Sunday 12 August 2012

Visualization


Visualization plays an important part in childbirth preparation because of the mind-body connection. Every action is preceded by a thought. If a pregnant woman is afraid of birth, this will have an adverse effect on the birthing process. However, if she visualizes herself giving birth with ease and if she can relax and release any tension in her body she is more likely to have a calmer and easier birth.

A simple visualization combined with breath awareness

The following visualization is used in my childbirth preparation classes. This powerful imagery will help you prefer for the beginning stages of labour when the cervix is thinning and opening and also for the crowning stage. You can use the imagery during labour itself when the intensity of birth increases, just picture the flower in your mind and see it gently opening every time you breathe out.


Make yourself comfortable and close your eyes

Bring your awareness to the breath. Breathe in on a count of 4 and exhale to a count of 8. (Repeat a few times) Nice easy breath...

Each time you exhale, start relaxing and releasing tension in your body; starting from the toes and working your way up gently (ankles, legs, knees, hip, lower back, chest, shoulders, arms, fingers, neck, face and jaw)

Now you are ready to begin....

In your mind choose your favourite flower, any flower you like...

Inhale and as you exhale imagine the flower opening ever so softly

Each time you exhale, imagine another petal unfolding

Continue breathing follow your breath and with each exhale witness your flower opening a little more each time until it is fully opened.

Now stay there for a short while, see how beautiful it truly is.

When you are ready come back to the room and open your eyes.



Tip: Practise this visualization daily as you get closer to your estimated due date.






Sunday 15 July 2012

Birth Affirmation



Every day I change my can’t into can and make my birth wishes a reality

Every day I feel stronger and more confident towards my birth

Every day I am a little closer to meeting my beautiful baby

Birth affirmation is a powerful way to prepare for birth.
It guides your intention towards achieving your goal. If we follow this simple theory of the mind  that the body is only a physical representation of the mind i:e our thoughts. Then it only makes sense that every thought is followed by a physical reaction (internal and external).
By repeating your birth affirmations on a regular basis or even daily, they become your concious thoughts that create your reality.

My tip: write your own birth affirmation as it will come from the heart and it will set out your intentions in such a powerful way that it might just amaze you.

Friday 13 July 2012

Secrets to a calm and gentle birth


Birth can be one of the most amazing experiences in a woman’s life, a time of great transformation and joy. The way a woman prepares herself for birth influences the way she will experience that birth. The secret to a positive, calm and gentle birth lies in its preparation. Childbirth just like any other big events in our lives deserves the same dedication and time we would invest in planning a wedding or a special anniversary. To truly prepare for childbirth we need to slow down the pace of daily life and dedicate our full attention to not only prepare for the physical demands of labour but also prepare for the emotional and even spiritual aspects of bringing a new life into the world. Birth is not just about having a baby; it’s also about becoming a mother, a father, about becoming parents and all the responsibilities and joy that come with it.

For a woman to birth easily, she needs to not only feel absolute trust in her birthing body but complete trust in those who are assisting and supporting her during labour. She needs to feel calm and happy with the choices she has made and probably most important of all she needs to be free of all fears and limiting thoughts.

My top tips for a calm and blissful birth:




·         Educate yourself about the birthing process. Read and when you think you have read enough, read some more.

·         Find out what is available in your neighbourhood in terms of childbirth preparation classes. Find out exactly what they offer, ask questions and choose the one that fits your needs.

·         Ask yourself: “what is my question about birth?” Most questions we ask have an underlying reason. This is why we ask the question in the first place. Do you wonder how you are going to cope with the intensity of birth? Or do you ask yourself whether you are strong enough to have a natural birth? Once you find your question, you can start working on finding a solution to your question. Adopt a solution-focused approach.

·         Find out what your options are concerning home birth, hospital birth, a freestanding birthing centre or a birthing centre within a hospital. What do they offer or not offer and weigh up your options.

·         Choosing and preparing your birthing nest: opt for a birthing environment where you feel most comfortable and safe to give birth. If the birthing place you would prefer is simply not available look at ways to create your perfect birthing nest. Be creative! Aromatherapy oils, pictures, birthing ball etc will help you feel more at ease.

·         Select the right care provider for you. Whether you choose a midwife or a gynaecologist you need to feel that this person is fully listening to you, what you want or wish for your birth. You need to feel that it is someone you can absolutely trust.

·         Spend time putting together a birth plan so everyone including your birth partner knows exactly what your wishes are. Be flexible too as birth can unfold in many ways so it is important to discuss your birth plan in advance with your care provider.

·         Your birth companion doesn’t have to be your partner or husband. It can be a close friend or a close relative. Someone who you know can support you during labour. You may even consider employing the services of a doula.

·         The mind and body are profoundly connected. What the mind sees the body will simply follow. One of the most effortless and pleasurable way to prepare for childbirth is through relaxation and creative imagery.

·         Spending time bonding with your unborn baby will not only bring you great joy but also plays a crucial role in your baby’s cognitive development and connection to life outside of the womb. Why not do it together with your partner? There are many CDs on the market which uses simple guided meditation and visualization to help you bond with your little one.

·         Read or listen to positive birth stories which will inspire and empower you. Do not be tempted to read or listen to birth stories which will only feed your fear or cause you to have doubts in your own birthing abilities.

·         Keep a journal, scribble, draw and even paint. Let your creative juices flow! You will be amazed how much of your innermost thoughts and emotions you will uncover. Perhaps even discover inner strength that you were not consciously aware of. If on the other hand you uncover a negative image, emotion or thought concerning birth, replace it with a positive image or thought.

·         Write you own birth affirmation. It is a powerful tool when it comes to strengthening the mind and projecting your intention. A birth affirmation can be one line, a paragraph or a whole page! The choice is yours.

Creating your own calm and gentle birthing experience doesn’t have to be stressful. It only requires a little time and effort.