Today I attended a Hypnobirthing workshop, with midwife and doula Robyn Sheldon, which I thoroughly enjoyed. You learn to use self-hypnosis, guided imagery, deep relaxation and special breathing techniques that are supposed to help bring about a shorter, easier, and more joyful birthing experience. Hypnobirthing teaches you to birth your baby in a more comfortable manner, awake, alert, and fully in control. Although I have the yoga to fall back on regarding birthing postures, breathing and relaxation, I felt I needed to have some guidance with regards to this unfamiliar context – birth. I know anyone who has ever given birth will tell you, that you cannot be prepared for the pain and the experience of labour, but I really want to educate and empower myself as much as is possible, in preparation for the birth of my baby. That way, if everything “fails” and I have to have Caesar, at least I will know I have tried my best. We are also being taught how to deal with medical intervention, so that it won’t come as such a huge and unpleasant shock, if that route is taken in the end. We did a few amazing relaxations that left me feeling really calm and content and my baby wide awake and active! One of the men on the course kept falling asleep and snoring which was rather amusing, although I am used to people sleeping through their relaxation!
One of the things we do is focus on releasing fears relating to the pregnancy, birth and parenthood, which is a very powerful exercise to do. We also get to do come connecting with our unborn child on a more spiritual level, in a private consultation. I must say that this experience has left me feeling really excited for the birth of my daughter and curious as to what the experience will be like and how I will handle it.
One of the things we do is focus on releasing fears relating to the pregnancy, birth and parenthood, which is a very powerful exercise to do. We also get to do come connecting with our unborn child on a more spiritual level, in a private consultation. I must say that this experience has left me feeling really excited for the birth of my daughter and curious as to what the experience will be like and how I will handle it.
If you are interested in finding out about hypnobirthing, you can visit www.hypnobirthing.com, as well as for any courses relating to conception, birth and babies, visit Robyn’s site at: http://www.birthingwomen.com/
{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }
Wow! It sounds amazing babes! I am so sorry i missed it!
Can’t wait to hear all the details.
xxx
sounds amazing somthing for me next time I think. I do agree nothing can prepare you but if you have some stratedy in place for any eventuality its got to be a good thing.
For me my most useful tool was that I knew how to breathe properly from my yoga classes with you and it was amazing along with the gas and air( until the epidural of course,)
people say be sure to walk around well thats all I could do. I just never wanted to sit at all 9until the epidural aaaahhhhh) so do you have another session ir is it just the one?
love
Wendle
Our first child was born in 1967 – yes I know, before you – and natural childbirth was surprisingly not everyones route. There were a couple of inovative ladies in Cape Town who gave what were referred to as “relaxation classes”. My lady, Gay – not a name to choose these days – was amazing and combined with a doctor who believed in hubby being present for the birth – not quite the norm – the whole experience was amazing. When my second pregnancy turned out to be twins I ‘phoned Gay and she gave me a few reminders for the big day, I’ll always be grateful to her. So good wishes to the three of you, it’ll be a good day.
Louise
I love hearing about all that you are getting up to with your pregnancy – it’s such an exciting journey. I agree that the best option is to plan for going natural, but be prepared for a caeser as well. Just in case.
As you know I had an epidural, which didn’t take and I ended up having a natural delivery. Birth is a magical experience and there is absolutely nothing that can prepare you for it. Put it this way, if you told me I could have another baby, I’d do it all again in a heartbeat! You’ll be amazed at what your body can do and at the strength you’ll find within yourself. There are no words that can describe the feeling of that warm little body wriggling out, or the instant halt to the intense pain you’ll have had. Labour is long and exhausting, but just remember, each contraction is one closer to holding your baby in your arms and you’re actually working towards something wonderful. It’s not just suffering, there’s a beautiful reward at the end. For Craig, it’s going to be incredibly emotional, as he has to stand and watch you do it basically on your own. Men are designed to be the toughies and to look after their woman. During birth, there’s not a lot they can do. But, you’ll be amazed at how much strength you’ll draw just from his presence. And, he’ll be so proud of both you and Princess Avnit.
Enjoy the planning and preparation, every moment is a blessing!
Love me xxx