5 Reasons to use Natal Hypnotherapy™

Natal Hypnotherapy™ Lancashire

1) It’s safe, natural and you can use it in your own time from the comfort of your own home

 2) Natal Hypnotherapy™ does not tell you how to birth your baby, your body already knows how to do that, what it does do is help you to let it. 

3) If all you seem to hear is awful stories and complaints around the topics of child birth and pregnancy and would like to hear something more inspiring and positive 

4) Help you look forward to the birth, be filled with excitement not dread!

5) In our book Effective Birth Preparation and in our workshops we explain why it is that some women have such positive experiences while others are left traumatised from birth, we will help you understand the difference and how Natal Hypnotherapy™ can help you have the birth you want!

Breastfeeding Rates and Birth Satisfaction

What does it mean to have birth satisfaction?

In a recent study, Spanish researchers have set out to assess a mothers satisfaction level in terms of labour and childbirth. The research concluded that the main factors that influenced satisfaction levels were:

- Vaginal Birth without epidural
- Presence of a family member for birth support
- Positive attitude of healthcare professionals
- Early Breastfeeding (within 24 hours of birth)

Breastfeeding

The principal author of this study is the University of Granada’s Professor of Nursing, Maria Jose Aguilar Cordero. She explains what the research means in terms of breastfeeding:

“the mother being happy or not during birth is related to the duration of breast-feeding. There is a greater percentage of mothers who are still breast-feeding after 3 months if they have been happy with the birth, compared to other mothers who were less satisfied with their delivery”.


http://www.counselheal.com/articles/7924/20131211/mothers-who-give-birth-naturally-without-epidural-are-happier.htm

http://canal.ugr.es/health-science-and-technology/item/69708

Breastfeeding and Natural Birth

Natural Birth is a platform to successful breastfeeding.

If you are considering breastfeeding, please read the wonderful article by Judith A. Lothian. A natural or non-medicated birth absolutely provides the best platform for a mother and babies breastfeeding journey.

Of course, Mums that have medicated births are completely able to breastfeed successfully, but some drugs and procedures can inhibit the natural flow of birth and may interfere with the natural bonding and breastfeeding process. In a medicated birth, skin to skin bonding is of unequivocal importance helping with breastfeeding.




To highlight the key points in Lothians article:

1. Babies are naturally designed to feed from their mother's breast and women are designed with breasts to feed their children.

2. Medication can interfere with the cocktail of birthing hormones which are released at birth. This can mean both mother and baby are less alert at the time of birth - a crucial time for establishing the first feed.

3. Epidural may have neuro-behavioural effects on the baby - i.e. problems can occur with latching and coordination of sucking.

4. Instrumental birth (forceps/ventouse) can result in birth trauma which can impede breastfeeding.

5. Over zealous newborn care practices and separation of mum and baby at birth may result in interfering with the babies natural ability to root, suckle and feed.



Lothian says "Nature perfectly prepares the baby for breastfeeding. The baby is born competent and capable and ready to breastfeed. He instinctively roots and sucks. When placed skin-to-skin on his mother's chest, he instinctively crawls and self-attaches to her breast, in just the right way. He sees and smells, and these senses help guide him to the breast. When held in his mother's arms or placed skin-to-skin, he instinctively throws back his head and opens his mouth wide—the perfect positioning for an effective latch. Babies are born ready and eager to breastfeed....We are just beginning to understand and appreciate how women's bodies prepare for breastfeeding during pregnancy, how what happens during labour and birth sets the stage for breastfeeding, and how the first minutes and hours after birth affect breastfeeding. The way the birth proceeds powerfully influences the first hours and days of breastfeeding. Normal, natural birth sets the stage for problem-free breastfeeding—what nature intended—while a complicated, intervention-intensive labour and birth set the stage for problems."

The Birth of a Breastfeeding Baby and Mother

The Supportive Birth Partner

Little Boy age 3 helps Mummy to give Birth

"Mum Sammy gave birth in the bathroom with just three-year-old son McKenzie helping out. And after bringing towels to wrap his new sister in, the quick-thinking toddler ran to get mum’s mobile phone to ring 999 and then unlocked the front door to let paramedics in."

Women are designed to give birth: Sometimes all we need, is to know that someone is there.

Birth Lancashire

Fruity Dates for Pregnancy

Dates - Reducing the need for Induction...

The Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology 
concludes that "the consumption of date fruit in the last 4 weeks before labour significantly reduced the need for induction and augmentation of labour, and produced a more favourable, but non-significant, delivery outcome."




Evelyn Ojeda from the Peaceful Birth Project looks at the ancient wisdom of eating dates.

Eating Dates

Cost of Antenatal Classes, Lancashire

How much would you be prepared to pay for an antenatal classes?

Christmas is coming. The pitter-patter of tiny feet on the way. You need to buy all the baby essentials. A pram, a cot, nappies, a car seat.

The Babycentre say that "The average family spends £3,000 on its first baby in just a year. The truth is that you can prepare yourself with less than £200, if you're clever."

Buying for Baby on a Budget



But what about antenatal classes? How much would you pay? Nothing, £10, £100, £250, £300, £500, more...

Everyone's budget is different. Geographically location commands different price ranges. Everyone has different priorities.

It's difficult to put a value on exactly what it means to have a positive attitude towards your forthcoming birth. To be free of the fears and anxieties of labour and to look back afterwards with feelings of empowerment. It is difficult to put a price on a easier breastfeeding journey, or feelings of calmness, more sleep, reduced post-natal depression and an positive birth experience.

Natal Hypnotherapy™  does not guarantee a pain free labour or even guarantee any of the elements mentioned above. Natal Hypnotherapy™ doesn't make unrealistic claims. No-one has a crystal ball and ultimately no-one knows how birth is going to unfold. Natal Hypnotherapy™ offers the opportunity to learn techniques that will help you to feel confident, trust your body and manage the sensations of birth. It is clinically proven that the use of hypnosis in childbirth results in:

• Shorter labour
• Less medication
• Less reported pain
• Higher APGAR Scores
• More frequent spontaneous delivery
• Reduced post natal depression

Knowledge is power! High quality antenatal education can make all the difference.

More about the importance of childbirth classes

Natal Hypnotherapy™ was developed in association with the NHS and is endorsed by the Royal College of Midwives. Perhaps more importantly, Natal Hypnotherapy™ is endorsed and recommended by the 100,000's + that have followed the program and benefited.

So when budgeting for baby equipment - consider what a positive birth experience would mean to you and you may find that you can actually afford antenatal classes.

Our birth experiences stay with us for a life time.

An empowering birth experience can be invaluable.

Second Baby - Natural Birth

 

Successful Natural Birth after C-Section

"Nearly two-thirds of women who had a Caesarean delivery for their first child were successful when they attempted a natural birth for their second baby, British researchers found.

The study, published in BJOG: An International Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, used data on almost 144 000 British women who had their first baby by C-section between 2004 and 2011. The researchers found that 52% of them attempted a vaginal birth for their second baby."

Successful-natural-birth-after-Caesarean

"This study shows encouraging results with the majority of women who attempted a natural delivery after a primary C-section being successful," journal deputy editor John Thorp said in a journal news release.



Natural Birth

"Spontaneous labour in a normal woman is an event marked by a number of processes so complicated and so perfectly attuned to each other that any interference will only detract from the optimal character. The only thing required from the bystanders is that they show respect for this awe-inspiring process by complying with the first rule of medicine – nil nocere [do no harm]"

G.J. Kloosterman, The Universal Aspects of Childbirth

Natal Hypnotherapy™ Manchester

 

Dot Parry 

Understanding Natal Hypnotherapy™ from a Midwives Perspective

Dot has been a midwife since 1998 and has a wealth of experience in providing midwifery care for families in hospital, in their communities, in the lovely birth centre at Salford Royal (Hope) Hospital and at home. Dot qualified has a Natal Hypnotherapy™ Practitioner in 2007 and runs sessions for women and couples in groups and on a one to one basis. Here are her top tips to help midwives to support a Natal Hypnotherapy Mum.

