Hypnobirthing - relax and deliver
Most mums-to-be are of course ecstatic about becoming pregnant but more often than not there is a lot of apprehension involved regarding the actual birth itself. A new mum could probably count on all her fingers and toes all of the horror stories she has heard about birth so it is no doubt that the phenomenon of hypnobirthing is sweeping the UK helping mums to be to give birth more naturally and comfortably.
A first time mum facing the unknown experience of birthing is very susceptible to the comments of others as well as societys medicalised approach to birthing and this fear unfortunately helps perpetuate the story that birth is a painful, scary experience.
To put it simply, hypnobirthing practitioners believe that a lot of the pain of childbirth comes mostly from fear which physiologically causes the body to work against what it has to do to birth a baby naturally. In this state of fear in birthing, blood is sent away from the uterus and to the extremities. With reduced blood flow, the uterus cramps, causing pain. If women are able to relax and release muscle tension, this causes less pain, more effective contractions and often a shorter more comfortable labour.
Natasha Taylor (34, Wandsworth) decided to do a course in hypnobirthing as she was afraid of not being able to endure the pain that she has seen so many times in films and TV shows. Natasha recalls how she felt when thinking of giving birth ""I just wanted to close my eyes and for it all to be over - I was terrified!"
In her hypnobirthing class, she was able to put aside all the negative stories she had heard about birth. She learnt how listening to all the bad press about birth will do nothing but exaggerate her own fears and worries and concentrated on creating her own unique birth story.
She and her partner Brendon were also taught techniques to increase the production of endorphins (the body own natural anaesthesia) as well as breathing techniques, visualisations, affirmations and the ability to go in to self hypnosis. The self hypnosis and ability to stay calm, allowed her birthing muscles to relax and work together in unison. When the body is in a state of fear of panic, the body tenses and muscles constrict meaning birth can be a lot more painful and can lead to longer labours.
After completing the course she says she felt completely different "I'm actually really excited about the day now! I feel so much more confident in my body's capabilities and feel so much calmer about the whole experience" Natasha gave birth to her 8'1 baby girl Phoebe on April 11th with no pain medication what so ever.
Giving birth is one of the most momentous experiences a woman can have and many are making the informed decision to make it as easy as possible by taking hypnobirthing classes.
It is for this reason that more and more expectant mothers across the UK are turning to the practice of hypnobirthing to assist them to have a more comfortable and natural childbirth - the way nature intended. read more
