The effect of being submerged in a warm deep bath or pool during labour has a profound effect both on your physical and emotional wellbeing. Add to this the deep relaxation of hypnobirthing and a synergistic labour and birth unfolds. When you relax in a warm deep bath, free from gravity’s pull on your body, with sensory stimulation reduced, your body is less likely to secrete stress-related hormones. One of the other benefits is the production of the pain inhibitors-endorphins, which enhance your feeling of comfort and relaxation. Stress hormones such as Noradrenaline and catecholamines, released during stressful situations are inhibited, as you remain relaxed. Many women, and their midwives acknowledge the analgesic and relaxing effect of water plus hypnobirthing.
An old Chinese proverb describes perfectly the experience of labouring and birthing in water:
"Nothing in the world is as soft and yielding as water, yet in dissolving the hard and inflexible, nothing can surpass it. The soft overcomes the hard, the gentle overcomes the rigid"
--Te Ching 1021
The Benefits of Waterbirth:
• Being in water facilitates mobility and ease of movement
• May speed up your labour
• Reduces stress and its physiological effects on your body
• Empowers you, with an enhanced feelings of control
• May provide you with significant pain relief and reduce the need for chemical analgesia
• Promotes deep relaxation
• Conserves your energy
• May reduce your requirement for drugs and the need for intervention
• Provides the experience of a private protected space
• Reduces perineal trauma and the need for an episiotomy
• May reduce cesarean section rates
• High level of birth satisfaction for both you and your partner
• Utilizes the skills of your midwife, with higher job satisfaction
• Facilitates an easier birth for you, and a more gentle welcome to the world for your baby
Waterbirth Guidelines:
A joint statement produced by the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, and the Royal College of Midwives said that:
‘All healthy women with uncomplicated pregnancies at term should have the option of water birth available to them and should be able to proceed to a water birth if they wish.’
If you feel that you would like to explore having a waterbirth, there is plenty of information available both from your community midwife, and other professional protocols and guidelines as below:
Recommendations and Protocols for Waterbirth:
• RCOG and RCM Joint Waterbirth Recommendations
• Guidelines for safe Water use
• Safety recommendations for Pool Use
• Hospital Waterbirth Policy in the UK
• http://www.homebirth.org.uk/water.htm
• http://www.aims.org.uk/choosewater.htm
Guidelines for having a waterbirth:
In order for the use of water to be as safe and helpful as possible, the following guidelines are suggested. These suggestions are based on protocols from various hospitals and birthing units:
• Getting into the pool too early in labour may relax you too much and stall labour
• It is generally recommended that you are established in labour, and about 5cm dilated before you enter the pool
• Make sure you drink plenty of water whilst you are in the pool to remain hydrated
• The temperature of the pool is monitored hourly to maintain the correct temperature for you and your baby’s wellbeing. This is between 34 and 37 degrees centigrade
• If your labour stalls it may be advisable to get out of the pool for a short while, and try again later
• You may be advised to leave the pool if there is any change in your, or your baby’s condition, such as fetal distress, meconium liquor etc.
• Once the baby has been born it is recommended that your baby is brought to the surface of the water immediately, to allow him/her to take his/her first breath.
• Most units have a policy of delivering the placenta out of the pool. This is because women sometimes feel faint during the third stage of labour and it may be difficult to get out of the water. Most units will have a hoist to help you out.
• Some midwives may also want to deliver the placenta out of water, as the warm water may delay delivery, and also so they can gauge your blood loss more accurately
This list is just a basic guideline, and it is recommended that you check out the protocol for waterbirth in your own birthing unit, and perhaps have a tour of the unit to see the birth pool and the facilities.
In Conclusion
A planned waterbirth can be a wonderful experience for you, and a gentle introduction into the world for your baby. Following a few basic safety rules, should ensure that your experience if a satisfying one for all concerned! Be prepared to change your mind if for some reason you don’t feel comfortable in the water. There is no hard and fast rule to say that you should labour and stay in the water to give birth. Listen to your body and follow your own instincts for your labour and birthing.
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.
Saturday, 25 October 2014
Monday, 4 August 2014
Natural ways to stimulate labour when you are overdue
Welcome to my blog on natural ways to stimulate labour when you are overdue. I hope you find it interesting and informative. However, as with all natural therapies it is always advisable to see a qualified practitioner for the best advice for your own individual circumstances.
Once you reach or pass your EDD or estimated date of delivery, it is very tempting to look for ways to induce your labour. However, bear in mind that most babies are not born on their due date and research suggests that term plus eight days is the average for first time mums. After all it is only an estimated due date, your menstrual cycle could be longer than the average twenty-eight days, and there are many other factors to consider too. Babies generally come when they are ready without any need for intervention.
Medical pressure occurs once you have well and truly passed your due date, at approximately 12-14 days post-mature, and you are advised to book in for a medical induction of labour. Frantically you search for more natural methods of stimulating labour, and I have listed the most popular and the most effective natural ways to stimulate your labour below. However, it is advisable to have regular monitoring to make sure all is well for you and your baby during this period of time.
Start with the most simple ways and work your way slowly through them, until you hit the jackpot, or go back to the beginning again! Here is a brief summary of my suggestions for you:
• Relaxation – practice your relaxation techniques and release any remaining fears with your helium balloons, which may be inhibiting the start of your labour. The stress hormones can over-ride your own labour inducing hormones, and prevent the onset of labour.
• Visualisation – spend time visualising your cervix opening slowly just like a beautiful rosebud and your body working in harmony just as nature intended to bring your baby into this world.
• Make love – now this might be the last thing you fancy doing right now, but your partner’s sperm is full of natural prostaglandin, which can stimulate the cervix to ripen. It certainly beats having a prostaglandin pessary inserted vaginally by a midwife or doctor!
• Keep active – Take a walk, and spend some time rocking on your ball to open up your pelvis and make sure your baby is an optimal position for labour and birthing.
• Nipple/clitoral stimulation – if you really can’t manage to make love and even if you do, then having an orgasm and stimulating your nipples or clitoris may help stimulate your hormones if you are ready to go into labour.
• Eat labour inducing foods – many women have found certain foods such as pineapple, eggplant parmesan, and hot spicy vegetable curry have helped kick-start their labour. The jury is out on the pineapple, as you may have to eat more pineapple than any one person could tolerate to get enough bromelain to start labour.
• Evening Primrose Oil – the secret is in one of its components, gamma linolenic acid (GLA) the starting point for the synthesis of hormone-like-compounds called prostaglandins, which stimulate labour. Ideally, these supplements should be taken orally, from about 36 weeks gestation to be most effective. Check with your midwife or doctor to make sure there are not any contraindications health-wise.
• Acupuncture – in Traditional Chinese Medicine, meridians are a series of energy channels that carry ‘qi’ or energy throughout the body. Stimulating these points may help to promote balance within mind and body, release endorphins, block pain receptors to your brain, and increase uterine efficiency during labour. Ideally, you should start these sessions with a qualified professional acupuncturist during your pregnancy rather than waiting until you are overdue.
• Acupressure Points – similar to acupuncture but without the needles! Pressure points on energy meridians specific to labour are stimulated to promote natural labour and enhance close partner involvement in a vital role. Acupressure also may help with the release of natural endorphins, your own natural pain relief during labour. Here is the link for the easy to use free online manual by Debra Betts: http://acupuncture.rhizome.net.nz/acupressure/download.aspx.
• Reflexology – Reflexology is an ancient skill based on the reflex points on the hands and feet. By applying gentle pressure to certain points on the feet, it will stimulate a response in the corresponding organ or system of your body. Having reflexology may help to stimulate the onset of labour if you are overdue. However, the most benefits occur when you have reflexology during pregnancy to maintain balance and wellbeing.
• Homeopathy – Homeopathic remedies are ideal for pregnant women as they are a gentle yet effective way to stimulate labour, however it is always advisable where possible to contact a homeopath for advice on the most suitable remedy for your individual circumstances. Not only can homeopathy help to stimulate labour, it is an effective way to maintain wellbeing during pregnancy and beyond. For a qualified homeopath contact the Society of Homeopaths.
• Last resort – Castor oil! Take 100mls mixed with orange juice. In a small study of 100 women, over 60% went into labour but all of them felt nauseous. For good reasons this is no longer used as a routine method of induction. It has the same effect as having a curry, but more intense. In other words it stimulates the bowel to empty, and in turn this stimulates contractions. I took it myself when I was young and impatient, but that is the only time in my life I have taken castor oil, and I don’t intend to repeat the experience. However, I did go into labour a few hours later, so it did work!
The best way to avoid induction of labour is to start using complementary therapies in the third trimester from about 36 weeks gestation, which gives them time to become more effective prior to labour and birth.
As with all complementary and natural methods it is always more beneficial to consult a qualified complementary health practitioner and discuss your plans with your midwife. Many natural options are effective if used wisely. They may reduce the need for medical induction, and the cascade of intervention that is inevitable most of the time following this procedure, which leads to a higher rate of assisted births and caesarean section.
Once you reach or pass your EDD or estimated date of delivery, it is very tempting to look for ways to induce your labour. However, bear in mind that most babies are not born on their due date and research suggests that term plus eight days is the average for first time mums. After all it is only an estimated due date, your menstrual cycle could be longer than the average twenty-eight days, and there are many other factors to consider too. Babies generally come when they are ready without any need for intervention.
