Category: Caesarean Birth

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When to do a hypnobirthing class?

When to do a hypnobirthing class

What is hypnobirthing? When to do a hypnobirthing class? What are the benefits of hypnobirthing?

What is hypnobirthing?

Hypnobirthing is a type of childbirth education. It focuses on relaxation techniques and self-hypnosis to help expectant mothers experience a more calm and comfortable birth. In addition to that, hypnobirthing, especially Mindful Hypnobirthing can help you deal and come to terms with (sudden) changes during your pregnancy and childbirth journey. Hypnobirthing teaches you techniques to calm your body and mind in any situation helping you achieve a more satisfying (birth) experience.

When to do a hypnobirthing class?

Basked in the warmth of expectant anticipation, the journey of pregnancy holds boundless possibilities. Embracing this transformative phase, hypnobirthing serves as a gentle beacon, guiding you towards a serene and empowering birth experience. By attending your hypnobirthing class between 21-30 weeks, you gracefully intertwine knowledge and practice, nurturing a profound connection with your body, baby, and the birthing process.

During these immersive sessions, you will delve into the intricacies of hypnobirthing techniques, equipping yourself with a rich toolbox of relaxation exercises, visualization practices, and deep breathing methods. This precious time devoted to learning and self-discovery ensures that you absorb the wisdom imparted by your course, allowing sensations of tranquility and confidence to take root within you.

As you embark on this path, make the conscious decision to prioritize self-care and integration. Carve out moments in your schedule to indulge in self-reflection, savoring the invaluable opportunity to unwind and surrender to the present moment. Remember, practice is the key to unlocking the full potential of hypnobirthing. By dedicating time to honing your skills, you cultivate an innate sense of calmness and resilience, ready to embrace the birthing journey with unwavering grace.

As you honour your body’s innate wisdom and the innate wisdom of your baby, embrace the affirmations that flow through hypnobirthing. Enveloped in an atmosphere of love, trust, and empowerment, you harness the strength of your mind and spirit, harmoniously co-creating a positive childbirth experience.

Embrace this transformative passage, for it is an invitation to embark on a sacred and empowering journey. Through the art of hypnobirthing, discover newfound serenity, reclaim your inner power, and paint an exquisite portrait of birth, woven with love and grace.

What are the benefits of hypnobirthing classes?

The benefits of attending a hypnobirthing class are numerous. During a group hypnobirthing class you’ll meet like-minded people embarking on their journey to parenthood at a similar time. By learning effective relaxation and breathing techniques, hypnobirthing can help reduce anxiety, fear, and tension during labour, making the experience more positive and enjoyable.

In a hypnobirthing class, you can expect to learn various techniques such as deep relaxation, visualization, affirmations, and self-hypnosis. These techniques are designed to help you achieve a state of deep relaxation and promote a more efficient and comfortable labour. The classes are typically taught by certified hypnobirthing practitioners who guide you through the process and provide ongoing support throughout your pregnancy journey.

It’s important to note that hypnobirthing classes are beneficial for all types of births, whether you are planning a natural birth or have opted for medical interventions. The techniques learned in hypnobirthing can be applied in any birthing scenario and can help you stay calm, focused, and in control.

If you’re considering attending a hypnobirthing class, it’s recommended to do your research and find a reputable practitioner in your area. Many classes offer both in-person and online options, allowing you to choose the format that suits you best. Remember, hypnobirthing is not just about the birthing day but also about preparing mentally, emotionally, and physically throughout your pregnancy for a positive birthing experience. So, take the time to explore this wonderful approach to childbirth and embrace a more relaxed and empowered journey into motherhood.

Online Birth Preparation Course only £35!

