What IS Hypnobirthing?
Are you pregnant and feeling scared, anxious or even dreading giving birth?
At some point the reality of labour sets in. Am I really going to be able to birth my baby?! It can be difficult to shut out the negativity around birth, from well meaning friends and family, as well as how birth is portrayed in the media.
But you are strong and capable, and your body was made to give birth. Hypnobirthing can help you go from being anxious and worried to feeling calm and even looking forward to giving birth.
The term 'Hypnobirthing' does a disservice to the collection of techniques that will enable you to have a positive birth. Lots of people see the 'hypno' element and discount it as Derren Brown-type hypnosis, thinking it is not for them. Rest assured, you will not be strutting around in labour clucking like a chicken!
We all enter into and out of a trance-like self-hypnosis state multiple times a day (daydreaming for instance). A good analogy for hypnobirthing would be the preparation and mindset training that athletes use before a sporting event. An athlete uses visualisations as well as positive affirmations to help get into the right frame of mind, knowing that will affect how their body performs on the day. You wouldn't sign up for a marathon without preparing beforehand!
Hypnobirthing is all about using a combination of affirmations, breathing techniques, visualisation and massage, coupled with an in-depth understanding of what happens in a woman's mind and body during labour. You will be using this information and practical hypnotherapy based techniques to enter into self-hypnosis, and achieve a deep state of relaxation that allows you to work in harmony with your body. It's actually based in neuroscience. The courses had input from a midwife and clinical hypnotherapist, as well as additions from my own extensive training, so you can be confident that everything covered is evidence based.
All of my courses are non-judgmental and will support you regardless of where or how you give birth. I will give you the confidence to plan for your best birth and the tools to manage the birth should your journey need to change at any point. Hypnobirthing is not about guaranteeing a completely natural, physiological birth. It's about giving you the tools to navigate birth no matter what journey you take, leaving you feeling empowered once you are holding your baby!
I will:
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Support you to release any fear you may have about childbirth and encourage you to adjust your mindset so you are focused on a positive experience.
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Teach you to trust your body, your instinct, and your baby.
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Share with you great techniques for your birth partner to use so that they can support you, remain calm and enjoy the experience with you.
So what are the proven benefits of Hypnobirthing?
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You are likely to experience a more comfortable labour and birth, though it's important to recognise that a pain-free birth is not the focus of Hypnobirthing.
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Your baby is more likely to born into a relaxed environment, be alert, calm, feed better and sleep better as they have been brought into the world at their own pace in a more calm and gentle way.
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The length of labour is often shorter when using Hypnobirthing.
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It is more likely that you will require no or fewer drugs and less medical intervention, if that is your preference.
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Mums often return to their pre-birth wellness quicker.
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Your birth partner will learn how to support you and have a key role in the birth.
Hypnobirthing is also beneficial once baby arrives! Early parenthood is a joyful but intensely challenging time for most parents. Using your breathing techniques and staying calm will go a long way to help with looking after a new baby in those early weeks and months. Having two children of my own means I practice my breathing techniques on a regular basis! When you need a bit of time to yourself, listening to the relaxing mp3s does wonders to recharge your batteries.
Have a look at the Courses page for more information on the exact course content. I'm always happy to chat so do get in touch if you have any further questions I can help with, or check out the Heavenly Hypnobirthing Facebook and Instagram for all the latest news!