Medical pressure occurs once you have well and truly passed your due date, at approximately 12-14 days post-mature, and you are advised to book in for a medical induction of labour. Frantically you search for more natural methods of stimulating labour, and I have listed the most popular and the most effective natural ways to stimulate your labour below. However, it is advisable to have regular monitoring to make sure all is well for you and your baby during this period of time.
Start with the most simple ways and work your way slowly through them, until you hit the jackpot, or go back to the beginning again! Here is a brief summary of my suggestions for you:
• Relaxation – practice your relaxation techniques and release any remaining fears with your helium balloons, which may be inhibiting the start of your labour. The stress hormones can over-ride your own labour inducing hormones, and prevent the onset of labour.
• Visualisation – spend time visualising your cervix opening slowly just like a beautiful rosebud and your body working in harmony just as nature intended to bring your baby into this world.
• Make love – now this might be the last thing you fancy doing right now, but your partner’s sperm is full of natural prostaglandin, which can stimulate the cervix to ripen. It certainly beats having a prostaglandin pessary inserted vaginally by a midwife or doctor!
• Keep active – Take a walk, and spend some time rocking on your ball to open up your pelvis and make sure your baby is an optimal position for labour and birthing.
• Nipple/clitoral stimulation – if you really can’t manage to make love and even if you do, then having an orgasm and stimulating your nipples or clitoris may help stimulate your hormones if you are ready to go into labour.
• Eat labour inducing foods – many women have found certain foods such as pineapple, eggplant parmesan, and hot spicy vegetable curry have helped kick-start their labour. The jury is out on the pineapple, as you may have to eat more pineapple than any one person could tolerate to get enough bromelain to start labour.
• Evening Primrose Oil – the secret is in one of its components, gamma linolenic acid (GLA) the starting point for the synthesis of hormone-like-compounds called prostaglandins, which stimulate labour. Ideally, these supplements should be taken orally, from about 36 weeks gestation to be most effective. Check with your midwife or doctor to make sure there are not any contraindications health-wise.
• Acupuncture – in Traditional Chinese Medicine, meridians are a series of energy channels that carry ‘qi’ or energy throughout the body. Stimulating these points may help to promote balance within mind and body, release endorphins, block pain receptors to your brain, and increase uterine efficiency during labour. Ideally, you should start these sessions with a qualified professional acupuncturist during your pregnancy rather than waiting until you are overdue.
• Acupressure Points – similar to acupuncture but without the needles! Pressure points on energy meridians specific to labour are stimulated to promote natural labour and enhance close partner involvement in a vital role. Acupressure also may help with the release of natural endorphins, your own natural pain relief during labour. Here is the link for the easy to use free online manual by Debra Betts: http://acupuncture.rhizome.net.nz/acupressure/download.aspx.
• Reflexology – Reflexology is an ancient skill based on the reflex points on the hands and feet. By applying gentle pressure to certain points on the feet, it will stimulate a response in the corresponding organ or system of your body. Having reflexology may help to stimulate the onset of labour if you are overdue. However, the most benefits occur when you have reflexology during pregnancy to maintain balance and wellbeing.
• Homeopathy – Homeopathic remedies are ideal for pregnant women as they are a gentle yet effective way to stimulate labour, however it is always advisable where possible to contact a homeopath for advice on the most suitable remedy for your individual circumstances. Not only can homeopathy help to stimulate labour, it is an effective way to maintain wellbeing during pregnancy and beyond. For a qualified homeopath contact the Society of Homeopaths.
• Last resort – Castor oil! Take 100mls mixed with orange juice. In a small study of 100 women, over 60% went into labour but all of them felt nauseous. For good reasons this is no longer used as a routine method of induction. It has the same effect as having a curry, but more intense. In other words it stimulates the bowel to empty, and in turn this stimulates contractions. I took it myself when I was young and impatient, but that is the only time in my life I have taken castor oil, and I don’t intend to repeat the experience. However, I did go into labour a few hours later, so it did work!
The best way to avoid induction of labour is to start using complementary therapies in the third trimester from about 36 weeks gestation, which gives them time to become more effective prior to labour and birth.
As with all complementary and natural methods it is always more beneficial to consult a qualified complementary health practitioner and discuss your plans with your midwife. Many natural options are effective if used wisely. They may reduce the need for medical induction, and the cascade of intervention that is inevitable most of the time following this procedure, which leads to a higher rate of assisted births and caesarean section.
Wednesday, 2 July 2014
Induction of labour
What is induction of labour? And should you be induced routinely when you are overdue? These are some of the topics addressed on this weeks blog.
What is induction of labour?
Induction of labour is a medical intervention, whereby labour is induced by artificial methods. Not to be confused with augmentation (acceleration of labour), which is introduced when labour has stalled or with slow progress.
Induction of labour is increasingly common these days with a more active management approach for post-maturity, social, other non-medical, and medical complications. However, it is important to weigh up the balance between risks and benefits of such a procedure on both you and your baby. Of course it may be a life-saving and necessary procedure on occasion, but the majority of times it is carried out on healthy women who are allegedly post mature.
An EDD or estimated date of delivery is exactly that, an estimate. Every woman and her baby are individuals and therefore if you and your baby are in good health why rush in to interfere with nature? Statistics suggest that most first time women go into labour at approximately forty-one weeks, which is a week overdue, so why the pressure for induction of labour at 12-14 days post-mature? Don’t get me wrong. I am not suggesting that anyone should ignore medical advice when it is based on complications such as diabetes, high blood pressure etc.
If you decide that you want to wait and see if you go into labour naturally, I would also recommend that you have daily monitoring for yourself and your baby with a CTG (cardiotocograph) and, or ultrasound scans to check the placental flow and baby’s well-being. At the end of the day only you and your partner can make the decision whether to go ahead with a medical induction or not. I am a great believer in listening to your own instincts and intuition and acting on them.
How does natural labour differ from induced labour?
The main difference is that your body produces natural oxytocin, which is your love hormone. This hormone has emotional as well as physical effects. It allows you to achieve a euphoric and deeply relaxed state, and aids the release of endorphins (natures own pain relief), as well as regular and rhythmic contractions. With an induction of labour you are given a synthetic oxytocin infusion, which does not stimulate any of the emotional and euphoric benefits of natural oxytocin. Moreover, syntocinon-induced are different from natural contractions, and these differences are more likely to lead to a greater need for analgesia, and also a reduced blood flow to your uterus.
In summary synthetic oxytocin may cause:
• Intense and painful contractions which can come on very quickly therefore not giving your body time to adjust, with the need for more analgesia
• Contractions may be very close together with little respite between to rest and recuperate
• May increase the resting tone of your uterus which can lead overstimulation and fetal distress
• Disrupts the vital hormone balance for labour, birth and early bonding with your baby
• A cascade of intervention such as continuous fetal monitoring, epidurals, and assisted delivery of your baby
• A higher incidence of caesarean section, which is doubled for first time mums
• Higher incidence of haemorrage after your birth
So in conclusion, be prepared to negotiate induction dates with your obstetrician, most are very accommodating especially if you are prepared to have daily monitoring. Finally, listen to any relevant concerns based on medical facts and make your decision based on a combination of fact and gut instincts.
What is induction of labour?
Induction of labour is a medical intervention, whereby labour is induced by artificial methods. Not to be confused with augmentation (acceleration of labour), which is introduced when labour has stalled or with slow progress.
Induction of labour is increasingly common these days with a more active management approach for post-maturity, social, other non-medical, and medical complications. However, it is important to weigh up the balance between risks and benefits of such a procedure on both you and your baby. Of course it may be a life-saving and necessary procedure on occasion, but the majority of times it is carried out on healthy women who are allegedly post mature.
An EDD or estimated date of delivery is exactly that, an estimate. Every woman and her baby are individuals and therefore if you and your baby are in good health why rush in to interfere with nature? Statistics suggest that most first time women go into labour at approximately forty-one weeks, which is a week overdue, so why the pressure for induction of labour at 12-14 days post-mature? Don’t get me wrong. I am not suggesting that anyone should ignore medical advice when it is based on complications such as diabetes, high blood pressure etc.
If you decide that you want to wait and see if you go into labour naturally, I would also recommend that you have daily monitoring for yourself and your baby with a CTG (cardiotocograph) and, or ultrasound scans to check the placental flow and baby’s well-being. At the end of the day only you and your partner can make the decision whether to go ahead with a medical induction or not. I am a great believer in listening to your own instincts and intuition and acting on them.
How does natural labour differ from induced labour?
The main difference is that your body produces natural oxytocin, which is your love hormone. This hormone has emotional as well as physical effects. It allows you to achieve a euphoric and deeply relaxed state, and aids the release of endorphins (natures own pain relief), as well as regular and rhythmic contractions. With an induction of labour you are given a synthetic oxytocin infusion, which does not stimulate any of the emotional and euphoric benefits of natural oxytocin. Moreover, syntocinon-induced are different from natural contractions, and these differences are more likely to lead to a greater need for analgesia, and also a reduced blood flow to your uterus.
In summary synthetic oxytocin may cause:
• Intense and painful contractions which can come on very quickly therefore not giving your body time to adjust, with the need for more analgesia
• Contractions may be very close together with little respite between to rest and recuperate
• May increase the resting tone of your uterus which can lead overstimulation and fetal distress
• Disrupts the vital hormone balance for labour, birth and early bonding with your baby
• A cascade of intervention such as continuous fetal monitoring, epidurals, and assisted delivery of your baby
• A higher incidence of caesarean section, which is doubled for first time mums
• Higher incidence of haemorrage after your birth
So in conclusion, be prepared to negotiate induction dates with your obstetrician, most are very accommodating especially if you are prepared to have daily monitoring. Finally, listen to any relevant concerns based on medical facts and make your decision based on a combination of fact and gut instincts.
