Apologies to my blog followers for the long delay in writing my blog. My life has become really busy and sadly things slide even when you really enjoy them, like writing my blog and sharing information. So, the good news is I am back on track and here is my first blog since last year! It is on a subject close to my heart and a big part of my hypnobirthing practice.
Bonding with your unborn baby
Birth is not the beginning of bonding with your baby; it is a continuation of a relationship, which began at the moment of conception! We now know that babies in utero are more aware of how you are feeling, can hear your voice, and touch much earlier than was previously thought. Your baby is already an important member of your family from the early weeks developing and growing within your uterus, just as he is once he has been born.
Babies need to be loved and nurtured, acknowledged by you, your partner, and any siblings. The good news is that it is not rocket science, but very simple every-day techniques. Listed below are several examples of how to bond with your baby on a daily basis, enhancing your relationship with your baby, and your family.
• Massage your abdomen with cream or oil, not only will your skin benefit, but your baby will feel your soothing touch too
• Play games with your baby by responding to his kicks with a gentle tap back, or sway to your favourite music
• Singing songs to your baby and playing soothing music with a slow beat, relaxes both you and your baby. He will remember the music at a subconscious level even after birth
• Talk to your baby about your day, affirming your love and chatting about events in your life (babies have rudimentary hearing from approximately 16 weeks gestation)
• Storytelling is a wonderful way for you, your partner, and all the family to bond with your unborn baby. A bedtime story helps you and your baby to prepare for a good nights sleep
• Keep a journal with all your thoughts, feelings, and pregnancy changes and share them with your baby now and in the future
• Spend time every day in deep relaxation and visualise your baby within your uterus, and communicate at a deep level within, knowing your baby can sense, and respond to your loving message
• Remain positive with daily affirmations written and spoken in the present tense
• Incorporate gentle exercise daily such as walking, yoga and swimming to benefit both your wellbeing and your baby’s too.
Since your baby is aware of everything you feel during pregnancy, this is an opportunity to prepare your baby for a gentle birth and a wonderful life. There is no need to try for perfection, or beat yourself up if you are having an off day. Just remember it’s about love, sharing, and recognizing his or her presence. It’s also about honesty. You can’t hide your feelings from your baby, so just acknowledge that they are there, let your baby know that it’s your “stuff,” not his, and give your baby permission to be a baby, enjoying life within a nurturing environment.
Professional advice and courses for prospective parents wishing to pursue natural and pain free options for pregnancy and childbirth with Hypnobirthing, hypnotherapy and antenatal education.
Tuesday, 23 April 2013
Sunday, 17 June 2012
How helpful are affirmations during pregnancy?
Welcome back to my blog. I cannot believe it is nearly a month since I last wrote on my blog, so apologies for the delay! Part of the course content for my hypnobirthing workshop are the benefits of using affirmations, especially in conjunction with visualisations. Therefore, todays blog is all about using affirmations during pregnancy and childbirth.
Your fears, negative thoughts and beliefs can impact on your physical and emotional well being during pregnancy, birth and beyond. However, I believe that simply by repeating simple, positive affirmations daily you can reduce anxiety and stress during your pregnancy and birth.
What are affirmations?
Affirmations are positive statements made in the present tense, which you repeat to yourself daily. The short sentences help you to feel positive about any areas of concern or fear, during pregnancy and in preparation for childbirth. A French physician called Emile Coue made the concept of affirmations famous. His most famous affirmation was ‘every day in every way, I am getting better and better.’ Culturally, we are programmed to focus on the negative in our lives and bemoan about the things we don’t want!
How do affirmations work?
Affirmations can program the subconscious mind into thinking positively and in doing so, can attract success and improve your life. It is often underestimated how much impact our emotions have on our bodies. If you are feeling negative, this is reflected in your behaviour and your interpretation of your life. Our beliefs, thoughts, and the way we think, create our feelings. One very effective way to change the way you think is through the use of affirmations. If we think and speak in a positive way in the present tense we can release our negativity and allow positive healing from a cellular level.
Affirmations for pregnancy and birth
Stress is known as one of the most common causes for complications during labour and birth. Using affirmations can help you to reduce or eliminate stress and negativity and prepare for a calm, and relaxed birth. The following affirmations are examples of positive statements that if used repeatedly will help you to feel positive and confident about your baby’s birth.
• Birth is safe for me and for my baby.
• My baby will be born gently and easily.
• My body knows how and when to give birth.
The best way to achieve maximum effect is to say them out loud whilst you are in a relaxed frame of mind. Looking at yourself in a mirror focuses your mind even more. Don’t worry if you feel self -conscious staring at yourself in the mirror as you repeat your affirmations, you will soon get used to it and feel comfortable and more confident as time goes by. This allows your suggestions to pave the route for positive change. Repetition is the secret to success! Try saying your affirmations whenever you have a spare moment.
