Things To Consider When Planning A Hypnobirth
When Harry Kane recently praised his wife for having a drug free labour, talk of hypnobirthing filled maternity wards and antenatal classes once more. Was Harry shaming women who take pain relief during labour, or simply praising his partner for a job well done, whatever the method?
While hypnobirthing is not for everyone, and often not even possible if the baby makes an unconventional entry into the world, for women who would like to plan a hypnobirth there’s a mine of information, and mystery , to get through ahead of the big day. Catherine Balavage, 34, from Southfields, south London, has experienced both sides of the birthing experience. The author of Women on Childbirth: Tips And Experiences From Women Who Have Done it had an emergency C section (and lots of drugs!) with her first birth and a drug-free hypnobirth with her second.
After falling pregnant with her second child Catherine experienced anxiety about what lay in store, so she began interviewing other mothers and health professionals to help her deal with the trauma. The end result was Women on Childbirth: Tips And Experiences From Women Who Have Done it. Belle About Town consulted Catherine on what she feels is essential to know for any woman considering a hypnobirth. Here’s what she told us…
Keep an open mind.
I never thought I would ever do hypnobirthing. I am the opposite of anything hippy and have never been that into alternative health. So the fact I took a complete turn and breathed that baby out of me means that any women can become a hypnobirther. Just keep your mind open and remember that your body knows what it is doing, even if you don’t.
Know exactly what it is.
Hypnobirthing is pain management, it is not going to take the pain away. It uses a mixtures of deep breathing, visualisations and relaxations. Some women have said that their hypnobirth was pain free, including supermodel Gisele Bundchen, but I think these women are having a selective memory. Hypnobirthing helps you manage the pain better. It calms you and the calmer you are, the better. Adrenaline makes the contractions worse. The more you panic the more childbirth is going to hurt. It is no surprise that most babies are born around 4am. This is when women are more relaxed.
Hypnobirth does not mean drug free.
You can use hypnobirthing to get through the early stages of labour. Or in combination with drugs. There is no right or wrong, just what is right or wrong for you.
Decide whether or not you are going to have painkillers.
Some women are determined to never have painkillers, some want all of the drugs, and others are easy going about it, wanting to take it as it comes. There are no medals for not taking drugs if you really want them. And do not worry about other people judging you. Most people don’t judge and those who do are not worth your time. Deciding whether or not you are going to take drugs before you go into labour is important if going drug free is something that you really want. For why go to my next point.
Consider what you want to do when you hit The Wall.
There is a point between early labour and active labour where things get full on. In fact, things get turned up ten notches. At this point pretty much every women starts to think about an epidural, or scream the hospital down for one. Things are generally too far along to have one, but if not, and a drug free birth is really what you want, then it helps to ask your birth partner to remind you of the reasons you did not want any drugs. Have them tell you your reasons and help you stay true to your aim. This person has to be brave as they may get sworn at or maybe even punched in the face. I joke. Almost.
Know that childbirth does hurt, but that you can handle it.
Hypnobirthing has a lot of benefits. It keeps you calm and it distracts you. Focusing on your breathing takes your mind away from the pain and reframing the pain as pressure instead can all help. The main benefit of hypnobirthing is that the more confident you are, and the more relaxed you are, the more your body will just do what it knows how to do.
- You can buy Catherine’s book from Amazion by clicking here.
Sources:
Gisele Bundchen https://www.scotsman.com/lifestyle/is-hypnobirthing-the-way-to-pain-free-childbirth-1-474790
Babies born at 4am: https://www.thatslife.com.au/this-is-the-most-common-baby-birth-times