Wednesday, 18 June 2014
The dangers of wireless radiation on your unborn child
The health of their unborn child is of paramount importance to prospective parents. However, many of us are unaware of the invisible threat from electromagnetic radiation. Protecting your baby from any possible harm is a strong and natural instinct. Every stage of your baby’s development will be affected by the choices you make and the environments in which you live. And those choices you make are at the same time becoming more difficult and more important. The Baby Safe booklet explains how to safeguard your unborn child and your whole family.
To download your copy of this free booklet please go to: www.mama2b.com
To download your copy of this free booklet please go to: www.mama2b.com
Tuesday, 3 June 2014
Where has the year gone? We are now in flaming June and looking forward with optimism to a beautiful summer! Meantime, I wanted to share my blog about belly dancing during pregnancy and how it helps you prepare for labour and childbirth, make new friends and stay fit! Enjoy.
The idea of belly dancing during pregnancy to aid natural childbirth is becoming very popular. Belly dancing has its origins in ancient times from the Middle East, and has spread throughout South East Asia, India, Greece, and has eventually reached the Western world. In the 21st century belly dancing has once again become a popular way to exercise safely during pregnancy.
Similar to yoga, and other forms of exercise, which facilitate the mind, body and spirit connection, belly dancing improves body awareness and encourages a woman 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.
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.
Maha Al Musa author of “Dance of the Womb” says that “During labour your womb will open up completely, and you will experience a change in your normal consciousness…this great opening of the womb happens only once or a few times in your life. It is a very deep emotional experience which involves a regression to your most basic and primitive feelings.”
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 during pregnancy are many fold:
• 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 helps exercise, and strengthen all the muscle groups to enhance optimal fetal positioning, and pelvic girdle movement to aid an easy, natural 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
If you are new to belly dancing it makes sense to join a class and learn the moves from a teacher of belly dancing specifically for pregnancy. Not only will you learn about the history, moves and sequences for belly dancing, but you will also meet like-minded women.
The amazing Maha Al Musa has written a beautiful book ‘Dance of the Womb’ and is a living testimony to the benefits of belly dancing during childbirth. She has kindly given her permission for me to include her words of wisdom on belly dancing in my book.
See you again soon. If you have any thoughts on topics you would like to see covered in my blog, don't hesitate to get in touch. Amanda
The idea of belly dancing during pregnancy to aid natural childbirth is becoming very popular. Belly dancing has its origins in ancient times from the Middle East, and has spread throughout South East Asia, India, Greece, and has eventually reached the Western world. In the 21st century belly dancing has once again become a popular way to exercise safely during pregnancy.
Similar to yoga, and other forms of exercise, which facilitate the mind, body and spirit connection, belly dancing improves body awareness and encourages a woman 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.
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.
Maha Al Musa author of “Dance of the Womb” says that “During labour your womb will open up completely, and you will experience a change in your normal consciousness…this great opening of the womb happens only once or a few times in your life. It is a very deep emotional experience which involves a regression to your most basic and primitive feelings.”
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 during pregnancy are many fold:
• 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 helps exercise, and strengthen all the muscle groups to enhance optimal fetal positioning, and pelvic girdle movement to aid an easy, natural 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
If you are new to belly dancing it makes sense to join a class and learn the moves from a teacher of belly dancing specifically for pregnancy. Not only will you learn about the history, moves and sequences for belly dancing, but you will also meet like-minded women.
The amazing Maha Al Musa has written a beautiful book ‘Dance of the Womb’ and is a living testimony to the benefits of belly dancing during childbirth. She has kindly given her permission for me to include her words of wisdom on belly dancing in my book.
See you again soon. If you have any thoughts on topics you would like to see covered in my blog, don't hesitate to get in touch. Amanda
Friday, 28 March 2014
Why Use Hypnobirthing Techniques During Labour
Labour and birth is necessary for all mammals, including human beings as a means to continue our species. So why is the birth experience so varied between different cultures of human beings? Indeed in the Western world, labour and childbirth is considered a painful ordeal to be endured to achieve motherhood. However, in less developed cultures women seem to give birth easily and without undue discomfort and intervention. I believe birthing can be a comfortable, and even a spiritual experience for both mother and baby.
So why do women today want to explore more natural methods of childbirth? Firstly, they want to take back control of their own mind and body. They also want the choice to give birth without undue discomfort, and avoid a cascade of intervention and its common consequences of a more medicalised birth. Modern medicine offers a vast choice of drugs that can be used to control the pain of childbirth, and stimulate labour, but all of them come with side effects of some description to both mother and baby. Of course there is a place for medical intervention in situations when it is necessary, and indeed to save lives. However, the majority of times these could be avoided by a few safe, natural and non-invasive technique such as self-hypnosis, breathing, and maternal positioning in pregnancy and labour.
With knowledge, mental and physical preparation during pregnancy, hypnobirthing can help women to achieve their desire for a more natural and gentle birth for themselves and their baby. Women the world over, are learning to use the power of their minds to achieve deep physical and emotional relaxation, which leads to a reduction in tension and fear. A reduction in tension enables their bodies to perform the primal function of labour and childbirth just as nature intended.
In my antenatal classes my group of prospective parents often say they wish there was a natural, safe and effective analgesia for childbirth. I reassure them that there is indeed such a thing, called hypnotherapy! Hypnosis is safe, non-invasive, nontoxic, and most importantly allows a woman to fully experience the joy of childbirth, without fear or anxiety, and in the majority of cases without discomfort.
I discovered hypnobirthing in 2003, which led to my “eureka moment and increased my determination to offer more choice to women to help them achieve a natural and easy birth without discomfort. In an era of high tech labour and birth, where women no longer believe they can give birth without drugs and technology, I wanted to teach them that all they had to do was relax and trust in their own innate wisdom to give birth.
So why do women today want to explore more natural methods of childbirth? Firstly, they want to take back control of their own mind and body. They also want the choice to give birth without undue discomfort, and avoid a cascade of intervention and its common consequences of a more medicalised birth. Modern medicine offers a vast choice of drugs that can be used to control the pain of childbirth, and stimulate labour, but all of them come with side effects of some description to both mother and baby. Of course there is a place for medical intervention in situations when it is necessary, and indeed to save lives. However, the majority of times these could be avoided by a few safe, natural and non-invasive technique such as self-hypnosis, breathing, and maternal positioning in pregnancy and labour.
With knowledge, mental and physical preparation during pregnancy, hypnobirthing can help women to achieve their desire for a more natural and gentle birth for themselves and their baby. Women the world over, are learning to use the power of their minds to achieve deep physical and emotional relaxation, which leads to a reduction in tension and fear. A reduction in tension enables their bodies to perform the primal function of labour and childbirth just as nature intended.
In my antenatal classes my group of prospective parents often say they wish there was a natural, safe and effective analgesia for childbirth. I reassure them that there is indeed such a thing, called hypnotherapy! Hypnosis is safe, non-invasive, nontoxic, and most importantly allows a woman to fully experience the joy of childbirth, without fear or anxiety, and in the majority of cases without discomfort.
I discovered hypnobirthing in 2003, which led to my “eureka moment and increased my determination to offer more choice to women to help them achieve a natural and easy birth without discomfort. In an era of high tech labour and birth, where women no longer believe they can give birth without drugs and technology, I wanted to teach them that all they had to do was relax and trust in their own innate wisdom to give birth.
Sunday, 9 March 2014
Fear seems to have a huge impact on women and their experiences of labour and childbirth. My blog today explores this topic. Your feedback is always much appreciated, so do get in touch.
Some stress is good in our life otherwise we wouldn’t have the motivation to get out of bed in the morning! However, too much stress, fear or anxiety has a huge impact on our wellbeing and especially on our birthing body during labour. Stress happens when we feel that we cannot cope with the unknown, or events beyond our control, which result in fear, and a hard-wired reaction to perceived threats for your survival and that of your unborn child. The life coach and author Robert Holden describes it as ‘fear experienced as reality’. It doesn’t matter if the fear is real or perceived our physiological responses are the same, and are known collectively as the ‘fight or flight’ response.
At times of danger, the body’s innate intelligence automatically takes charge by triggering a set of changes that bypass our rational thoughts. Priority is given to the physical functions which are essential to either face our enemy or to flee. To understand why such fear and tension can have a negative impact on labour and childbirth, you must first understand the physiological changes that occur within your body during the ‘fight or flight’ response.
Dr. Grantly Dick-Read observed this effect in the 1920’s and wrote about it in his book, ‘Childbirth without fear’. His theory was called the ‘fear-tension-pain syndrome’ and he found that when fear was missing during labour the body worked efficiently and easily without tension. He became a strong advocate of deep relaxation techniques to promote an easy and pain-free birth.
What is Stress?
Definition: a state of mental or emotional strain or tension resulting from adverse or demanding circumstances.
The endocrinologist Hans Selye first used the term ‘stress’ in the 1930s to identify the perceptions and responses of human beings reacting to the challenges of everyday life. Selye divided stress into ‘eustress’ and ‘distress’. Eustress enhances function both mental and physical through different activities. Distress is the result of an alarming experience either real or imagined, which activates an automatic response within the mind and body.