Write your own affirmations
Tell yourself how great a parent you will be, how strong an individual you are or how you are an empowered conscientious mum. The greater the positivity, the more you will feel confident and ready to tackle motherhood. As you await the arrival of your baby, think of the things you feel negative about and turn them into something positive by affirming them. Here are some tips to point you in the right direction.
Amanda’s tips for creating your own positive affirmations:
• Affirmations must always be in the present tense.
• Affirmations should always be a positive statement.
• Wording is important. Replace ‘I want’ with ‘I am’.
• Start with small believable affirmations. As you become more confident increase your goals.
• The most efficient way to implant an affirmation is to repeat it at least 15 times and then forget about it.
Whilst affirmations are powerful and simple to use, wherever and whenever you wish, the effects of using more than one powerful technique such as visualizations at the same time may enhance the outcome. For example, imagine walking in nature as your repeat your affirmation ‘I choose a healthy lifestyle that enhances my health and wellbeing during my pregnancy.’ Finally, remember these famous words “Whatever the mind can conceive and believe, it can achieve.” (Napoleon Hill).
Enjoy practicing your affirmations every day and I would love to hear your affirmations and how helpful you found using them during your pregnancy and birth.
Your fears, negative thoughts and beliefs can impact on your physical and emotional well being during pregnancy, birth and beyond. However, I believe that simply by repeating simple, positive affirmations daily you can reduce anxiety and stress during your pregnancy and birth.
What are affirmations?
Affirmations are positive statements made in the present tense, which you repeat to yourself daily. The short sentences help you to feel positive about any areas of concern or fear, during pregnancy and in preparation for childbirth. A French physician called Emile Coue made the concept of affirmations famous. His most famous affirmation was ‘every day in every way, I am getting better and better.’ Culturally, we are programmed to focus on the negative in our lives and bemoan about the things we don’t want!
How do affirmations work?
Affirmations can program the subconscious mind into thinking positively and in doing so, can attract success and improve your life. It is often underestimated how much impact our emotions have on our bodies. If you are feeling negative, this is reflected in your behaviour and your interpretation of your life. Our beliefs, thoughts, and the way we think, create our feelings. One very effective way to change the way you think is through the use of affirmations. If we think and speak in a positive way in the present tense we can release our negativity and allow positive healing from a cellular level.
Affirmations for pregnancy and birth
Stress is known as one of the most common causes for complications during labour and birth. Using affirmations can help you to reduce or eliminate stress and negativity and prepare for a calm, and relaxed birth. The following affirmations are examples of positive statements that if used repeatedly will help you to feel positive and confident about your baby’s birth.
• Birth is safe for me and for my baby.
• My baby will be born gently and easily.
• My body knows how and when to give birth.
The best way to achieve maximum effect is to say them out loud whilst you are in a relaxed frame of mind. Looking at yourself in a mirror focuses your mind even more. Don’t worry if you feel self -conscious staring at yourself in the mirror as you repeat your affirmations, you will soon get used to it and feel comfortable and more confident as time goes by. This allows your suggestions to pave the route for positive change. Repetition is the secret to success! Try saying your affirmations whenever you have a spare moment.
Write your own affirmations
Tell yourself how great a parent you will be, how strong an individual you are or how you are an empowered conscientious mum. The greater the positivity, the more you will feel confident and ready to tackle motherhood. As you await the arrival of your baby, think of the things you feel negative about and turn them into something positive by affirming them. Here are some tips to point you in the right direction.
Amanda’s tips for creating your own positive affirmations:
• Affirmations must always be in the present tense.
• Affirmations should always be a positive statement.
• Wording is important. Replace ‘I want’ with ‘I am’.
• Start with small believable affirmations. As you become more confident increase your goals.
• The most efficient way to implant an affirmation is to repeat it at least 15 times and then forget about it.
Whilst affirmations are powerful and simple to use, wherever and whenever you wish, the effects of using more than one powerful technique such as visualizations at the same time may enhance the outcome. For example, imagine walking in nature as your repeat your affirmation ‘I choose a healthy lifestyle that enhances my health and wellbeing during my pregnancy.’ Finally, remember these famous words “Whatever the mind can conceive and believe, it can achieve.” (Napoleon Hill).
Enjoy practicing your affirmations every day and I would love to hear your affirmations and how helpful you found using them during your pregnancy and birth.
Sunday, 20 May 2012
Free Hypnobirthing taster sessions
Hello again, and welcome back to my blog. I just wanted to share with you all some information about the new free Hypnobirthing taster sessions which are available in Inverness, and in Muir of Ord, Ross-shire.
