Is Hypnobirthing For Me?
You may have noticed the sudden surge in articles about Hypnobirthing in the media lately.
We can thank The Duchess of Cambridge for this. She has opened up about her positive birthing experiences and made note that she used hypnobirthing for all three of her pregnancies.
Of course, I am thrilled for another high profile endorsement for the technique as it can only be good for business. Other celebrities that have sang its praises include:
Giovanna Fletcher
Fearne Cotton
Ella Woodward
Jessica Alba
Angelina Jolie
Ferne McCann
Sam & Billie Faiers
Russell Brand
Harry Kane
Catherine Tyldesley
Meghan Markle
To name a few!
If you are reading this and are pregnant, you may have wondered about using the method yourself. So is it for you?
I teach Katharine Grave’s hypnobirthing course (click here to learn more). The 12 hours of learning couples receive are about far more than just breathing techniques, affirmations, visualisations and relaxations. Those things are absolutely paramount but the course also provides you with comprehensive antenatal learning. To me, knowledge is power. The more you know and prepare, the more confident you will feel.
During the sessions I also teach couples the following:
The Hormones Involved in Birth
Stages of Labour - First, Second & Third
The role of the NHS - Midwives, Obstetricians and their Protocols
Induction of Labour
Cesarean Section
The Forth Trimester - ‘What to expect from your newborn’
Breastfeeding
Delayed Cord Clamping
Ways to Reduce your Chance of Tearing
Optimal Birth Positions
Places to Birth
Pain Management Options
Light Touch Massage
Care of the Pelvic Floor
Your Choices & Options- ‘Taking ownership and responsibility for your pregnancy, birth & parenting’
Again.............to name a few!
Another of the fundamentals of hypnobirthing is the role that it gives the birth partner during pregnancy and in the birthing room.
Meeting your new baby is probably the biggest day of your life. This amazing day is not just for the mother giving birth but also for the father too. Hypnobirthing approaches birthing as a partnership. Fathers can feel well prepared, involved and knowledgeable in the ways to assist and support during pregnancy and birth. This is fantastic for a couples relationship, bonding with a new baby and the father’s mental well being following such a life changing event.
Some of the comments Mums have made to me about their birth partners include:
“.....my husband was my absolute hero”
“.....my husband was brilliant, my sturdy boat of eternal optimism”
“........hypnobirthing helped my husband in knowing all the right things to say to keep me calm”
“.......Jim was absolutely incredible.....the skills you taught him were immeasurable”
And I would say about my husband that at such a vulnerable time he made me feel safe, secure and always kept me smiling, laughing and focused when it was needed.
Many fathers sadly come away from the birth of their child feeling they were helpless and useless. The discussion of birth trauma in mothers is becoming less taboo but we have a long way to go in ensuring fathers can vocalise their emotions following this event.
For single Mums the course can be adapted. Hypnobirthing really is for everyone.
Without hesitation, I would always recommend a hypnobirthing course to any pregnant women. Whether it be her first or a subsequent birth.
Before becoming a teacher my only concern and slight apprehension was whether the promotion of positive birth can set women up to fail.
There is absolutely no doubt that pregnancy and labour can take us down a path of many twists and turns. I questioned whether helping Mums visualise their perfect birth might conjure feelings of failure and sadness if things didn’t play out as they had hoped.
Having worked with many couples the notion that ‘hypnobirthing always helps’ has been firmly set in stone for me. I have had birth reports from Mums who have had the perfect birth for their family but I also have many reports where things haven’t quite gone to ‘plan’. Hypnobirthing has helped women diagnosed with Pre Eclampsia, Gestational Diabetes, Placenta Previa, those who required caesarean section and even those requiring surgery as a result of post partum haemorrhage.
I have 2 daughters, one being born prematurely in a very medicalised birth in an obstetric unit and another born swiftly and calmly at home. Hypnobirthing proved to be amazing in both situations, affording me the chance to be able to look back at both births very fondly.
The technique also opened up my eyes to mindfulness, meditation and the power of breath. It certainly provides a skill for life.
There is nothing ‘hippy dippy’ about hypnobirthing. It is a powerful and profound method underpinned by science, logic and common sense.
For details on up-coming courses in Dorset please click here and get in touch.