Simply put, stress is an ancient response within our body to get us out of danger. When we think we are in danger (real or perceived) our mind and body is put on red alert which is our ‘flight or fight’ response. All this happens instantly, allowing us to deal with the situation and then return to our natural state of homeostasis (a state of balance). For example, if we are driving along minding our own business and suddenly another car pulls out of a junction in our path within an instant we have taken evasive action and avoided a collision because of this ‘flight or fight’ response. Often for a short while afterwards we feel a bit shaken but gradually our body returns to normal again.
What actually happens to us in a stressful situation? When we are fearful or in a potentially dangerous situation as we perceive it, our body automatically switches on our ‘global alarm system’ and activates survival behaviours, or our ‘flight or fight’ response, activating the sympathetic nervous system (which provides the rapid response to stress) and de-activating the parasympathetic system (balance and harmony).
Once action has been taken and the body is no longer in danger the response to stress is terminated by inhibitory feedback and bodily functions return to homeostasis and harmony (The parasympathetic system is reactivated, digestion etc. returns to normal function).
We don’t need to understand the highly complicated functions of our nervous system to be aware of the effects the ‘flight or fight’ response has on us. I am sure at some time in our lives we have all experienced the symptoms of this ancient survival instinct. So what are the symptoms?
SYMPTOMS OF STRESS:
• A rapid heart rate
• Rapid and shallow breathing
• Cold clammy skin
• Dilated pupils
• A rise in blood pressure
• A decrease of blood to non-essential internal organs including the uterus
• A decrease of activity in the digestive system
• An increase in blood sugar levels
So how does Stress affect a woman in labour?
Mother nature in her infinite wisdom designed a complex system of hormones to nurture and support us throughout pregnancy and childbirth. A finely balanced flow of hormones enables women to ‘zone” out’ and focus deep within their maternal body, leaving the physical side of labour and birth to nature. If this natural flow of events is constantly interrupted by stress or other external factors, then the ‘fright and flight’ response kicks in, and disrupts the flow of hormones and labour stalls.
The ambience of the birthing environment is crucial to enable childbirth to flow smoothly without interruption. All mammals need a quiet, dark, tranquil and safe place to give birth with ease. This is essential to allow the intricate flow and balance of hormones to facilitate a gentle and easy birth. In nature all things exist in balance. Therefore, if our stress hormones (catecholamines) are released due to feeling fearful, then automatically our hormone levels will decrease as a survival response. It does not matter whether our fear is real or perceived by us, our body will respond the same. Modern hospital environments with their bright lights, noise and professionals rushing about to fulfill their duties, further exacerbate the fears we bring with us into hospital, absorbed from the media, stories we have heard, previous experience of childbirth etc.
I am a midwife, and believe me all this attention is given with good intent, but has changed drastically over the last 30 years. When I trained we had very little technology available, such as scans, monitors, and epidurals. Midwives used their skill to support women in labour, sat quietly with you during your labour, observed, and waited for the baby to arrive! Patience was a key skill to be mastered!
All this activity in labour wards however well intentioned, is adversely affecting the normal process of labour and childbirth, as the body moves from homeostasis (balance) into a state of stress and high alert activating our primeval response of ‘fight of flight’. The hormones released interfere with, and over-ride the hormones involved in labour, stalling and even stopping labour, as our survival instincts will not allow us to give birth in an unsafe environment!
Some stress is good in our life otherwise we wouldn’t have the motivation to get out of bed in the morning! However, too much stress, fear or anxiety has a huge impact on our wellbeing and especially on our birthing body during labour. Stress happens when we feel that we cannot cope with the unknown, or events beyond our control, which result in fear, and a hard-wired reaction to perceived threats for your survival and that of your unborn child. The life coach and author Robert Holden describes it as ‘fear experienced as reality’. It doesn’t matter if the fear is real or perceived our physiological responses are the same, and are known collectively as the ‘fight or flight’ response.
At times of danger, the body’s innate intelligence automatically takes charge by triggering a set of changes that bypass our rational thoughts. Priority is given to the physical functions which are essential to either face our enemy or to flee. To understand why such fear and tension can have a negative impact on labour and childbirth, you must first understand the physiological changes that occur within your body during the ‘fight or flight’ response.
Dr. Grantly Dick-Read observed this effect in the 1920’s and wrote about it in his book, ‘Childbirth without fear’. His theory was called the ‘fear-tension-pain syndrome’ and he found that when fear was missing during labour the body worked efficiently and easily without tension. He became a strong advocate of deep relaxation techniques to promote an easy and pain-free birth.
What is Stress?
Definition: a state of mental or emotional strain or tension resulting from adverse or demanding circumstances.
The endocrinologist Hans Selye first used the term ‘stress’ in the 1930s to identify the perceptions and responses of human beings reacting to the challenges of everyday life. Selye divided stress into ‘eustress’ and ‘distress’. Eustress enhances function both mental and physical through different activities. Distress is the result of an alarming experience either real or imagined, which activates an automatic response within the mind and body.
Simply put, stress is an ancient response within our body to get us out of danger. When we think we are in danger (real or perceived) our mind and body is put on red alert which is our ‘flight or fight’ response. All this happens instantly, allowing us to deal with the situation and then return to our natural state of homeostasis (a state of balance). For example, if we are driving along minding our own business and suddenly another car pulls out of a junction in our path within an instant we have taken evasive action and avoided a collision because of this ‘flight or fight’ response. Often for a short while afterwards we feel a bit shaken but gradually our body returns to normal again.
What actually happens to us in a stressful situation? When we are fearful or in a potentially dangerous situation as we perceive it, our body automatically switches on our ‘global alarm system’ and activates survival behaviours, or our ‘flight or fight’ response, activating the sympathetic nervous system (which provides the rapid response to stress) and de-activating the parasympathetic system (balance and harmony).
Once action has been taken and the body is no longer in danger the response to stress is terminated by inhibitory feedback and bodily functions return to homeostasis and harmony (The parasympathetic system is reactivated, digestion etc. returns to normal function).
We don’t need to understand the highly complicated functions of our nervous system to be aware of the effects the ‘flight or fight’ response has on us. I am sure at some time in our lives we have all experienced the symptoms of this ancient survival instinct. So what are the symptoms?
SYMPTOMS OF STRESS:
• A rapid heart rate
• Rapid and shallow breathing
• Cold clammy skin
• Dilated pupils
• A rise in blood pressure
• A decrease of blood to non-essential internal organs including the uterus
• A decrease of activity in the digestive system
• An increase in blood sugar levels
So how does Stress affect a woman in labour?
Mother nature in her infinite wisdom designed a complex system of hormones to nurture and support us throughout pregnancy and childbirth. A finely balanced flow of hormones enables women to ‘zone” out’ and focus deep within their maternal body, leaving the physical side of labour and birth to nature. If this natural flow of events is constantly interrupted by stress or other external factors, then the ‘fright and flight’ response kicks in, and disrupts the flow of hormones and labour stalls.
The ambience of the birthing environment is crucial to enable childbirth to flow smoothly without interruption. All mammals need a quiet, dark, tranquil and safe place to give birth with ease. This is essential to allow the intricate flow and balance of hormones to facilitate a gentle and easy birth. In nature all things exist in balance. Therefore, if our stress hormones (catecholamines) are released due to feeling fearful, then automatically our hormone levels will decrease as a survival response. It does not matter whether our fear is real or perceived by us, our body will respond the same. Modern hospital environments with their bright lights, noise and professionals rushing about to fulfill their duties, further exacerbate the fears we bring with us into hospital, absorbed from the media, stories we have heard, previous experience of childbirth etc.
I am a midwife, and believe me all this attention is given with good intent, but has changed drastically over the last 30 years. When I trained we had very little technology available, such as scans, monitors, and epidurals. Midwives used their skill to support women in labour, sat quietly with you during your labour, observed, and waited for the baby to arrive! Patience was a key skill to be mastered!
All this activity in labour wards however well intentioned, is adversely affecting the normal process of labour and childbirth, as the body moves from homeostasis (balance) into a state of stress and high alert activating our primeval response of ‘fight of flight’. The hormones released interfere with, and over-ride the hormones involved in labour, stalling and even stopping labour, as our survival instincts will not allow us to give birth in an unsafe environment!
Sunday, 10 November 2013
Welcome back to my blog. This month I have been exploring how the maternal pelvis facilitates childbirth and what an amazing design nature has given us!
Pelvic Movement During Pregnancy and Labour To Facilitate Birthing
Movement and mobility of the maternal pelvis has been an age-old debate over the centuries. The question of how a baby can fit through a small bony pelvis has been a question, which can be traced back to Hippocrates who believed that the pubic bones separated during a woman’s first labour.
Since then many studies have been carried out and the general consensus is that there is some pelvic movement in the sacrum and sacro-iliac joints during the latter part of pregnancy and labour. In conjunction with this is the effect of a woman’s position during labour, and it is likely that pelvic enlargement is enhanced if a birthing position is adopted that allows your sacrum to be free!
How does movement and positioning in labour help?
Movement and positioning in labour can work magic to help a slow labour. Movement may also enhance comfort by stimulating the receptors in the brain that decrease pain perception. Ultimately, your movement in response to your contractions may decrease pain and facilitate labour – a win-win situation! Movement also helps the baby move down through the pelvis, and some positions may help to enlarge pelvic diameters.