Please also check out my online course! No videos, just text and images to learn in your own time. Includes hypnobirthing mp3s, scripts, workbook, handouts, infographics and much more! Lots and lots of information at your fingertips! Includes:

  • hypnobirthing mp3s
  • hypnobirthing scripts
  • written information
  • infographics and other imagery
  • printable handouts
  • printable workbook/journal
Enrol now
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5 Things to look for when choosing your childbirth education

5 things to look for when choosing your childbirth education

You want to be prepared to for the birth of your baby or babies. Here are 5 Things to look for when choosing your childbirth education!

As the birth of your baby approaches, you may have a lot of questions. What does a contraction wave feel like? How will I know when to call the midwife? What kind of breathing techniques can I use? How do I know when it is time to push?

You may also experience a range of emotions such as excitement, nervousness, stress, and even anxiety. The good news are, you can ease your fears and gain confidence in birthing your child when you prepare for the birth of your child. Choosing the right type of childbirth course for you (and your partner) is crucial. Your childbirth preparation course should give you practical knowledge about the physiology of birth as well as where to find practical and emotional support.

5 Things to look for when choosing your childbirth education

1. Does the course agree with your idea on childbirth?

Whether you are you planning for a vaginal birth, caesarean birth, waterbirth, homebirth, etc… you want to ensure that your chosen childbirth education course supports your wishes and preferences. How you choose to give birth is up to you.

Knowing the general philosophy of the birth course you are considering is essential. The techniques that you’ll be learning should be something that you can see yourself doing and something that you believe in. The techniques should support you to achieve the birth you are aiming for.

2. Which topics are covered during the course?

If this is your first birth experience, your childbirth preparation course should cover everything your need to know about your options and what to expect. If you have given birth before, then you may wish to choose a refresher course for you. You may also wish to prepare the older sibling(s) for the birth of their little brother or sister. Learning the about childbirth may lessen your anxiety and help you make informed choices when birthing your baby. Choosing the wrong type of course for you may increase anxieties, so choose your childbirth course and their leader carefully.

3. Who created the course?

Who created the childbirth preparation course? Are they a medical professional or a teacher? Are they an expert in childbirth education? Check their certifications and experience! You want the person and organisation offering your childbirth preparation course to be established and reputable. Ask them to show you proof of their qualification(s).

4. What format is the course in?

Check the format of the course. You may prefer a course which focuses on the birth only, or one that includes practical baby care. If you are interested in hypnobirthing, does the course include hypnobirthing or maybe you prefer a stand-alone hypnobirthing course.

Are partners also coming to the classes or learn anything during the course or is the course for mothers/birthing folks only? Which format do you prefer?

5. Practical things to consider

  • Where and when is the course held? Are the dates, time and venue convenient for you?
  • What is your budget? What are your options at your budget?
  • For an in-person course
    • is there parking available or is it easily accessible via public transport?
    • Is the venue clean and spacious?
    • What are the chair/seating arrangements like? Do you want/need to bring a birthing ball, cushions etc.?
    • Are refreshments included?
    • Accessibility of the venue (where needed)
  • For an online course
    • are you confident in using the platform the course is being offered on?
    • is it a live course or has live elements or is it fully self-paced? – for live elements: are they recorded? If not can you make all the sessions?
    • Is your internet connection reliable?
    • Have you got a pc or laptop to access the course on? This will make your online course a more positive experience.
    • Have I got a comfortable (seating) setup where I can join the online childbirth preparation course?

What type/style of childbirth preparation course you choose is entirely up to you! Use your B.R.A.I.N. acronym when choosing the right course for you:

Brain acronym

What are the benefits, risks (or repercussion), alternatives (for each option)? Trust your gut, your intuition. And think about how you might feel if you do nothing, i.e. you don’t choose a childbirth preparation course?

If you are looking for a childbirth preparation course (1:1) in Nottinghamshire, check out my offers. I also have a fully self-paced online course for just £35. Including hypnobirthing, mp3s and much, much more!

Online Birth Preparation Course only £35!

