The use of self-hypnosis as a coping mechanism during labour has been growing in popularity over the last 20 years. Now known as Hypnobirthing the techniques for controlled breathing, relaxation and self-control are known to support women, and their partners, through labour and birth but can also be used in any situation where life presents increasing challenges.
Our subconscious mind has been influenced by all our experiences in life so far and as a consequence we may feel that we could approach this life changing event in a more positive way, feeling more in control, more prepared and less inhibited by beliefs that we might have developed through others interpretations, experiences and stories.
Here, at Naturally Baby, we use The Wise Hippo hypnobirthing techniques in our Hypnobirthing Course set out over four sessions. You will learn how to teach your subconscious mind to relax and process life in a different way, reducing anxiety by using a positive mindset, positive affirmations, breathing techniques and visualisation. Each week you will learn a new skill, from how the mind works to hormone balance and how this can affect your behaviour and decision making, enabling you to maintain control, giving you tools and techniques to use in a myriad of different circumstances, including in your life as new parents.
Practice of these new skills with your birth partner will be key to their effectiveness during labour and birth and learning them over a four-week period will enable you to take your time, relax and practice while receiving the support of our teacher and midwife, Helena.
Week One
- Why the Wise Hippo
- Childbirth in the Media
- The Right Birth on the Day
- Self-Hypnosis
- The P word
- Hormones, Cocktails and Affirmations
- First relaxation and learning script
Week Two
- How do you relax
- The antidote to fear
- Distractions
- Waves
- Time distortion
- Anchoring
- Birth partner script
Week Three
- Bonding with baby
- The Mirror Mantra
- Birth Planning
- The Birthing Environment
- Preparation
Week Four
- The power of touch
- Latent phase
- Positions for birth
- Mum and Baby
- Birth partners role
- B.R.A.I.N.S of decision-making
- Practice support
- Relaxation