Introduction to Hypnobirthing
Free Taster Session
With Amanda Gwynne RM, Hypnotherapist & HypnoBirthing Practitioner
This 1.5 hour workshop, will introduce you to the philosophy of Hypnobirthing, including practical techniques for labour, birthing and beyond…
The focus is on using a combination of techniques such as optimal positioning for labour, breathing techniques, achieving deep relaxation, visualizations and self-hypnosisi. This taster session introduces the benefits of these techniques to help achieve your desire for a natural birthing experience without fear or tension.
The benefits include:
• Developing deep relaxation with self-hypnoisis
• Breathing techniques for labour and birthing
• Optimal positioning for pregnancy, labour and birth
• Reducing the ‘fear, tension pain’ syndrome
• Birth rehearsal using visualization techniques
• Working with the rhythm of your hormones in labour and childbirth
To book your free place on this ladies only workshop at Raigmore Hospital please contact Amanda Gwynne on 07818 415516 or amanda@mama2b.com or www.mama2b.com
Introduction to Hypnobirthing
Free Taster Session
With Amanda Gwynne RM, Hypnotherapist & HypnoBirthing Practitioner
This 1.5 hour workshop, will introduce you to the philosophy of Hypnobirthing, including practical techniques for labour, birthing and beyond…
The focus is on using a combination of techniques such as optimal positioning for labour, breathing techniques, achieving deep relaxation, visualizations and self-hypnosisi. This taster session introduces the benefits of these techniques to help achieve your desire for a natural birthing experience without fear or tension.
The benefits include:
• Developing deep relaxation with self-hypnoisis
• Breathing techniques for labour and birthing
• Optimal positioning for pregnancy, labour and birth
• Reducing the ‘fear, tension pain’ syndrome
• Birth rehearsal using visualization techniques
• Working with the rhythm of your hormones in labour and childbirth
To book your free place on this ladies only workshop at Raigmore Hospital please contact Amanda Gwynne on 07818 415516 or amanda@mama2b.com or www.mama2b.com
Thursday, 3 May 2012
Natural Options for Pain Relief in Labour - Part 3
Hi there again, and welcome back to the final article in my series on natural options available for pain relief in labour and childbirth. I hope you have enjoyed reading the articles as much as I have enjoyed putting them together. My next series will include other pharmacological options for pain relief, so watch out for them coming up soon. As always your feedback is much appreciated, and if there is an area of pregnancy or childbirth that you would like me to cover, do get in touch.
Topics this week include Homeopathy and Bach Flower Remedies. For the greatest effect and overall benefit, it is advisable to have a consultation with a qualified practitioner in your chosen therapy.
Homeopathy
Homeopathy can have a practical and positive role to play in labour and birthing, as well as support in the period after birth. During each stage of labour a homeopathic remedy can be used to reduce feelings of anxiety and panic, give a boost to energy levels and take the edge off any discomfort so it is more bearable.
Homeopathy is generally safe to use during pregnancy if guidelines are followed for remedies. There are pregnancy kits available to buy and most come with a comprehensive guide to choosing and using the remedies. Make sure you are familiar with your kit prior to labour.
A general guide to taking remedies during labour is as follows:
• In labour remedies are often needed frequently
• Doses are high as labour is an acute situation
• For ease of application you can dissolve the remedies in hot water and sip as needed
• If there is complete relief there is no need to repeat the remedy, unless it returns
• If there is some improvement which stalls repeat the remedy
• If there is little or no improvement, it’s the wrong remedy and you need to think again
Bach Flower Remedies
Dr. Edward Bach discovered a system of flower remedies to help restore your emotional balance, which can so easily be disrupted during times of stress. The flower essences are captured from the dawn dew on the petals and preserved in a small amount of alcohol, therefore, you may want to dilute them a little more with some water during pregnancy.
The most widely used remedy in times of stress is Bach Rescue Remedy, which combines 5 essences for shock, terror, agitation, loss of control, and feelings of faintness, so it’s an ideal solution to take into the labour room with you!
When should I use them?
Both homeopathic and Bach flower remedies can be used during pregnancy for many physical and emotional imbalances and to restore equilibrium. Remedies are chosen based on many factors including your constitution, plus other factors such as physical and emotional symptoms.
Preparation for childbirth begins from conception, and these complementary therapies may help with pregnancy related imbalances too. Therefore, it seems beneficial to prepare and support your mind and body throughout your pregnancy as well as for childbirth.
In conclusion
As with all complementary therapies it is always advisable to consult a practitioner, and discuss your plans with your midwife especially if you have any special medical circumstances. Most natural options may be suitable if used wisely. The benefits of using natural options for pain relief and emotional support during labour are many, and at the very least, most women will find that they need less pharmacological pain relief during their labour and birthing
Topics this week include Homeopathy and Bach Flower Remedies. For the greatest effect and overall benefit, it is advisable to have a consultation with a qualified practitioner in your chosen therapy.