The good news is that you can start the process during the second trimester of pregnancy to optimize fetal positioning, which can also assist with the movements of birthing. All fours, crawling and stretching, and kneeling over a birthing ball, are similar positions that actually assist the baby with the movements of birth. Making your belly the perfect hammock can help prepare your baby’s position for childbirth, and make progress for your birth.
In most cases this works a treat, but sometimes a posterior position can be persistent, as my own daughter found during her pregnancy and labour! When this happens other techniques such as Rebozo sifting (a Mexican method using a large shawl) can be employed with some assistance required from your partner in most cases to achieve a change in fetal positioning.
Pelvic Tilts (cat position) and Crawling
Hands and knees position with pelvic tilts (cat-cow) and crawling are useful exercises for both strengthening and relaxing the pelvis.
The abdomen becomes a hammock for the baby, and because the baby’s spine is the heaviest part it rotates with gravity round to the front of your abdomen. Crawling adds movement to the joints of the pelvis.
The pelvic tilt, performed on hands-and-knees, is good to relax and release the lower back after a long day. This gentle rocking exercise keeps the pelvic joints loose, too.
When to do the pelvic tilt?
• Any time during pregnancy for maternal positioning with gravity and movement.
• After a long day working to release tension.
• For a baby in the posterior position, especially when the baby is active.
• For any fetal position because its comforting for you.
Any time after 34 weeks, get into position for the pelvic tilt when baby is actively kicking and moving around. Do a few minutes of pelvic tilts. When your baby is active there is a chance his or her intention is to find a better, more comfortable fit with the brim of the pelvis.
How to do a pelvic tilt
To do a pelvic tilt on hands and knees, lift your lower back up towards the ceiling. Imagine that a rope helps you lift your lower back. Don't arch your shoulders. That's not the part that counts. Then straighten your back.
Don't dip your lower back like a sway back horse. That might strain your muscles in pregnancy. Switch from curling your lower back to straightening it rhythmically. Put music on if you like. Do 10 movements of each to start with and build up to 40 or so. When you have finished your cat stretches, get up slowly so you don't get a head rush.
When not to do a pelvic tilt
If your wrists are too sore, or knees hurt, see if you can support yourself by leaning over an exercise ball, or the back of a couch, for your wrists, or pillow under your knees. You could try this while side lying, standing, and even, with subtle movements, on your back slightly tilted to the left and with your knees bent.
In summary, working with your body and tuning in to the changes necessary to facilitate childbirth may help women to relieve backache during pregnancy and achieve their desire for a very natural birth experience.
Pelvic Movement During Pregnancy and Labour To Facilitate Birthing
Movement and mobility of the maternal pelvis has been an age-old debate over the centuries. The question of how a baby can fit through a small bony pelvis has been a question, which can be traced back to Hippocrates who believed that the pubic bones separated during a woman’s first labour.
Since then many studies have been carried out and the general consensus is that there is some pelvic movement in the sacrum and sacro-iliac joints during the latter part of pregnancy and labour. In conjunction with this is the effect of a woman’s position during labour, and it is likely that pelvic enlargement is enhanced if a birthing position is adopted that allows your sacrum to be free!
How does movement and positioning in labour help?
Movement and positioning in labour can work magic to help a slow labour. Movement may also enhance comfort by stimulating the receptors in the brain that decrease pain perception. Ultimately, your movement in response to your contractions may decrease pain and facilitate labour – a win-win situation! Movement also helps the baby move down through the pelvis, and some positions may help to enlarge pelvic diameters.
The good news is that you can start the process during the second trimester of pregnancy to optimize fetal positioning, which can also assist with the movements of birthing. All fours, crawling and stretching, and kneeling over a birthing ball, are similar positions that actually assist the baby with the movements of birth. Making your belly the perfect hammock can help prepare your baby’s position for childbirth, and make progress for your birth.
In most cases this works a treat, but sometimes a posterior position can be persistent, as my own daughter found during her pregnancy and labour! When this happens other techniques such as Rebozo sifting (a Mexican method using a large shawl) can be employed with some assistance required from your partner in most cases to achieve a change in fetal positioning.
Pelvic Tilts (cat position) and Crawling
Hands and knees position with pelvic tilts (cat-cow) and crawling are useful exercises for both strengthening and relaxing the pelvis.
The abdomen becomes a hammock for the baby, and because the baby’s spine is the heaviest part it rotates with gravity round to the front of your abdomen. Crawling adds movement to the joints of the pelvis.
The pelvic tilt, performed on hands-and-knees, is good to relax and release the lower back after a long day. This gentle rocking exercise keeps the pelvic joints loose, too.
When to do the pelvic tilt?
• Any time during pregnancy for maternal positioning with gravity and movement.
• After a long day working to release tension.
• For a baby in the posterior position, especially when the baby is active.
• For any fetal position because its comforting for you.
Any time after 34 weeks, get into position for the pelvic tilt when baby is actively kicking and moving around. Do a few minutes of pelvic tilts. When your baby is active there is a chance his or her intention is to find a better, more comfortable fit with the brim of the pelvis.
How to do a pelvic tilt
To do a pelvic tilt on hands and knees, lift your lower back up towards the ceiling. Imagine that a rope helps you lift your lower back. Don't arch your shoulders. That's not the part that counts. Then straighten your back.
Don't dip your lower back like a sway back horse. That might strain your muscles in pregnancy. Switch from curling your lower back to straightening it rhythmically. Put music on if you like. Do 10 movements of each to start with and build up to 40 or so. When you have finished your cat stretches, get up slowly so you don't get a head rush.
When not to do a pelvic tilt
If your wrists are too sore, or knees hurt, see if you can support yourself by leaning over an exercise ball, or the back of a couch, for your wrists, or pillow under your knees. You could try this while side lying, standing, and even, with subtle movements, on your back slightly tilted to the left and with your knees bent.
In summary, working with your body and tuning in to the changes necessary to facilitate childbirth may help women to relieve backache during pregnancy and achieve their desire for a very natural birth experience.
Thursday, 25 July 2013
Welcome to my latest blog about using affirmations in pregnancy, which follows on very nicely from my last one on creative visualization. As always your feedback is much appreciated.
Why Use Affirmations During Pregnancy And To Prepare For Childbirth?
How do you stop your fears, negative thoughts and beliefs from impacting on your physical and emotional wellbeing during pregnancy, birth and beyond? I would like to explain what affirmations are and how they can help to reduce stress and anxiety during pregnancy and childbirth.
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 a particular subject.
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.
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 happy, healthy and safe birth.
Affirmations for pregnancy and 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 my baby.
• My baby will be born at the perfect time.
• 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 mum 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 these 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.
• Repetition is the secret to success. Try saying your affirmations whenever you have a spare moment.
• Looking in a mirror as you repeat your affirmation focuses your mind and enhances the effect.
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).
Why Use Affirmations During Pregnancy And To Prepare For Childbirth?
How do you stop your fears, negative thoughts and beliefs from impacting on your physical and emotional wellbeing during pregnancy, birth and beyond? I would like to explain what affirmations are and how they can help to reduce stress and anxiety during pregnancy and childbirth.
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 a particular subject.
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.
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 happy, healthy and safe birth.
Affirmations for pregnancy and 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 my baby.
• My baby will be born at the perfect time.
• 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 mum 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 these 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.
• Repetition is the secret to success. Try saying your affirmations whenever you have a spare moment.
• Looking in a mirror as you repeat your affirmation focuses your mind and enhances the effect.
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).
Sunday, 14 July 2013
Creative Visualization to help achieve the birth you desire
Welcome back to my blog after another slight lapse! I am passionate about teaching women how to visualize their forthcoming birth so that is the topic of todays blog. Enjoy, and your comments are much appreciated.
For me, visualization is the premier technique for harnessing your mind’s power to shape your life and move you towards your desire for a natural, and easy birth. Used in conjunction with affirmations on a daily basis to enhance your experience, and outcome of your visualizations.
It all starts with your imagination. Imagination is your ability to create a vision or an image of how you wish your birthing experience to unfold. Whatever your goal is the technique is basically the same.
This involves visualizing the end result of your goal or desire while you are in deep relaxation (alpha state) during your self-hypnosis practice. Just like affirmations your visualization should be imagined in the ‘present tense’. For example, you are looking to buy a brand new car. You want to imagine yourself in the car, and feel the moment as if it is actually happening right now and not in the future. In other words feel the joy in owning the car, the feel of the steering wheel etc.
Amanda’s tips for effective visualizations
• Take yourself into deep physical relaxation with breathing and progressive relaxation (relaxation response)
• Take yourself to your safe haven, your retreat
• Create a mental screen in front of you like a cinema or large TV screen
• Place it in front of you, raise it slightly, and about 6 feet in front of you
• When you perform creative visualization you project images onto this screen
• Use all of your senses to see, hear, touch and feel the joy of holding your newborn baby in your arms
• Remember the more realistic the visualization process, the better the results
Troubleshooting
If you have any difficulty visualizing you can use a technique called streaming. With streaming you mentally describe what you are seeing. Make the description as detailed as possible. As you describe the image in detail you will find that the image also takes on more detail. This in turn adds to more things to mentally describe, and your image becomes more vivid.
This is not just some alternative hippy idea! There is strong scientific evidence that visualization can be used to dramatically improve your results in sports, public speaking, or anything else, which involves practice. Most athletes today use these techniques with great success. In one study, a
group of healthy five year old children were told a story about a magic microscope that showed how the immune cells in the body fight against germs; they were also shown a film with glove puppets acting out the roles of different cells as policemen fighting off the germs. Saliva samples were collected before and after the story for analysis. The results showed that the saliva samples taken after the story were full of immune substances at levels found when fighting an infection (Shapiro, 2008). Therefore it is an ideal way to practice for your ‘labour of love’ before the actual event.