Please also check out my online course! No videos, just text and images to learn in your own time. Includes hypnobirthing mp3s, scripts, workbook, handouts, infographics and much more! Lots and lots of information at your fingertips! Includes:

  • hypnobirthing mp3s
  • hypnobirthing scripts
  • written information
  • infographics and other imagery
  • printable handouts
  • printable workbook/journal
Enrol now

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7 ways to personalise your Caesarean birth

7 ways to personalise your Caesarean birth

You have chosen to have a caesarean birth. Here are 7 ways to personalise your Caesarean birth, to help you plan the birth you want and deserve!

Hypnobirthing yes, you can use hypnobirthing, mediations, mindfulness and relaxations to your advantage during and in preparation for your caesarean birth. Practice your calm breathing techniques, positive affirmations for birth and your bonding with your baby techniques. The calmer you are, the more oxygen goes to your baby or babies and your recovery after Caesarean will also be improved. Hypnosis also has a positive impact on your mental wellbeing during pregnancy and in the postpartum period.

Skin to skin. Immediate skin to skin contact for baby with one of their parents helps your baby with regulating their temperature, spreads good bacteria etc. It’s all around beneficial! The good news is, that most hospitals in the UK support immediate skin to skin with mother/birthing parent and baby after any method of birth as long as it is safe to do so. So if you and your baby are well, the cord is long enough (it usually is!) then, you can have immediate skin to skin!

Optimal or delayed cord clamping. Optimal cord clamping or delayed cord clamping allows the flow of your baby’s blood from their placenta to them. This results into better apgar scores and improves your baby’s overall immediate and later health! Most hospitals in the UK will support delayed or optimal cord clamping for any type of birth including caesarean births.

Adapt the environment. Have your partner or doula there (some hospitals will support you to have two birth partners present in the theatre), choose your music. Some mothers/birthing parents chose headphones to cancel out the noises of the surgery. You can listen to your hypnobirthing tracks or have your partner repeat your affirmations with you.

Stay calm – more oxygen to baby, better recovery. Try and use anything which keeps you calm. This can be your partner, your doula, your relaxations, your music, or maybe a photograph of a loved one or pet. The calmer you are, the lower the blood loss, more oxygen for your baby or babies and your recovery time improves.

Vaginal seeding. Vaginal seeding refers to the practice of inoculating a cotton gauze or cotton swab with vaginal fluids to transfer the vaginal flora to the mouth, nose, or skin of your newborn baby. Your midwife will take a piece of gauze that’s been soaked in a sterile solution. This will then be inserted into your vagina, ideally around an hour before your caesarean birth is due to take place. Some parents choose to do vaginal seeding and some hospitals in the UK will support you with that. Another way to improve your baby’s microbiome is to focus on breastfeeding and lots of skin-to-skin.

Ask for/about gentle caesarean – family centered caesarean birth many hospitals in the UK offer gentle caesarean births or family centred caesarean births. During a gentle caesarean the baby or babies are allowed to be born in their own time. Rather than the obstetrician pulling the baby out, the uterus, aided by synthetic oxytocin, will contract the baby or babies out of the womb. This is usually accompanied by immediate skin-to-skin and optimal cord clamping.

Here is an article on a gentle caesarean birth story: https://www.theguardian.com/society/2005/dec/03/health.medicineandhealth

Here is a video of a gentle caesarean at one of my local hospitals in Nottinghamshire:

Knowledge. Knowledge, knowing your options, finding out what is happening during your caesarean, will enable you to plan the perfect experience for you. Discuss your options with your healthcare provider and ask them about skin-to-skin, optimal cord clamping, adaptation of the birth environment etc.

Planning your Caesarean Birth if you would like someone to walk alongside you when planning your Caesarean Birth, book a birth planning session with me! I can provide you with evidence-based information and help you plan your birth experience!

Have a look at the video below. It shows you the number of people who are present during your caesarean birth.

These are just 7 ways to personalise your Caesarean birth. I am sure you can think of a few more. Please share your ideas and experiences with us in the comments!

Newsletter for expectant and new parents

Online Birth Preparation Course only £35!