Homeopathy
Homeopathy can have a practical and positive role to play in labour and birthing, as well as support in the period after birth. During each stage of labour a homeopathic remedy can be used to reduce feelings of anxiety and panic, give a boost to energy levels and take the edge off any discomfort so it is more bearable.
Homeopathy is generally safe to use during pregnancy if guidelines are followed for remedies. There are pregnancy kits available to buy and most come with a comprehensive guide to choosing and using the remedies. Make sure you are familiar with your kit prior to labour.
A general guide to taking remedies during labour is as follows:
• In labour remedies are often needed frequently
• Doses are high as labour is an acute situation
• For ease of application you can dissolve the remedies in hot water and sip as needed
• If there is complete relief there is no need to repeat the remedy, unless it returns
• If there is some improvement which stalls repeat the remedy
• If there is little or no improvement, it’s the wrong remedy and you need to think again
Bach Flower Remedies
Dr. Edward Bach discovered a system of flower remedies to help restore your emotional balance, which can so easily be disrupted during times of stress. The flower essences are captured from the dawn dew on the petals and preserved in a small amount of alcohol, therefore, you may want to dilute them a little more with some water during pregnancy.
The most widely used remedy in times of stress is Bach Rescue Remedy, which combines 5 essences for shock, terror, agitation, loss of control, and feelings of faintness, so it’s an ideal solution to take into the labour room with you!
When should I use them?
Both homeopathic and Bach flower remedies can be used during pregnancy for many physical and emotional imbalances and to restore equilibrium. Remedies are chosen based on many factors including your constitution, plus other factors such as physical and emotional symptoms.
Preparation for childbirth begins from conception, and these complementary therapies may help with pregnancy related imbalances too. Therefore, it seems beneficial to prepare and support your mind and body throughout your pregnancy as well as for childbirth.
In conclusion
As with all complementary therapies it is always advisable to consult a practitioner, and discuss your plans with your midwife especially if you have any special medical circumstances. Most natural options may be suitable if used wisely. The benefits of using natural options for pain relief and emotional support during labour are many, and at the very least, most women will find that they need less pharmacological pain relief during their labour and birthing
Saturday, 21 April 2012
Natural Options for Pain relief in Childbirth
Apologies to those of you who have been waiting for my next blog on natural options for pain relief in labour. Unfortunately a bout of food poisoning interrupted my creative juices! The good news is that I am back on track and posting the second in my series of articles in managing pain and discomfort in childbirth.
Today I am exploring the effects of acupressure/acupuncture and reflexology on labour and childbirth. As with all natural methods caution is advised in their use if there are any medical complications or chemical interventions during labour.
Acupressure/acupuncture
In traditional Chinese Medicine meridians are a series of channels that carry qi (life force energy) throughout your body. These meridians contain over 600 points, which relate to different areas of mind and body. By restoring and balancing energy this improves efficiency in the way that your body functions. In labour they can be used to promote the release of endorphins, block the pain receptors to the brain, dilate the cervix and increase efficiency of contractions.
Research has shown that acupressure may be as effective as acupuncture during labour and does not require a therapist to be present but may be applied by your partner. However, as with any complementary therapy caution is advised on its use as some points are contraindicated during pregnancy.
Using acupressure during labour
• Start using acupressure points early in labour for maximum benefit
• Experiment with different acupressure points to find which ones suit your needs during labour
• Do not use acupressure points if they produce any discomfort, they should induce a pleasant sensation and noticeable effect that wears off when discontinued
• Acupressure is not massage but direct firm pressure to a specific area
Acupressure may be continued post birth to help relieve ‘after pains’, support breastfeeding, and reduce fatigue.
Reflexology
Reflexology is an ancient healing skill working on the reflex points on the feet or hands. It is based on the premise that the body is mapped out on the feet and by applying pressure to certain points it will stimulate a response in the corresponding system or organ of your body. Similar to Chinese Medicine, the philosophy is that if life force (prana or qi) is disrupted or blocked it leads to dis-ease.
Reflexology can play an important role prior to, and during labour and birth. The benefits include:
• Having reflexology may help to help stimulate the onset of labour, especially if you are overdue.
• Reflexology may balance the release of oxytocin to regulate contractions
• It is a touch therapy which may help to increase relaxation and reduce anxiety
• Reflexology can be used at any stage of labour and its effects may be felt within 15 minutes of treatment
• Women that have undergone a course of reflexology in pregnancy often find that the overall length of their labour is reduced.
A casual study by Motha and McGrath (1993) on 64 women showed that it was effective in treating a range of symptoms during pregnancy. Labour length also appeared to be significantly reduced and 89% of women in the study achieved a normal vaginal delivery.