Dot Parry's Top Tips for Midwives

• Relax -the mum will tell you what she needs from you.
• Triggers - mums might have special phrases and physical cues which help them to sink in to hypnosis at the beginning of a contraction. Their birth partner can help them with these.
• Music -Natal Hypnotherapy™ mums might choose to listen to the NH Birth Music -it reminds them of their pregnancy hypnosis sessions and act as a powerfully relaxing trigger. You can leave it on repeat.
• Peace and quiet make it easier for her to let go -only talk when you need to support a calming environment -dim the lights, keep the room warm, maintain her privacy, sit rather than stand.
• Keep the clock out of her line of sight if you can.
• Hypnosis works in high tech situations too - encourage the mum to keep using her techniques even if she needs assistance -it will keep her and her baby calm and well oxygenated.
• Use positive language whenever you can -"good, strong, powerful contractions", "beautifully relaxed", "strong woman". You can use the words "pain" and "push" with NH mums but you probably don't need to.
• If she seems to be overwhelmed by the sensations maybe she is nearly there? Maybe she just needs a little time, support and encouragement to allow her endorphin level to rise and help her with increasingly powerful contractions? We talk about passing through a periods of “self doubt” and she will have practiced how to manage these emotions.You know how to handle this - buy a little time, encourage her to sip some juice/eat a little/go for a wee, tell her she's brilliant.
• Be prepared for lovely surprises: It can be more difficult to "read" where an NH mum is at in her labour by her behaviour. I sometimes can't see when the contractions are unless I sit beside the mum and watch her belly rise and fall.

• If she says her baby is coming get ready to catch!

The Birth of Natal Hypnotherapy™

How it all Began...

If you have been lucky enough to meet Maggie Howell you will know that she is a wonderful and inspirational lady. If you have never met her - but have listened to Natal Hypnotherapy CD's, Maggie is the 'voice'.

Maggie Howell is the Director and Creator of Natal Hypnotherapy™. Here she gives her account of how it all began...

"My thoughts about hypnosis and ‘mind over matter’ really began when a good friend gave birth in a small barn next to her house.

It was her first baby and was technically a difficult birth (4 hours for the second stage!). What really struck me was that she had not felt the need for any painkillers as, with each contraction, her partner would describe somewhere or something they had done together. Effectively her mind was focusing on something other than the ‘pain’.

It was my husband who suggested going on a self Hypnosis course, as he in the past he had used of Hypnosis to help with a variety of things. I was a little sceptical in the beginning, but decided that it could only help as I was determined to have a natural home birth.

I went on a 2 day self hypnosis course when I was 6 months’ pregnant. I was the only pregnant woman on the course – the others were there for a whole variety of reasons from fear of presenting to giving up smoking to stress relief. Prior to the course my only real experience of Hypnosis was watching a stage Hypnotist make people act like chickens and eat raw onions. I therefore assumed that there was something mystical about it and that I would close my eyes and would be put in a semi-conscious trance like state in which my problems would be solved.

After the first few times I doubted I had been Hypnotised as I just felt very relaxed and was fully aware of my surroundings. As I went on to find out that is exactly what hypnosis is. There is nothing mystical about it. It is simply being in a day dream like state rather than in a conscious alert state. It is the same as driving a car when you realise that you even though you have been driving carefully, you can’t actually remember most of the journey or reading a passage of a book and finding you can’t remember the story and have to re-read it. That is exactly the same as Hypnosis – you are having a chat with you sub conscious while you conscious is fully aware of what you are doing.

My doubts were blown out of the water when we put the Hypnosis to the test. I went into my ‘daydream’ and told my mind that my left arm would be completely free of pain, bleeding, bruising, swelling and soreness for the next 24 hours. We repeated this several times and then came out of my daydream. The trainer then quickly, easily and PAINLESSLY stuck a large nappy pin through my arm! My amazement was even greater when, after taking photos and oohhing and arhhing at each others arms, he took the pin out of my arm and there was not even a drop of blood! (DO NOT TRY THIS AT HOME -you need to be taught how to safely go into and come out of Hypnosis). I felt amazed and the power of what I had just done slowly began to dawn on me. If I could anaesthetise my arm then surely I could have a comfortable birth without the need for painkillers.

Over the next few weeks I wrote my self-Hypnosis script or ‘programme’ for my ideal birth. It included loads of triggers for relaxation such as every time I had a contraction I would feel more and more relaxed, every time my husband held my hand I would feel more and more comfortable etc. I envisaged every last detail including my cervix opening, my baby feeling comfortable and safe, my muscles expanding, holding my baby in my arms etc. Once I was happy with the programme I recorded it onto tape with some soothing music in the background.