Please also check out my online course! No videos, just text and images to learn in your own time. Includes hypnobirthing mp3s, scripts, workbook, handouts, infographics and much more! Lots and lots of information at your fingertips! Includes:

  • hypnobirthing mp3s
  • hypnobirthing scripts
  • written information
  • infographics and other imagery
  • printable handouts
  • printable workbook/journal
Enrol now

Sources and Further Reading:

http://www.caesarean.org.uk/

Ginandes C, Brooks P, Sando W, Jones C, Aker J. Can medical hypnosis accelerate post-surgical wound healing? Results of a clinical trial. Am J Clin Hypn. 2003 Apr;45(4):333-51. doi: 10.1080/00029157.2003.10403546. PMID: 12722936.

Hourigan SK, Dominguez-Bello MG, Mueller NT. Can maternal-child microbial seeding interventions improve the health of infants delivered by Cesarean section? Cell Host Microbe. 2022 May 11;30(5):607-611. doi: 10.1016/j.chom.2022.02.014. PMID: 35550663; PMCID: PMC9237654.

Smith J, Plaat F, Fisk NM. The natural caesarean: a woman-centred technique. BJOG. 2008 Jul;115(8):1037-42; discussion 1042. doi: 10.1111/j.1471-0528.2008.01777.x. PMID: 18651885; PMCID: PMC2613254.

Wilson, Brooke C. et al. (2021) Oral administration of maternal vaginal microbes at birth to restore gut microbiome development in infants born by caesarean section: A pilot randomised placebo-controlled trial. eBioMedicine, Volume 69, 103443. Available at: https://www.thelancet.com/journals/ebiom/article/PIIS2352-3964(21)00236-X/fulltext [accessed: 03/04/2023]

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What is a gentle Caesarean Birth?

What is a gentle Caesarean Birth or Caesarean Section and why should expectant parents know about it?

Gentle Caesareans mimic some of the natural processes of giving birth:

  • A drug to encourage uterine contractions is given to the mother, so that your baby gets ‘pushed’ out by your uterus rather than pulled by the obstetrician.
  • A better view of the birth. You can ask for transparent drapes or have the drapes lowered early so that you can see your baby being born.
  • Immediate skin-to-skin contact (Most NHS trusts offer/encourage this as part of any birth, your baby’s health permitting).
  • Optimal (aka delayed) cord clamping. Wait until the umbilical cord stops pulsating.
  • Less restrictive equipment. Your IV line may be put in your nondominant hand, leaving your dominant hand free to hold your baby. The EKG leads can be placed on your back or lower chest instead of your upper chest, so they don’t get in the way of skin-to-skin. (Most NHS trusts offer this as part of any caesarean birth).
  • Dimmer lighting, especially at the time of your baby’s birth. (Most NHS trusts offer this as part of any caesarean birth).
  • Reduced noise and background music of your choice. (Most NHS trusts offer this as part of any caesarean birth).
Video of a gentle Caesarean at Nottingham City Hospital – Note: due to some graphic content shown in the video, the video is age-restricted and you’ll have to login to youtube and watch it there.

A gentle Caesarean Birth seems less like a major abdominal surgery for the mother and more like a vaginal birth. However, although the gentle caesarean is gentler to the baby the recovery post surgery for the mother remains the same. It still is major abdominal surgery.

Who is in the theatre during my gentle caesarean birth?

As in the video above, there are usually quite a few people in the room. They will all introduce themselves with their name and role. Have a look at the video below, it shows one example of a possible setup in the operating theatre.

Regardless of whether you are planning a caesarean birth from the get go, or something has come up during your pregnancy and a caesarean birth seems to be the safest option for you, it is worthwhile exploring your options. What choices do you have for your birth experiences? Which aspects of your birth can you control?

Book a 1:1 birth planning session with me! For just £60 you’ll get 2 hours on zoom with me exploring your options and planning your birth!