Using acupressure and/or reflexology may be very effective especially in stimulating labour as well as a means of enhancing relaxation and comfort during labour. However, I would recommend that you consult a qualified practitioner before using any of these techniques during pregnancy and childbirth.
Today I am exploring the effects of acupressure/acupuncture and reflexology on labour and childbirth. As with all natural methods caution is advised in their use if there are any medical complications or chemical interventions during labour.
Acupressure/acupuncture
In traditional Chinese Medicine meridians are a series of channels that carry qi (life force energy) throughout your body. These meridians contain over 600 points, which relate to different areas of mind and body. By restoring and balancing energy this improves efficiency in the way that your body functions. In labour they can be used to promote the release of endorphins, block the pain receptors to the brain, dilate the cervix and increase efficiency of contractions.
Research has shown that acupressure may be as effective as acupuncture during labour and does not require a therapist to be present but may be applied by your partner. However, as with any complementary therapy caution is advised on its use as some points are contraindicated during pregnancy.
Using acupressure during labour
• Start using acupressure points early in labour for maximum benefit
• Experiment with different acupressure points to find which ones suit your needs during labour
• Do not use acupressure points if they produce any discomfort, they should induce a pleasant sensation and noticeable effect that wears off when discontinued
• Acupressure is not massage but direct firm pressure to a specific area
Acupressure may be continued post birth to help relieve ‘after pains’, support breastfeeding, and reduce fatigue.
Reflexology
Reflexology is an ancient healing skill working on the reflex points on the feet or hands. It is based on the premise that the body is mapped out on the feet and by applying pressure to certain points it will stimulate a response in the corresponding system or organ of your body. Similar to Chinese Medicine, the philosophy is that if life force (prana or qi) is disrupted or blocked it leads to dis-ease.
Reflexology can play an important role prior to, and during labour and birth. The benefits include:
• Having reflexology may help to help stimulate the onset of labour, especially if you are overdue.
• Reflexology may balance the release of oxytocin to regulate contractions
• It is a touch therapy which may help to increase relaxation and reduce anxiety
• Reflexology can be used at any stage of labour and its effects may be felt within 15 minutes of treatment
• Women that have undergone a course of reflexology in pregnancy often find that the overall length of their labour is reduced.
A casual study by Motha and McGrath (1993) on 64 women showed that it was effective in treating a range of symptoms during pregnancy. Labour length also appeared to be significantly reduced and 89% of women in the study achieved a normal vaginal delivery.
Using acupressure and/or reflexology may be very effective especially in stimulating labour as well as a means of enhancing relaxation and comfort during labour. However, I would recommend that you consult a qualified practitioner before using any of these techniques during pregnancy and childbirth.
Saturday, 7 April 2012
Natural methods of Pain relief available for birthing
Spring is here, or so I thought for a few glorious days! Within a week there was snow on the ground and my poor plants were looking as cold as I felt. However, all things pass and it is lovely to hear the birds singing, and nature preparing for another season and cycle of life.
This week I thought I would share my latest series of articles on methods of pain relief available for labour and birthing. Naturally, I am going to start with the more natural methods, as it is a subject dear to my heart. I hope you enjoy them and your comments are always most welcome.
In labour it commonly accepted that the painful stimuli arises from uterine contractions and the pressure and stretching of the cervix, vagina, and pelvic joints as the baby’s head descends through the pelvis. This is a normal physiological action experienced by mammals, however, the amount of pain experienced if any, is also intensified by our modern expectations and fears about giving birth. This has led to a confusing array of techniques and drugs available now to women during labour, which these articles hope to clarify.
Women may experience a wide range of intensity in discomfort or pain experienced during labour and as an individual each of us will respond differently to that experience and our need for analgesia (pain relief). These articles explore the options available to women in labour including natural and pharmacological methods.
However, a woman’s reactions to labour and contractions and any pain experienced may be affected by a variety of circumstances including childbirth preparation, her environment, and birth support during labour and birthing.
HypnoBirthing
Hypnobirthing developed following the work pioneered by Dr. Grantly Dick-Read in the 1920’s. His theory was that fear resulted in tension, which led to pain as the ‘fright and flight’ hormones reduced the levels of hormones necessary for an effective easy labour and reduced our levels of endorphins, natures own powerful pain killers. This led to the development of Hypnobirthing techniques such as self-hypnosis to increase relaxation and reduce fear, supporting a calm, more comfortable labour and birth.
Water-births
The healing and pain relieving properties of immersion in water during labour and birth have been used for centuries and research supports these findings. The relaxing effects of water may reduce the need for other methods of pain relief, accelerate labour, and provide a more peaceful experience for both mother and baby. Using Hypnobirthing and water has been found to enhance and support a positive birthing experience.
