Hi All,
I am now on maternity leave, which has allowed me to properly focus on the pending arrival of my baby. There has been the obvious 'nesting' instinct, which has kicked in with vengeance, much to my husband’s amusement, he is now on first name terms with the local Parcel Force deliveryman. I have also been looking into what type of birthing experience I would like.
As a first time mother, it is only natural that I am filled with a sense of sheer excitement at meeting my new baby but also rather anxious anticipating the labour itself, so I wanted to learn some relaxation techniques that could help me remain calm and in control of labor whilst at home and in hospital. I spoke to a girlfriend and new mum about this and she suggested I look at Hypnosis for childbirth. She had practiced it and had found it really helpful so I took her contact and made the call. A week later, Jenny Mearns from The Birth Centre (www.birthcentre.com), was sat on my sofa teaching me the simple breathing techniques that would help me endure the mammoth task of labour.
The foundations of Hypnosis for childbirth lies in teaching simple but specific self hypnosis, relaxation and breathing techniques to enable you to focus on having a better birth. The techniques taught won't mean you'll be in a trance or a sleep. Rather, you'll be able to chat, and be and in good spirits - totally relaxed, but fully in control. You'll always be aware of what is happening to you, and around you. It will also allow you to discover and experience the joy and magic of birth, rather than the horrific stories friends feel compelled to tell you. Through breathing exercises and visualization you are taught how to remain calm and collected throughout, releasing the natural 'feel-good' chemical oxytocin which helps facilitate birth. I read an article last week on how hypnosis had helped a women release so much Oxytocin she said she had an orgasm during labor - I guess you can only live in hope!
Most importantly, you'll learn how to put yourself back in control of your birth - rather than blindly turning your birthing experience over to your doctor or midwife. In short, Hypnosis for Childbirth allows you to experience birth in an atmosphere of calm relaxation, free of the fear and tension that prevents the birthing muscles of your body from functioning as Nature intended them to.It takes a lot of practice but I’m hopeful it will help me remain calm on the big day. My husband is practicing with me and I have to say I’ve noticed he is a lot less stressed than he was a month ago, I’m not sure if this is the hypnosis or just relief that the nursery is finally finished and I have stopped spending!
With only weeks to go I have also begun perineal massage. Perineal massage is a technique, which, by encouraging blood flow to the area, increases the elasticity of the perineum for birth. The perineum is the area of skin between your vagina and rectum, which can be cut (episiotomy) or can tear during delivery. The 'From Here to Eternity' supple Perineum massage oil by Blooming Babe is luxurious to use, a lovely combination of olive oil, sunflower oil and sweet almond oil delivers a non-greasy texture which makes massage easier. Its handy 100ml size makes it convenient to pop into a makeup bag, so if you're on the move a lot, you've always got it with you!
Perineal massage has many benefits which all help to reduce trauma during birth.
* It stimulates the blood supply to the perineum and helps speed the healing process after the birth
* It helps prepare you for the feeling of pressure and stretching that comes as your baby's head is born
* It helps to familiarize you with some of the sensations such as tingling or burning so you are less likely to tense up
* It can help you to relax when you have a vaginal examination
How is it done?
It is advised that you start perineal massage about 4 to 6 weeks before your due date, and while there are different ways to perform it, they generally all follow the same techniques - I got my tips from Baby World:
1. Wash your hands.
2. Find a private, comfortable place and sit or lean back in a comfortable position. Some women lie on their side and bring their hand round the back. Use cushions to support your legs.
3. Using 'From here to Eternity' supple Perineum massage oil, massage a small amount into the area.
4. Place one or two thumbs (or fingers if you can't reach) about 1 inch (2-3cms) inside your vagina. Press downwards and to the sides at the same time. Gently and firmly keep stretching until you feel a slight burning, tingling or stinging sensation.
5. Hold the pressure steady at that point with your thumbs for about 2 minutes until the area becomes a little numb and you don't feel the tingling as much.
6. Keep pressing with your thumbs. Slowly and gently massage back and forth over the lower half of your vagina. Do this for 3-4 minutes. Remember to avoid the urinary opening. You can start with very gentle massage, increasing the pressure as sensitivity is reduced.
7. As you massage, pull gently outwards (forwards) on the lower part of the vagina with your thumb(s) hooked inside. This helps stretch the skin as the baby's head will stretch it during birth.
You can also ask your partner to perform the massage, especially as you near your due date and become less mobile. Personally, this area has become sacred to me, I know in a few weeks my personal privacy is going to be completely invaded so for now, my perineum and I remain soul mates, no-one except me is going near it!
Take Care
Jo xx