at during labour. Keep your mind clear and positive. Here are some examples!
I am capable
My baby knows when to be born
I am supported
I am calm
My body is build to give birth
I am doing this
I breathe in calmness
I breathe out tension
During the course we create individualised positive affirmations so they are personal to you!
Birth Partner Support
Your birth partner has an important role during labour and birth. It is my role to show you how to be a helpful and supportive birth partner, all whilst just being present. This is your moment too and I can here to prepare you.
Decision Making
You may be faced with decisions during your pregnancy, labour and birth and it can be overwhelming making important decisions, i.e, induction.
Using your BRAIN can help (I promise I’m not being sarcastic)
B: BENEFITS
R:RISKS
A:ALTERNATIVES
I:INSTINCTS
N:NOTHING
B: What are the benefits?
R: What are the risk?
A: Are there any alternatives?
I: What are your instincts? Do you feel comfortable with it?
N: What happens if you do nothing?
Hypnobirthing does not guarantee a perfect birth experience, but it should be a positive experience. This is because you will know your options, feel comfortable with your birth team, understand the birth process and maintain a positive mindset.
Hypnobirthing will prepare your mind, body and birth partner for this life changing moment.
Let me help you, support you and guide you from pregnancy to parent. I’ve been where you are, and your birth story stays with you forever!
If hypnobirthing sounds like the antenatal education you need or deserve, then why not look at my upcoming courses! I would love to support you and your expectant family.