The positive effects of buoyancy, ability to move easily and utilizing gravity also help with an undisturbed and ‘hands free’ birth
However, there are guidelines for using the birthing pool, and it is only suitable for those women considered ‘low risk’ during their pregnancy. If any complications occur during pregnancy or labour, this may well prevent you from using the pool.
Maternal Movement and Position Changes
Women in labour naturally move into upright positions, which help them to achieve optimal positioning, cope with labour, assist gravity and feel more comfortable. Optimal fetal positioning was discovered by midwife Jean Sutton and antenatal teacher Pauline Scott, when they realized that a baby in a posterior position during labour, made labour longer, more painful with ineffective uterine contraction and more intervention to help deliver the baby. Simple techniques to encourage the baby into an optimal position and utilize gravity has led to the use of birthing balls during labour to aid gravity, pelvic rocking and increase pelvic diameters to aid descent and childbirth. Belly dance for childbirth has similar benefits and also enables women to connect both emotionally, sensually and physically with their birthing bodies. For more information see my articles on optimal fetal positioning and belly dance for pregnancy and childbirth.
Aromatherapy
Aromatherapy has its roots in the most ancient healing practices, using essential oils for their therapeutic properties on mind, body and emotion. Essential oils are very powerful with various properties for emotional and physical wellbeing during pregnancy and childbirth.
Aromatherapy can be used very successfully in a number of ways during labour and birth, easing stress, pain and discomfort. The most popular way to utilize the benefits is by massage, which has its own benefits for relaxation. Other ways include bathing, inhalation, vaporizers, and hot/cold compresses.
However, there are some cautions as essential oils are concentrated and very powerful. Therefore, I would recommend that you consult a qualified aromatherapist before using aromatherapy oils, as some are not suitable for use during pregnancy, and buy only the most pure and organic oils where possible.
For more information see my article on Aromatherapy during pregnancy and childbirth.
Massage Techniques for Labour
Massage techniques have been performed over the centuries to improve overall health and wellbeing by reducing muscle tension and stress. The English word massage is probably derived from the Arabic Mass’h meaning to press softly, which makes this is an ideal therapy to help reduce and relieve stress, relieve muscle tension, and instil feelings of deep relaxation, which we know helps our bodies to work in harmony during labour. Studies point to both maternal and newborn benefits when regular massage is part of your antenatal care and performed during labour.
Potential benefits include:
• Relief from muscle aches and joint pain
• Reduction of swelling in legs, feet and hands
• May relieve sciatic pain and backache during labour
• Regulates hormones by reducing the ‘stress’ hormones and increasing our ‘feel good’ hormones such as oxytocin and endorphins during labour and birth.
• Improved hormone balance also leads to fewer complications in labour, birth and in the postnatal period
• Improves your blood circulation
• Improves lymphatic drainage and removal of toxins from your body
• The deep relaxation achieved during massage promotes a more comfortable experience of labour and birth.
There are many effective massage routines, which have been designed to support women during labour both emotionally and physically. Gentle touch massage used in conjunction with Hypnobirthing uses a very gentle touch along the spine, neck and arms to relax and stimulate the release of endorphins during labour.
Another very effective massage technique is Creative Healing Massage advocated by Dr. Gowri Motha. There are four intentions, which are:
• To normalize body temperature
• To open and create drainage channels
• To remove congestion
• To reposition substance
There are many different ways of approaching labour and in this day and age, a confusing array of options are available for comfort and pain relief. I hope that at the end of this series of articles you will be able to make informed choices to suit your own needs during labour.
This week I thought I would share my latest series of articles on methods of pain relief available for labour and birthing. Naturally, I am going to start with the more natural methods, as it is a subject dear to my heart. I hope you enjoy them and your comments are always most welcome.
In labour it commonly accepted that the painful stimuli arises from uterine contractions and the pressure and stretching of the cervix, vagina, and pelvic joints as the baby’s head descends through the pelvis. This is a normal physiological action experienced by mammals, however, the amount of pain experienced if any, is also intensified by our modern expectations and fears about giving birth. This has led to a confusing array of techniques and drugs available now to women during labour, which these articles hope to clarify.
Women may experience a wide range of intensity in discomfort or pain experienced during labour and as an individual each of us will respond differently to that experience and our need for analgesia (pain relief). These articles explore the options available to women in labour including natural and pharmacological methods.
However, a woman’s reactions to labour and contractions and any pain experienced may be affected by a variety of circumstances including childbirth preparation, her environment, and birth support during labour and birthing.
