Friday, December 11, 2009

The Natural Way

Giving birth the natural way is becoming popular again. Women are starting to realise that natural birth is a safe and normal alternative to a highly medicalised birth.
Even though celebrities and film stars have a tendency towards elective cesarean, everyday women having a normal healthy pregnancy don't need to go down that route.
Why would you choose to have major surgery and all the recovery time that needs if you don't have to?

I encourage every women out there to look carefully at the birth options available to them.
A relaxed, comfortable and drug free birth is better for the baby and mother. Lets get back to the way mother nature intended, the natural way.

For information about our next Natural birth class please contact me.

Friday, October 23, 2009

Breech Babies

As a Hypnobirthing Instructor, I am often asked about breech presentation. Some people get very concerned about this, and that is understandable. I would like to offer some ideas that may help.

First of all, know that a baby can turn into the optimum birthing position at any time. Even just a short time before. If you still have some weeks to go, there is plenty of time for baby to move.
Learning and practicing deep relaxation techniques is very useful as it enables the muscles of the uterus to relax. When the uterus is relaxed and pliable the baby finds it easier to move and turn into the vertex position.

An important part of turning the baby is to visualise baby in the perfect position for birth. Actively practice imagining your baby turning and lying head down with his face towards your spine. Do this at least 3 times a day.
Acupuncture and chiropractic can also be useful.

It's amazing what effect being relaxed, calm and positive can have. Good luck. Please contact me if you would like more information.

Monday, October 5, 2009

Is a Past Experience holding you Back?

We have all experience unhappy or even traumatic experiences in the past. How they affect our lives today is what I am concerned with.
For many of us, the impact of past experiences has shaken us badly. Destroyed our self confidence and made us afraid. How many of your experiences have weighed you down and prevented you from leading the life you want?

You know there is a way past that, don't you? Life coaching, Hypnotherapy and NLP are all excellent ways of recovering yourself and clearing the way for a happy well balanced life.

For couples expecting a baby, unhappy past experiences can be overcome and replaced with confidence, balance and joy. This is part of the Hypnobirthing programme I run. People are delighted to shed their previous worries and move on to a more positive outlook.
Private coaching and NLP sessions are also available for anyone, from any walk of life. Contact me if you would like to know more.

Monday, September 21, 2009

Support for Pregnant Mums

During pregnancy women need solid support from everyone around them. From their partners, employers, work colleagues and friends. Sometimes this support is either not forthcoming or totally unsuitable. It may be in the form of horror stories or a constant stream of negative information.

Recognise that this type of support is not the sort you need. Mums to be need positive input and reassurance. Listening to tales of woe from various sources does nothing to enhance your birth experience or that of your baby.

Make a positive decision that you will not listen to negative input and respectfully ask your friends to stop making disparaging remarks or unhelpful comments. You do have that right. Instead tell them how they can be really helpful by giving you positive messages and practical assistance. If you are not getting the sort of support you need you may need to reassess who you chose to have as part of your support team. It may sound harsh, but worth it in the longrun.

Sunday, September 13, 2009

Childbirth Classes starting in October 2009

The next Hypnobirthing class is due to start in PORIRUA on the 4th of October 2009.
This informative 5 week class teaches how your mind and body work together. What causes pain in childbirth and why it doesn't have to be a painful traumatic event. You will also learn deep relaxation, special breathing techniques and much, much more.

If you would like to have a natural, comfortable and relaxed birth, contact me as soon as possible.
There are still some places available for the October class.

A class is also scheduled to start in WELLINGTON on the 15th of November 2009.

These classes are for the expectant Mum and her birth companion. The ideal time to start these classes is around 30 weeks, but anywhere from 20- 35 weeks is fine.
This could be the best gift you give yourself and your baby. Hope to see you there.

Antenatal Classes in Wellington region

Many expectant parents ask me if I can recommend any particular antenatal classes. This poses a bit of a problem, as not all antenatal classes are created equal.
Some of the feedback from my clients is that there is an atmosphere of fear permeating some antenatal classes. It seems like the "educator" deliberately expands the potential danger, pain and trauma of childbirth. What does this achieve aside from instilling an unnecessary fear and negative expectation in the birthing parents?
Childbirth is a natural, normal act that can be achieved without intervention, pain or suffering.
Once a mother understands the birth process and releases any limiting beliefs or fears about it, she can then have a calm and comfortable birth.
Should a parent attend an antenatal class as well as the Hypnobirthing classes? Many of my colleagues would say NO. Classic antenatal classes teach pain and problems. Hypnobirthing teaches empowerment and calm. My opinion is, if you opt for it, to chose your antenatal class VERY carefully. If it presents birth in an overly medical or fearful way, STOP going.

Monday, September 7, 2009

Dad's role in Childbirth

What are Dads supposed to do during childbirth? Is your part over now? Is it all up to the Mum?
Of course not. The input you choose to put in varies from father to father, but be assured that Dads can play a very important roll in the birth of their baby.

It is the job of the birth companion or Dad to look after the Mum during birth. To make sure she eats and drinks, remains comfortable and to be the overseer of the birthing process. By this I mean that you need to ensure that the care providers adhere to the plan you and your Mum have decided on. Be an advocate for your baby and your birthing Mum.