“Your imagination is your preview of life’s coming attractions.”
(Albert Einstein)
It can be confusing when there are many terms bandied about such as visualization, guided imagery, and mental rehearsal. These are three terms, which are often integrated under the one umbrella described as ‘visualizations’. However, I use them to describe three slightly different things.
• Visualization – using your imagination to create a vision of a goal or desire you wish to achieve such as a natural calm birth
• Guided Imagery – is a directed visualization script guiding you on a path towards attaining the natural birth you desire. You can read it until you are familiar with it, record it, or ask your partner to read to you during your self-hypnosis sessions.
• Mental Rehearsal – Mental rehearsal refers to using our mind to ‘replicate’ the experience of actually giving birth easily and calmly. In your mind you rehearse the whole labour and birth process exactly as you wish to think, feel and behave during your labour.
You can combine your affirmations with your creative visualization to create a more powerful effect. As you are imagining your goal, simply repeat your affirmation mentally, as many times as you feel it is necessary.
Do not be discouraged if your do not feel you have mastered the technique initially, give it time, and keep practicing. Remember, you did not master driving your car straight away or any other skill, which requires some practice. Creative visualization can be such a powerful tool when used during your self-hypnosis sessions that just five minutes a day practice can undo years of negative thinking.
Ref:
Shapiro, D. (2008) Your body speaks you
For me, visualization is the premier technique for harnessing your mind’s power to shape your life and move you towards your desire for a natural, and easy birth. Used in conjunction with affirmations on a daily basis to enhance your experience, and outcome of your visualizations.
It all starts with your imagination. Imagination is your ability to create a vision or an image of how you wish your birthing experience to unfold. Whatever your goal is the technique is basically the same.
This involves visualizing the end result of your goal or desire while you are in deep relaxation (alpha state) during your self-hypnosis practice. Just like affirmations your visualization should be imagined in the ‘present tense’. For example, you are looking to buy a brand new car. You want to imagine yourself in the car, and feel the moment as if it is actually happening right now and not in the future. In other words feel the joy in owning the car, the feel of the steering wheel etc.
Amanda’s tips for effective visualizations
• Take yourself into deep physical relaxation with breathing and progressive relaxation (relaxation response)
• Take yourself to your safe haven, your retreat
• Create a mental screen in front of you like a cinema or large TV screen
• Place it in front of you, raise it slightly, and about 6 feet in front of you
• When you perform creative visualization you project images onto this screen
• Use all of your senses to see, hear, touch and feel the joy of holding your newborn baby in your arms
• Remember the more realistic the visualization process, the better the results
Troubleshooting
If you have any difficulty visualizing you can use a technique called streaming. With streaming you mentally describe what you are seeing. Make the description as detailed as possible. As you describe the image in detail you will find that the image also takes on more detail. This in turn adds to more things to mentally describe, and your image becomes more vivid.
This is not just some alternative hippy idea! There is strong scientific evidence that visualization can be used to dramatically improve your results in sports, public speaking, or anything else, which involves practice. Most athletes today use these techniques with great success. In one study, a
group of healthy five year old children were told a story about a magic microscope that showed how the immune cells in the body fight against germs; they were also shown a film with glove puppets acting out the roles of different cells as policemen fighting off the germs. Saliva samples were collected before and after the story for analysis. The results showed that the saliva samples taken after the story were full of immune substances at levels found when fighting an infection (Shapiro, 2008). Therefore it is an ideal way to practice for your ‘labour of love’ before the actual event.
“Your imagination is your preview of life’s coming attractions.”
(Albert Einstein)
It can be confusing when there are many terms bandied about such as visualization, guided imagery, and mental rehearsal. These are three terms, which are often integrated under the one umbrella described as ‘visualizations’. However, I use them to describe three slightly different things.
• Visualization – using your imagination to create a vision of a goal or desire you wish to achieve such as a natural calm birth
• Guided Imagery – is a directed visualization script guiding you on a path towards attaining the natural birth you desire. You can read it until you are familiar with it, record it, or ask your partner to read to you during your self-hypnosis sessions.
• Mental Rehearsal – Mental rehearsal refers to using our mind to ‘replicate’ the experience of actually giving birth easily and calmly. In your mind you rehearse the whole labour and birth process exactly as you wish to think, feel and behave during your labour.
You can combine your affirmations with your creative visualization to create a more powerful effect. As you are imagining your goal, simply repeat your affirmation mentally, as many times as you feel it is necessary.
Do not be discouraged if your do not feel you have mastered the technique initially, give it time, and keep practicing. Remember, you did not master driving your car straight away or any other skill, which requires some practice. Creative visualization can be such a powerful tool when used during your self-hypnosis sessions that just five minutes a day practice can undo years of negative thinking.
Ref:
Shapiro, D. (2008) Your body speaks you
Tuesday, 23 April 2013
Bonding with your unborn baby - simple steps
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.
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.
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
Tuesday, 7 February 2012
Why are we still adhering to strict timelines in labour and birth?
Greetings to you all and apologies for the delay in writing in my blog. Life has been busy lately and I have just completed a new course called Matrix Re-imprinting, which is a follow on from EFT (emotional freedom technique) which is even more effective in dealing with past trauma. I intend to use this technique as part of my post traumatic stress disorder therapies for women with previous birth trauma experiences to help them release and heal those memories, and enable them to look forward to their next pregnancy and birth in a positive way.
This article I have written follows on nicely as unnecessary intervention in labour may lead to more complications in childbirth.
The natural rhythms of labour and birth have long been forgotten and ignored as pioneers of modern medicine designed graphs and charts, to enable them to vigilantly measure labour progress and cervical dilatation within estimated time frames introduced from the mid 1950’s.
The need for these measurements became necessary once childbirth was taken from the home environment into a hospital setting especially after the Peel report in 1970 which advocated hospitals as the safest place for women to give birth. Busy labour suites required a conveyor belt kind of efficiency to deal with the large numbers of women passing through their doors. The partogram was designed as an action plan if the progress of labour did not follow the time-line guide. This lead to the aggressive active management of slow labour protocols designed by O’Driscoll and Meagher in 1986. These partograms have been modified slightly but are still in use today in labour suites.
The main measurement of labour progress remains performing a vaginal examination to ascertain cervical dilatation according to partogram guidelines. This has led to more frequent examinations for women which are uncomfortable and may be an invasion of privacy. Thankfully, the frequency of these examinations has been reduced, as the time line of labour is slightly more flexible today.
Long forgotten skills and techniques for monitoring the progress of labour without intervention are being re-instated by midwives and birth attendants in many natural birth situations. One of these includes observing the ‘purple line’, which runs from the distal margin of the anus up between the buttocks until it reaches the natal cleft, which is a sign of full cervical dilatation. I remember observing this line myself on many an occasion. Research indicates that up to 89% of women develop this sign during labour. Another technique possibly originating in Peru found that birth attendants felt for the appearance a ridge running from between the eyes up to the hairline on the forehead as labour progressed. There are many more intuitive techniques handed down through the generations, which are in danger of being lost completely, as midwifery skills are lost in a high tech world of labour and birthing.
There is now a backlash from women, midwives, and supporters of home birth and birth centres, who argue that normal labour does not necessarily follow the division of labour into the various timed stages to be adhered to regardless of individual labour patterns and rhythms.
Many first time labouring women experience a long latent phase and this time is best spent at home in their own environment, with assessment by their community midwife or at an early labour assessment unit if home assessment is not possible. This allows women to labour without intervention in the nurturing environment of their own home with their own comforts.
The desire of women and midwives to return to normal patterns of labour based on an individual woman and to discard the timed assembly line birth, embraces the old way of ‘being with women’ during labour. As Nicky Leap suggests, “the less we do, the more we give”.
This article I have written follows on nicely as unnecessary intervention in labour may lead to more complications in childbirth.
The natural rhythms of labour and birth have long been forgotten and ignored as pioneers of modern medicine designed graphs and charts, to enable them to vigilantly measure labour progress and cervical dilatation within estimated time frames introduced from the mid 1950’s.
The need for these measurements became necessary once childbirth was taken from the home environment into a hospital setting especially after the Peel report in 1970 which advocated hospitals as the safest place for women to give birth. Busy labour suites required a conveyor belt kind of efficiency to deal with the large numbers of women passing through their doors. The partogram was designed as an action plan if the progress of labour did not follow the time-line guide. This lead to the aggressive active management of slow labour protocols designed by O’Driscoll and Meagher in 1986. These partograms have been modified slightly but are still in use today in labour suites.
The main measurement of labour progress remains performing a vaginal examination to ascertain cervical dilatation according to partogram guidelines. This has led to more frequent examinations for women which are uncomfortable and may be an invasion of privacy. Thankfully, the frequency of these examinations has been reduced, as the time line of labour is slightly more flexible today.
Long forgotten skills and techniques for monitoring the progress of labour without intervention are being re-instated by midwives and birth attendants in many natural birth situations. One of these includes observing the ‘purple line’, which runs from the distal margin of the anus up between the buttocks until it reaches the natal cleft, which is a sign of full cervical dilatation. I remember observing this line myself on many an occasion. Research indicates that up to 89% of women develop this sign during labour. Another technique possibly originating in Peru found that birth attendants felt for the appearance a ridge running from between the eyes up to the hairline on the forehead as labour progressed. There are many more intuitive techniques handed down through the generations, which are in danger of being lost completely, as midwifery skills are lost in a high tech world of labour and birthing.