HypnoBirthing
Hypnobirthing developed following the work pioneered by Dr. Grantly Dick-Read in the 1920’s. His theory was that fear resulted in tension, which led to pain as the ‘fright and flight’ hormones reduced the levels of hormones necessary for an effective easy labour and reduced our levels of endorphins, natures own powerful pain killers. This led to the development of Hypnobirthing techniques such as self-hypnosis to increase relaxation and reduce fear, supporting a calm, more comfortable labour and birth.
Water-births
The healing and pain relieving properties of immersion in water during labour and birth have been used for centuries and research supports these findings. The relaxing effects of water may reduce the need for other methods of pain relief, accelerate labour, and provide a more peaceful experience for both mother and baby. Using Hypnobirthing and water has been found to enhance and support a positive birthing experience.
The positive effects of buoyancy, ability to move easily and utilizing gravity also help with an undisturbed and ‘hands free’ birth
However, there are guidelines for using the birthing pool, and it is only suitable for those women considered ‘low risk’ during their pregnancy. If any complications occur during pregnancy or labour, this may well prevent you from using the pool.
Maternal Movement and Position Changes
Women in labour naturally move into upright positions, which help them to achieve optimal positioning, cope with labour, assist gravity and feel more comfortable. Optimal fetal positioning was discovered by midwife Jean Sutton and antenatal teacher Pauline Scott, when they realized that a baby in a posterior position during labour, made labour longer, more painful with ineffective uterine contraction and more intervention to help deliver the baby. Simple techniques to encourage the baby into an optimal position and utilize gravity has led to the use of birthing balls during labour to aid gravity, pelvic rocking and increase pelvic diameters to aid descent and childbirth. Belly dance for childbirth has similar benefits and also enables women to connect both emotionally, sensually and physically with their birthing bodies. For more information see my articles on optimal fetal positioning and belly dance for pregnancy and childbirth.
Aromatherapy
Aromatherapy has its roots in the most ancient healing practices, using essential oils for their therapeutic properties on mind, body and emotion. Essential oils are very powerful with various properties for emotional and physical wellbeing during pregnancy and childbirth.
Aromatherapy can be used very successfully in a number of ways during labour and birth, easing stress, pain and discomfort. The most popular way to utilize the benefits is by massage, which has its own benefits for relaxation. Other ways include bathing, inhalation, vaporizers, and hot/cold compresses.
However, there are some cautions as essential oils are concentrated and very powerful. Therefore, I would recommend that you consult a qualified aromatherapist before using aromatherapy oils, as some are not suitable for use during pregnancy, and buy only the most pure and organic oils where possible.
For more information see my article on Aromatherapy during pregnancy and childbirth.
Massage Techniques for Labour
Massage techniques have been performed over the centuries to improve overall health and wellbeing by reducing muscle tension and stress. The English word massage is probably derived from the Arabic Mass’h meaning to press softly, which makes this is an ideal therapy to help reduce and relieve stress, relieve muscle tension, and instil feelings of deep relaxation, which we know helps our bodies to work in harmony during labour. Studies point to both maternal and newborn benefits when regular massage is part of your antenatal care and performed during labour.
Potential benefits include:
• Relief from muscle aches and joint pain
• Reduction of swelling in legs, feet and hands
• May relieve sciatic pain and backache during labour
• Regulates hormones by reducing the ‘stress’ hormones and increasing our ‘feel good’ hormones such as oxytocin and endorphins during labour and birth.
• Improved hormone balance also leads to fewer complications in labour, birth and in the postnatal period
• Improves your blood circulation
• Improves lymphatic drainage and removal of toxins from your body
• The deep relaxation achieved during massage promotes a more comfortable experience of labour and birth.
There are many effective massage routines, which have been designed to support women during labour both emotionally and physically. Gentle touch massage used in conjunction with Hypnobirthing uses a very gentle touch along the spine, neck and arms to relax and stimulate the release of endorphins during labour.
Another very effective massage technique is Creative Healing Massage advocated by Dr. Gowri Motha. There are four intentions, which are:
• To normalize body temperature
• To open and create drainage channels
• To remove congestion
• To reposition substance
There are many different ways of approaching labour and in this day and age, a confusing array of options are available for comfort and pain relief. I hope that at the end of this series of articles you will be able to make informed choices to suit your own needs during labour.
Tuesday, 6 March 2012
Belly dancing for Childbirth
Welcome back to my blog folks. I am embracing the onset of spring and the end of winter, but have embraced that time for contemplation in preparation for action at the beginning of a new season.
The topic for my blog this week is belly dancing for childbirth, which I discovered from an amazing woman called Maha Al Musa, who epitomises womanhood and natural childbirth.
The idea of belly dancing during pregnancy in preparation for childbirth is not a new method of childbirth preparation. Belly dancing has its origins from ancient times in the Middle East, and has spread throughout South East Asia, India, Greece and eventually has reached the Western world. In the 21st century belly dancing has become a popular way to exercise safely during pregnancy.