If you have trained as a couple in Hypnobirthing, you will have learned techniques to lead your partner into deep relaxation and focus. You will know what to expect and how you can help your baby into the world in a calm and relaxed way. All three of you working towards the same goal. This is a magical time. Enjoy it.

Monday, August 17, 2009

Turn your thoughts around

I was talking with a client the other day and they said they sometimes got stuck in a pattern of thinking. That was brilliant. They recognised that what was holding them back was a repetitive thought process. Have you ever had that happen to you? You wake up, trip over your slippers, get shampoo in your eyes, ladder your tights....and you think to yourself" Oh no, it's going to be one of Those Days!" If you continue to think like that it will indeed be "one of those days" because you're setting yourself up in a repetative thought process. The day goes from bad to worse.
Here's the key. Stop, recognise what you are doing and take affirmative action.
Take three deep breaths and as you exhale say "calm and relaxed". Then physically do something else, like step outside or do a little dance and repeat a new phrase. Try out " It's going to be a lovely day " or "I'm calm, happy and energised". Repeat this phrase 10 times and you will have broken out of that negative pattern.
If the demands of having a baby or young children get you spinning in this type of pattern,
Stop, recognise and re-programme. You Are in Charge of your Life, you know?

Thursday, July 30, 2009

Breathing and more breathing

What is all the importance placed on breathing when you have your baby? Surely everyone knows how to breathe? You may be surprised at how many of us do not know the best way to breathe and often need reminding to breathe during important events. And that's just day to day. During pregnancy and labour, breathing takes on extra importance.

The Hypnobirthing programme teaches special breathing for each different stage of labour. How well you practise your breathing has a direct result in how well you manage your labour.

Oxygen is the most important fuel for the working muscles in the uterus. Your baby also needs a constant suppy of oxygen. That is why learning the proper breathing techniques is so important.
Breathing is also an integral part of relaxation, and relaxation is the key for a happy, comfortable birth.

Saturday, July 25, 2009

How do you create a calm, comfortable birth?

The best way the create a calm and comfortable birth is to prepare for it. Sounds obvious doesn't it? Yet so many people just assume that birth will just happen and that we have no control over it.

We think we are preparing for the birth of our babies because we get the room ready, have our bag packed and for some, even take a yoga class. This is all good yet we haven't given any thought to how we Want the birth to unfold.

Like any good coaching programme, The Hypnobirthing method asks parents to set a goal and create a powerful positive image of how the birth of their baby will proceed. You may have noticed how successful athletes will focus on imagining their perfect performance just befor an event. This can also apply to the birth of your baby.

So the best way to prepare for the successful birth of your baby is to learn how to focus your attention on your desired outcome. The easy, comfortable birth of your baby.

Sunday, July 19, 2009

Mothers should experience Pain in Childbirth

According to the Mail online, Dr. Denis Walsh, a Professor of Midwifery in the UK, claims just that.
In his opinion, mothers should put up with the pain of childbirth because anesthetic drugs undermine the mothers bond with her baby. He goes on to say that the 'agony' of labour should be a rite of passage for a woman.

This has got women all over the world up in arms, and rightly so. There is no reason that I know of to assume that pain and trauma are necessary, or desirable in the birth of a baby.

Personally, I agree that in some cases, anesthetic drugs and Cesarean sections are too quickly chosen. The result of these interventions can have a detrimental effect.

What many women don't realise is that there is another option. Instead of struggling through a natural delivery with pain and anxiety, you can learn techniques to have a safe and comfortable birth without the need for drugs or any intervention at all. A calm, relaxed Hypnobirth.

Friday, July 3, 2009

Natural Birth Class starts in Wellington

Last Saturday saw the start of another Hypnobirthing class in Wellington.
I love introducing Mums and Dads to the philosophy of Hypnobirthing and how to enjoy a more comfortable birthing experience.
Over the next few weeks my class will experience deep relaxation and special breathing techniques
that will assist them to have a calm and joyful birth.

Don't worry if you have missed this class. I have more classes scheduled throughout the year.
If you would like to know more, please contact me - info@hypnobirthingwellington.co.nz .

Monday, June 22, 2009

Does labour have to hurt?

The simple answer is no. Labour does not have to be a traumatic and painful experience. Women are perfectly designed to give birth.
Once a woman re-connects with her natural birthing instincts and gains confidence in her own ability, she will experience the calm joyful birth she deserves.

After participating in the Hypnobirthing classes, women report that the sensations they felt while giving birth have been quite manageable. Many describe these sensations as tightening, pressure and fullness.
Here's a testimonial from one of my clients.


“ The breathing techniques and the relaxation of my whole body gave me the strength to give birth to my daughter in a calm atmosphere. I am very grateful to have learned these techniques.”

Jessica, First time Mum.

Childbirth Education for a natural, safe and calm birth

Welcome to HypnoBirthing Wellington, bringing the Hypnobirthing message to the greater Wellington region.

Do you want a relaxed and comfortable birth for you and your baby?

Hypnobirthing will teach you the art of using your own natural birthing instincts to achieve the safe, satisfying birth you desire.

With the use of deep relaxation, self hypnosis, special breathing and visualisation techniques, your Hypnobirthing instructor will prepare you for the joyful birth of your baby.