Let's talk about the elephant in the delivery room: hypnobirthing... ever wondered what it even means and whether it's relevant to you?
Don't get me wrong, I absolutely love hypnobirthing, I think the education, advocacy and relaxation skills are vitally important. I have incorporated these core skills into my birth course.
But over the years I have taught hypnobirthing I couldn't shake the feeling that not only was the phrase "hypnobirth" putting off many women from learning the amazing skills and information that hypnobirthing courses offer. Many think it:
for water birth only
natural home birth only
unrealistic pain-free birth
... alsoI know from speaking with women who experienced an intense or even painful birth that they sometimes felt that they had "failed". This is devastating and absolutely not how I want mums to be feeling.
So, I decided to shake things up, re-work my childbirth education course and ditch the hypnobirthing tunnel vision for a more down-to-earth approach. And let me tell you, it's been a game-changer. 💥💪
Hippy-dippy woo woo?
One of the biggest issues I have with the term hypnobirthing is that it sounds like its for the super holistic mums ... which can leave many feeling left out or that its not for them.
Or... it envokes visions of hypnosis, being made to cluck like a chicken on stage against your will (no one wants that vibe in their birth preparation).
But here's the thing: hypnobirthing techniques aren't just for the crunchy crowd. They're for everyone. Whether you're planning a hospital birth, a home birth, or anything in between, hypnobirthing has something to offer. 🏥🏠🤰
I have had mums use the techniques for planned c-sections and even postpartum to limit the chance of postnatal depression and having amazing results. The nervous system calming techniques are also great when you are stuck at a red light with a screaming baby or a toddler having a public tantrum!
Birth reality
Let's be real ... birth can be loud, primal, intense, and sometimes, downright painful. And you know what? That's okay! I have certainly never achieved the elusive "pain-free birth" experience yet I loved all my home birth experiences... so much so I have done it three times!
Yet, did you know that many hypnobirthing training courses even ban the word "pain" and avoid all discussion of birth complications or potential bumps in the road. I get it, keeping. a positive mindset is helpful... but it not serving women to pretend a breathing technique will eliminate pain and not arming them with the tools and knowledge to navigate challenges that may arise.
I embrace the reality of birth in all its raw, unfiltered glory. That means acknowledging that yes, childbirth can be painful for some, but it's also empowering, transformative, and ultimately, awe-inspiring. 🎢💫
Positive birth isn't about how much pain you did or didn't feel – it's about feeling informed, empowered, and supported every step of the way. Whether you opt for an epidural, a cesarean section, or an all-natural water birth, your experience is valid, and you are a rockstar, plain and simple. 🌟👊
I work with mums to guide them to empower themselves, approach birth with honesty, resilience, and a healthy dose of humor. Birth may not always be blissful and zen, but I wouldn't have it any other way. 🎉🤗
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Abigail x