In ancient times dance was an integral part of daily rituals including childbirth. A dance by women for women, belly dancing in its most potent form is a safe and effective dance expression that supports women throughout pregnancy, and helps them to prepare for natural conscious childbirth.
One of the main goals of belly dancing is to allow the woman to work with nature, by moving with and not against the rhythmic surges (contractions), which facilitate childbirth. The primal movements support and nurture a woman’s subconscious instincts and ability to give birth naturally.
Belly dance is a celebration of the strength and beauty of women, and is a natural way for women to connect with their feminine side, their fertility, sensuality and creative powers of pregnancy and birthing.
The benefits of belly dancing for pregnancy and birth include:
• Increases muscle tone, flexibility and circulation
• Hip movements help to optimize fetal positioning for labour, avoiding a posterior position
• Helps to strengthen the pelvic floor muscles
• May reduce tension and anxiety if present
• Helps to improve posture and reduce lower back ache
• Stimulates a deep connection with your amazing body, and your baby
• Enhances self esteem and improves body image
• Focusing on and connecting with your primal brain and the birthing knowledge which lies within
During birthing women need strong, flexible muscles to support and facilitate the progress of childbirth. Belly dancing exercises, and strengthens all the muscle groups needed for giving birth. Good posture and strong thigh muscles enable women to adopt more upright positions without difficulty during their labour and birthing.
As with any exercise program if you have any medical complications or injuries it is advisable to see your doctor before commencing a new form of exercise. Specific guidelines during pregnancy include:
• Good hydration during and after exercise
• Avoid overheating, by exercising in light, loose clothing in a cool, well ventilated room
• Do warm up exercises before any routine
• Do not exercise if you feel unwell or have a fever
• In the second trimester avoid exercises which involve lying flat on your back
Similar to yoga, Tai chi and other forms of exercise, which facilitate the mind, body and spirit connection, belly dancing improves body awareness and encourages women to connect deeply with her changing body and her unborn baby. Finally, belly dancing is great fun, makes you feel good, enables you to meet like-minded women and make new friends.
For more information about belly dancing for birth visit www.bellydanceforbirth.com
The topic for my blog this week is belly dancing for childbirth, which I discovered from an amazing woman called Maha Al Musa, who epitomises womanhood and natural childbirth.
The idea of belly dancing during pregnancy in preparation for childbirth is not a new method of childbirth preparation. Belly dancing has its origins from ancient times in the Middle East, and has spread throughout South East Asia, India, Greece and eventually has reached the Western world. In the 21st century belly dancing has become a popular way to exercise safely during pregnancy.
In ancient times dance was an integral part of daily rituals including childbirth. A dance by women for women, belly dancing in its most potent form is a safe and effective dance expression that supports women throughout pregnancy, and helps them to prepare for natural conscious childbirth.
One of the main goals of belly dancing is to allow the woman to work with nature, by moving with and not against the rhythmic surges (contractions), which facilitate childbirth. The primal movements support and nurture a woman’s subconscious instincts and ability to give birth naturally.
Belly dance is a celebration of the strength and beauty of women, and is a natural way for women to connect with their feminine side, their fertility, sensuality and creative powers of pregnancy and birthing.
The benefits of belly dancing for pregnancy and birth include:
• Increases muscle tone, flexibility and circulation
• Hip movements help to optimize fetal positioning for labour, avoiding a posterior position
• Helps to strengthen the pelvic floor muscles
• May reduce tension and anxiety if present
• Helps to improve posture and reduce lower back ache
• Stimulates a deep connection with your amazing body, and your baby
• Enhances self esteem and improves body image
• Focusing on and connecting with your primal brain and the birthing knowledge which lies within
During birthing women need strong, flexible muscles to support and facilitate the progress of childbirth. Belly dancing exercises, and strengthens all the muscle groups needed for giving birth. Good posture and strong thigh muscles enable women to adopt more upright positions without difficulty during their labour and birthing.
As with any exercise program if you have any medical complications or injuries it is advisable to see your doctor before commencing a new form of exercise. Specific guidelines during pregnancy include:
• Good hydration during and after exercise
• Avoid overheating, by exercising in light, loose clothing in a cool, well ventilated room
• Do warm up exercises before any routine
• Do not exercise if you feel unwell or have a fever
• In the second trimester avoid exercises which involve lying flat on your back
Similar to yoga, Tai chi and other forms of exercise, which facilitate the mind, body and spirit connection, belly dancing improves body awareness and encourages women to connect deeply with her changing body and her unborn baby. Finally, belly dancing is great fun, makes you feel good, enables you to meet like-minded women and make new friends.
For more information about belly dancing for birth visit www.bellydanceforbirth.com
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