During the last 6 weeks I took myself into Hypnosis every day and listened to the programme I had recorded on my tape recorder (well it was 13 years ago!). The visualisation was so strong that I would often come out of Hypnosis with happy tears as if I had actually been through the experience of holding my precious baby. As the day came closer, I got more and more excited and was really looking forward to the birth. I was so keen to find out if the Hypnosis would work and in a way to show others who had doubted what I was doing, that I really could have a wonderful birth.
My first contraction finally came a few days after my due date at 10pm whilst eating dinner in a French restaurant. I had planned for a home water birth and so we excitedly returned home. Since the initial contractions were mild we caught some rest and then at 2.30am things started to happen. We got everything ready for the birth by – we lit a huge fire, the candles, made a nutritious milkshake, made pots of raspberry leaf and nettle tea, put on the soft music as we began what turned out to be a very long labour. I felt so calm and in control and was so sure that the Hypnosis was going to work.

Unfortunately my midwife who had been really supportive of my Hypnosis was unable to attend the birth and so another midwife, a complete stranger, turned up to take care of me. She had never been with anyone who had used Hypnosis and was obviously a bit sceptical so insisted that she had gas and air if I needed it. However, in my notes, which I read afterwards, she kept commenting on how relaxed, in control and calm I was.

I can truly say that until the last quarter of an hour I had absolutely no need for any painkillers and that my breathing and dreamlike state kept me completely in control. My second midwife arrived after about 6 hours and did not actually hear me speak for 3 hours even, though my contractions were 3 minutes apart. My husband would occasionally ask where I was to which I apparently replied “away with the fairies” or “on a beach” – these were images I had used in my Hypnosis.

Another amazing ‘feature’ of hypnosis is called ‘time distortion’. This is when you tell your mind that things take far longer or shorter than they do in reality (like being in the cinema and it seems like you have been there for several hours rather than just 2). I therefore felt that the time between each contraction was more like 15 minutes rather than 3 and so felt more able to relax and prepare for the next one.

When I was finally fully dilated my midwife checked the baby’s heartbeat just before I started to push. Very calmly she told us that his heartbeat had dropped substantially and I would need to deliver out of the water. She knew we had to deliver the baby really quickly and suggested that I have an episiotomy. As there was no time for a local anaesthetic we did not even question her advice. This was the first time I felt real pain. I feel that there were two main reasons for it – one was that I had not built this into my Hypnosis programme and secondly that I needed the adrenaline from the pain to push my baby out in the shortest possible time. The power and energy I felt was quite remarkable so I believe that the pain really helped me to ensure my son was born safely.

Unbelievably, Joseph was born just 4 minutes later. He was absolutely fine and within a minute took his first breath, coughed slightly and then looked up at me with calm blue eyes. He did not cry out or seem distressed in any way. We massaged him gently and put him straight on my breast. He latched on immediately for his first drink (and has not really stopped since!). All those who came in contact with him commented on how calm and alert he was. I am sure this was partly due to my constant communication with him in utero and my continual reassurance during the birth that he was safe and soon to have a wonderful cuddle with his parents.

In discussions later with my midwife, she reiterated how amazed she had been at the apparent power of the Hypnosis. She was particularly astonished at my ability to push him out so quickly especially as I had been vomiting throughout the labour and my energy levels were extremely low. At the time I really felt that nothing extraordinary was happening – it was only in hindsight that I realised just how well the Hypnosis had worked. In fact I was so convinced with the potential behind hypnosis that I went on to train as a clinical Hypnotherapist and set up “Natal Hypnotherapy” which has helped over 100,000 women.  I have also had 4 more home births all using the hypnotherapy techniques."

For more information of Workshops in your area please see: Calm & Contented

Childbirth Classes, Blackpool & Fylde, Preston

How Important are Childbirth Classes?

"Research has found that women who attend a class to prepare for the birth of their baby use pain medication less often, have shorter labours, and have a more positive outlook on their birth experience. Women who take a class before the birth of their baby are more likely to have confidence in their own bodies and in their ability to give birth. This confidence leads to better outcomes. With fear of the unknown process women can experience anxiety during labour and birth which can lead to birth interventions, including caesarean births"

Charlotte Sanchez CPM is a Certified Professional Midwife.

A 'well-chosen' childbirth class offers so much more than simply providing birth education. It is an opportunity to really focus on your forthcoming birth and think about the birth choices that are right for you. In additional to practical and mental skills for coping with actual labour, Natal Hypnotherapy™ workshops help address underlying anxieties and fears before your birth unfolds.