There is now a backlash from women, midwives, and supporters of home birth and birth centres, who argue that normal labour does not necessarily follow the division of labour into the various timed stages to be adhered to regardless of individual labour patterns and rhythms.
Many first time labouring women experience a long latent phase and this time is best spent at home in their own environment, with assessment by their community midwife or at an early labour assessment unit if home assessment is not possible. This allows women to labour without intervention in the nurturing environment of their own home with their own comforts.
The desire of women and midwives to return to normal patterns of labour based on an individual woman and to discard the timed assembly line birth, embraces the old way of ‘being with women’ during labour. As Nicky Leap suggests, “the less we do, the more we give”.
Tuesday, 10 January 2012
Why use EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique) during pregnancy and childbirth
Welcome back to my blog. What a fabulous full moon last night! I slept surprisingly well considering there was a full moon, but had many vivid dreams. I am always interested to hear about your experience during pregnancy and labour during a full moon. The first ten interesting replies received will be able to receive a free 'Hypnosis for Pregnancy, Birth and Beyond' CD.
The topic I want to share with you this week is a subject dear to my heart and a technique I use all the time both for myself and my clients.
Definition of EFT:
Often described as psychological acupuncture, Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) is a therapy that involves tapping on meridian pressure points, whilst focusing on an emotional or physical problem.
Emotional Freedom Technique was developed by Gary Craig around 1995 based on work done by Roger Callaghan on Thought Field Therapy, and is one of the many forms of Meridian Energy Techniques. Gary Craig refined, simplified and developed EFT making it easy to use and available to everyone. As a therapeutic technique it is hard to beat for its effectiveness and simplicity.
How does EFT work?
That is a good question and the answer is that no one knows exactly how it works, but the general consensus is that it:
• Works on the 12 meridian channels and 2 governing vessels based on Acupuncture in Chinese medicine
• Tapping on the meridian points whilst focusing on the problem, allows the physical or emotional problem to be released and cleared
Based on his findings Gary Craig suggests that:
“ The cause of all negative emotions is a disruption in the body’s energy system.”
The theory behind the technique is based on the premise that negative emotions and dis-ease are caused by a disruption in the body’s energy system. Therefore, by tapping on the meridians, it provides a release of negative emotions and a return to homeostasis (balance of mind of body).
Tapping Techniques
With this technique the fingers gently tap on the end point of the meridians or energy points on the face and upper body. This helps to release blockages on both a mental and physical level, and balances the body’s energy system.
Why should we use Emotional Freedom Technique during pregnancy and childbirth?
Being pregnant may unleash a roller coaster of emotions as your hormones and body adjusts to your new role. Even if you are really pleased to be pregnant you may find that your emotions are all over the place and you may also experience the uncomfortable physical ailments associated with being pregnant. These include:
• Nausea
• Morning sickness
• Fatigue
• Mood swings
• Fears and anxiety
As your pregnancy progresses you may also develop other physical ailments such as:
• Aching joints and ligaments
• Pelvic dysfunction pain
• Backache
• Swelling (oedema)
• Heartburn
• Constipation
EFT is an effective tool to use during your pregnancy to alleviate physical symptoms, balance emotions and release fears and negative feelings. With EFT you can tap your way to feeling better both physically and emotionally.
Using EFT to prepare for childbirth
Towards the latter part of your pregnancy in your third trimester, it is common to focus more on the labour and birthing of your baby. Any fears or concerns about giving birth may be released using EFT giving space for a positive birthing experience to replace the old fears and limiting thought patterns.
I believe that teaching all pregnant women how to use EFT on their fears and limiting beliefs can enhance their experience of childbirth, with less analgesia required, and with fewer medical interventions required. Using EFT to release fears, limiting beliefs and anxiety allows us to focus more on the positive aspects of giving birth and the transition to motherhood.
In my practice, more women are coming to see me now in their second pregnancy because their previous experience of childbirth didn’t fulfill their dream of having a gentle easy birth. Many have had a traumatic experience and cannot face another such experience. So many women are unable to enjoy this current pregnancy because of the fear and anxiety they still carry within them. This is where EFT can be so useful, helping these women to release these past traumatic experiences and move on quickly and easily by tapping on their specific problems.
What we can do to reduce fear, tension and pain
Sadly, with advances in technology comes more intervention in what should be a natural process of giving birth easily without fear and pain. There are several techniques, which may alleviate fear, tension and pain and these include; self-hypnosis, visualizations, affirmations, breathing and optimal positions for baby and birthing found in Hypnobirthing. However, it is not well known that EFT may also help to relieve fear, promote physical and emotional wellbeing, and release past trauma still held within our minds and body. In my opinion the effects of using Hypnobirthing in conjunction with EFT provides a powerful toolbox to support your childbirth preparation.
For more information or to book your EFT session with Amanda either in person, skype or telephone please contact me on: amanda@mama2b.com or 07818 415516.
The topic I want to share with you this week is a subject dear to my heart and a technique I use all the time both for myself and my clients.
Definition of EFT:
Often described as psychological acupuncture, Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) is a therapy that involves tapping on meridian pressure points, whilst focusing on an emotional or physical problem.
Emotional Freedom Technique was developed by Gary Craig around 1995 based on work done by Roger Callaghan on Thought Field Therapy, and is one of the many forms of Meridian Energy Techniques. Gary Craig refined, simplified and developed EFT making it easy to use and available to everyone. As a therapeutic technique it is hard to beat for its effectiveness and simplicity.
How does EFT work?
That is a good question and the answer is that no one knows exactly how it works, but the general consensus is that it:
• Works on the 12 meridian channels and 2 governing vessels based on Acupuncture in Chinese medicine
• Tapping on the meridian points whilst focusing on the problem, allows the physical or emotional problem to be released and cleared
Based on his findings Gary Craig suggests that:
“ The cause of all negative emotions is a disruption in the body’s energy system.”
The theory behind the technique is based on the premise that negative emotions and dis-ease are caused by a disruption in the body’s energy system. Therefore, by tapping on the meridians, it provides a release of negative emotions and a return to homeostasis (balance of mind of body).
Tapping Techniques
With this technique the fingers gently tap on the end point of the meridians or energy points on the face and upper body. This helps to release blockages on both a mental and physical level, and balances the body’s energy system.
Why should we use Emotional Freedom Technique during pregnancy and childbirth?
Being pregnant may unleash a roller coaster of emotions as your hormones and body adjusts to your new role. Even if you are really pleased to be pregnant you may find that your emotions are all over the place and you may also experience the uncomfortable physical ailments associated with being pregnant. These include:
• Nausea
• Morning sickness
• Fatigue
• Mood swings
• Fears and anxiety
As your pregnancy progresses you may also develop other physical ailments such as:
• Aching joints and ligaments
• Pelvic dysfunction pain
• Backache
• Swelling (oedema)
• Heartburn
• Constipation
EFT is an effective tool to use during your pregnancy to alleviate physical symptoms, balance emotions and release fears and negative feelings. With EFT you can tap your way to feeling better both physically and emotionally.
Using EFT to prepare for childbirth
Towards the latter part of your pregnancy in your third trimester, it is common to focus more on the labour and birthing of your baby. Any fears or concerns about giving birth may be released using EFT giving space for a positive birthing experience to replace the old fears and limiting thought patterns.
I believe that teaching all pregnant women how to use EFT on their fears and limiting beliefs can enhance their experience of childbirth, with less analgesia required, and with fewer medical interventions required. Using EFT to release fears, limiting beliefs and anxiety allows us to focus more on the positive aspects of giving birth and the transition to motherhood.
In my practice, more women are coming to see me now in their second pregnancy because their previous experience of childbirth didn’t fulfill their dream of having a gentle easy birth. Many have had a traumatic experience and cannot face another such experience. So many women are unable to enjoy this current pregnancy because of the fear and anxiety they still carry within them. This is where EFT can be so useful, helping these women to release these past traumatic experiences and move on quickly and easily by tapping on their specific problems.
What we can do to reduce fear, tension and pain
Sadly, with advances in technology comes more intervention in what should be a natural process of giving birth easily without fear and pain. There are several techniques, which may alleviate fear, tension and pain and these include; self-hypnosis, visualizations, affirmations, breathing and optimal positions for baby and birthing found in Hypnobirthing. However, it is not well known that EFT may also help to relieve fear, promote physical and emotional wellbeing, and release past trauma still held within our minds and body. In my opinion the effects of using Hypnobirthing in conjunction with EFT provides a powerful toolbox to support your childbirth preparation.
For more information or to book your EFT session with Amanda either in person, skype or telephone please contact me on: amanda@mama2b.com or 07818 415516.
Wednesday, 4 January 2012
Happy Hypnobirthing New Year
Happy New Year to you all and may all your dreams and wishes come true in 2012. It looks like it is going to be an exciting year for us all, so don't be afraid to take the first step to achieving your dream of a natural, calm and easy birth.
The topic for my first blog of 2012 is a subject close to my heart that I believe can offer women the choice and control over their own labour and birthing. So read on for more information about Hupnobirthing.
Hypnobirthing embraces the philosophy of natural childbirth experienced without fear or tension, using self-hypnosis, relaxation, visualisation and breathing techniques. It is based on the observations and research by Dr. Grantly Dick-Read in the early 1920s, which led him to the conclusion that what makes childbirth painful is the ‘fear, tension and pain’ syndrome.
What is hypnotherapy?
Hypnotherapy has been used as a healing technique for centuries. The technique was coined from ‘Hypnos’ the Greek god of sleep. Hypnosis is a naturally occurring state of intense concentration coupled with deep relaxation, neither asleep nor awake, but similar to daydreaming. During hypnosis breathing slows, and muscles relax whilst the mind remains alert. The brain exhibits alpha waves, which result in the release of endorphins and also increases the hormone oxytocin. Research has suggested that hypnotherapy can reduce pain, ease anxiety (Jenkins MW, Pritchard MH, 1993), and in addition significantly reduced the length of labour, especially in first time mothers. (Martin AA, et al. 2001).
Lets’ deal with the misconceptions first. Hypnotherapy does not involve a scary therapist standing in front of you swinging a pendulum in front of your eyes. Hypnotherapy is a safe and natural state similar to day- dreaming, which we all experience everyday.
Hypnobirthing
Teaching women self-hypnosis during pregnancy gives women the tools to prepare for birth and beyond using breathing techniques, visualisatons, deep relaxation, glove anaesthesia, and self-hypnosis. During hypnosis women are shown how to breathe in rhythm with their surges (contractions), encouraging deep relaxation, which in turn reduces the ‘fear, tension and pain’ syndrome. This removes all physical resistance and allows the mechanics of labour without tension. A safe place visualisation is a powerful coping tool to manage the intensity of surges (contractions). Visual imagery encourages the mind to go within, promoting bonding with the baby, and also techniques to control comfort and sensations within the body. One of the most effective pain relieving techniques is ‘glove anaesthesia’ using the power of the mind to numb any areas of discomfort.
Benefits of Hypnobirthing
• Self-hypnosis can reduce the need for chemical pain relief and stimulate the release of the body’s own natural painkillers called ‘endorphins’.
• Pain relieving techniques such as ‘glove anaesthesia’ can aid a pain free labour and birth.
• The effect of using hypnosis as a means of relaxation and pain relief in labour has been widely researched and may lead to a shorter first stage of labour
• A calm and controlled birth experience for mother and baby.
• Supports early bonding as a family unit
• Encourages early breast feeding and a rapid postnatal recovery
• Babies appear more settled and calm
Hypnobirthing classes
During pregnancy women are taught deep breathing techniques, relaxation, visualizations, glove anaesthesia, and self-hypnosis, which enables them to remain calm and relaxed, working in rhythm with their bodies during labour and birthing. Culturally, we are programmed to believe childbirth will be painful, whereas African and Indian women give birth easily without fear.
When can hypnotherapy be used?
Hypnotherapy can be used throughout pregnancy to enhance wellbeing, reduce tiredness and alleviate morning sickness. Dr. Martin P. Williams, a member of the British Hypnotherapy Association and founder of the Hypnonatal program for painless childbirth, says ‘When using hypnosis in early pregnancy in most cases within one or two sessions, feelings of nausea and sickness subside…’
Research has also shown that hypnosis may be of value in the treatment of breech presentation (Mehl, 1994). The outcome of the research was significant, with 84% of the hypnosis group achieving a cephalic presentation (head down). In comparison only 48% achieved cephalic presentation in the control group. The conclusion was that hypnosis could successfully treat women with a breech presentation, providing they were suitably motivated.
Conclusion
Hypnobirthing is a gentle, safe and effective therapy, which has been used as a natural healing technique for centuries. Self- hypnosis, visualisations, breathing and relaxation techniques give women the tools to achieve their goal of a calm and natural birth. This therapy works in a positive way, reducing fear and promoting women’s confidence in their own ability to give birth naturally and easily.
References:
Davidson J. MD. An assessment of the value of hypnosis in pregnancy and labour. British Medical Journal, Oct. 13th 1962, 951-953.
Mehl L. 1994 Hypnosis and conversion of the breech to vertex presentation. Archives of Family medicine 3, 10:881
Mongan M.F. HypnoBirthing,The Mongan Method. HCI Inc. Books 2005.
Jenkins MW., Pritchard MH. (1993) Hypnosis: practical application and theoretical considerations in normal labour. British Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology 100(3): 221-226
Martin AA., Schauble PG., Surekha HR., Curry RW, (2001). The effects of hypnosis on the labour processes and birth outcomes of pregnant adolescents. The Journal of Family Practice 50(5): 441-443
To contact Amanda Gwynne or for more information please go to www.mama2b.com
The topic for my first blog of 2012 is a subject close to my heart that I believe can offer women the choice and control over their own labour and birthing. So read on for more information about Hupnobirthing.
Hypnobirthing embraces the philosophy of natural childbirth experienced without fear or tension, using self-hypnosis, relaxation, visualisation and breathing techniques. It is based on the observations and research by Dr. Grantly Dick-Read in the early 1920s, which led him to the conclusion that what makes childbirth painful is the ‘fear, tension and pain’ syndrome.
What is hypnotherapy?
Hypnotherapy has been used as a healing technique for centuries. The technique was coined from ‘Hypnos’ the Greek god of sleep. Hypnosis is a naturally occurring state of intense concentration coupled with deep relaxation, neither asleep nor awake, but similar to daydreaming. During hypnosis breathing slows, and muscles relax whilst the mind remains alert. The brain exhibits alpha waves, which result in the release of endorphins and also increases the hormone oxytocin. Research has suggested that hypnotherapy can reduce pain, ease anxiety (Jenkins MW, Pritchard MH, 1993), and in addition significantly reduced the length of labour, especially in first time mothers. (Martin AA, et al. 2001).
Lets’ deal with the misconceptions first. Hypnotherapy does not involve a scary therapist standing in front of you swinging a pendulum in front of your eyes. Hypnotherapy is a safe and natural state similar to day- dreaming, which we all experience everyday.
Hypnobirthing
Teaching women self-hypnosis during pregnancy gives women the tools to prepare for birth and beyond using breathing techniques, visualisatons, deep relaxation, glove anaesthesia, and self-hypnosis. During hypnosis women are shown how to breathe in rhythm with their surges (contractions), encouraging deep relaxation, which in turn reduces the ‘fear, tension and pain’ syndrome. This removes all physical resistance and allows the mechanics of labour without tension. A safe place visualisation is a powerful coping tool to manage the intensity of surges (contractions). Visual imagery encourages the mind to go within, promoting bonding with the baby, and also techniques to control comfort and sensations within the body. One of the most effective pain relieving techniques is ‘glove anaesthesia’ using the power of the mind to numb any areas of discomfort.
Benefits of Hypnobirthing
• Self-hypnosis can reduce the need for chemical pain relief and stimulate the release of the body’s own natural painkillers called ‘endorphins’.
• Pain relieving techniques such as ‘glove anaesthesia’ can aid a pain free labour and birth.
• The effect of using hypnosis as a means of relaxation and pain relief in labour has been widely researched and may lead to a shorter first stage of labour
• A calm and controlled birth experience for mother and baby.
• Supports early bonding as a family unit
• Encourages early breast feeding and a rapid postnatal recovery
• Babies appear more settled and calm
Hypnobirthing classes
During pregnancy women are taught deep breathing techniques, relaxation, visualizations, glove anaesthesia, and self-hypnosis, which enables them to remain calm and relaxed, working in rhythm with their bodies during labour and birthing. Culturally, we are programmed to believe childbirth will be painful, whereas African and Indian women give birth easily without fear.
When can hypnotherapy be used?
Hypnotherapy can be used throughout pregnancy to enhance wellbeing, reduce tiredness and alleviate morning sickness. Dr. Martin P. Williams, a member of the British Hypnotherapy Association and founder of the Hypnonatal program for painless childbirth, says ‘When using hypnosis in early pregnancy in most cases within one or two sessions, feelings of nausea and sickness subside…’
Research has also shown that hypnosis may be of value in the treatment of breech presentation (Mehl, 1994). The outcome of the research was significant, with 84% of the hypnosis group achieving a cephalic presentation (head down). In comparison only 48% achieved cephalic presentation in the control group. The conclusion was that hypnosis could successfully treat women with a breech presentation, providing they were suitably motivated.
Conclusion
Hypnobirthing is a gentle, safe and effective therapy, which has been used as a natural healing technique for centuries. Self- hypnosis, visualisations, breathing and relaxation techniques give women the tools to achieve their goal of a calm and natural birth. This therapy works in a positive way, reducing fear and promoting women’s confidence in their own ability to give birth naturally and easily.
References:
Davidson J. MD. An assessment of the value of hypnosis in pregnancy and labour. British Medical Journal, Oct. 13th 1962, 951-953.
Mehl L. 1994 Hypnosis and conversion of the breech to vertex presentation. Archives of Family medicine 3, 10:881
Mongan M.F. HypnoBirthing,The Mongan Method. HCI Inc. Books 2005.
Jenkins MW., Pritchard MH. (1993) Hypnosis: practical application and theoretical considerations in normal labour. British Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology 100(3): 221-226
Martin AA., Schauble PG., Surekha HR., Curry RW, (2001). The effects of hypnosis on the labour processes and birth outcomes of pregnant adolescents. The Journal of Family Practice 50(5): 441-443
To contact Amanda Gwynne or for more information please go to www.mama2b.com
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