Natal Hypnotherapy™ childbirth classes support both mums-to-be and their birth partners. Workshops are personalised for the couples who participate, and can provide a very bonding and positive start to family life.

For more information for classes in Blackpool & the Fylde Coast and Preston please see:

www.calmandcontented.co.uk


http://www.pregnancybeat.com/how-important-is-taking-childbirth-classes/

Mammal Birth - 36th Okapi Zoo Birth

Zebra’s stripes, a giraffe’s long tongue and a horse’s velvet coat

- "Okapi is pronounced “oh-KOP-ee.”
- Okapis are herbivores. They eat twigs, leaves and vegetation. They also eat charcoal and red clay.
- Okapis prefer to be alone.
- Okapis create trails to find their way through the dense forest.

- The elusive animals hid in the forest and would dash away at the sound of intruders.
- Okapi calves nest and nap for the first few weeks of their life.
- Okapis do not urinate until they are about 1 month old and do not defecate until they are 2 to 3   
   months old. Researchers believe it helps keep predators away from the calf’s nest.
- Okapis can communicate through infrasound, vocalizations below the human hearing range."
  Melissa Repko The Dallas Morning News for full article see:

African Unicorn Birth


DISCLAIMER: I am not a doctor or midwife. This is blog for your interest only and does not give medical advice. If you have any concerns with your pregnancy or birth contact your doctor or midwife.

Natal Hypnotherapy™ Assessments - Manchester

First Workshops

Just completed my first 'Official' Natal Hypnotherapy™ workshop in Manchester. Lovely to meet a great set of 'expectant parents'. I really enjoyed watching their confidence grow as the weekend rolled out.


It really reiterated why I wanted to train as a Natal Hypnotherapy™ Practitioner. There were a few real 'light bulb moments' and I felt that the participants left with a positive attitude and looking forward to birth.

I'm sure that they will testify that this two day workshop

Natural Pain Relief (Day 1)
Practical Preparation for Birth (Day 2) is truly awesome!!


Couples, if you are reading I would love to hear about your birth journeys. I'm sure you will make fantastic parents.
Thanks for your support & feedback xxx

Working with Anxious Mums for Natural Deliveries

Time to Consider the Emotional Side of Labour...

How much time is spent by midwives these days looking at the emotional side of labour?

Taking the time to address fear in birthing has reduced the c/section rate to the lowest in Queensland.

"After being given time to talk through her fears with obstetrician Anne Sneddon and then with midwife Jenny Fenwick, Ms Watts says her "faith has been restored'' in natural deliveries with the birth of her second son, Gyan, a month ago.

"They talked about how to labour, what would be the best position, what I could do that would reduce pain relief,'' she said. "I didn't even ask for gas, whereas I was asking for gas in my first birth and I was asking for an epidural.'' News.au.com

Hospitals reduce C-Section Rates

Physical wellbeing seems to be prioritised. What would happen if more time was dedicated to emotional support of a pregnant woman?

Natal Hypnotherapy™ Questions & Answers

Wednesday Lunch Club Q&A With Natal Hypnotherapist Maggie Howell

"Natal Hypnotherapy is recommended by over 3,000 birth professionals and Maggie’s one of the UK’S leading campaigners who are helping fight the fear that surrounds child birth and pregnancy. Through her business, she’s helped over 100,000 women have a better birth experience. She’s an experienced and articulate broadcaster and is passionate about supporting women through pregnancy, child birth and beyond."


Natal Hypnotherapy™ Q&A with Maggie Howell

Demystifying Home Birth

Beautiful Home Birth Photography

Julia Marincat shares her beautiful home birth photographs, shot by Jackie Dives. Jackie is a doula & photographer keen to normalise birth and out the dread which many pregnant women face.

 "The average woman is unaware of these choices, because they simply aren't shared in the mainstream. I hope my images will open doors for women who otherwise might not have known what their options are."

Beautiful Home Birth Photography

Natal Hypnotherapy™ - Home, Hospital or Bookshop?

Natal Hypnotherapy™ - Preparation for wherever you give birth...

With all the best laid plans - no-one actually knows when and how your baby will arrive. The baby is the following article was obviously interested in reading!

What would it mean to you to feel confident wherever you gave birth?

"We birth best when we are relaxed, when we trust our bodies to do what our bodies know how to do. We don't need drugs to relax; nor do we need drugs to block any "pain" -- our oxytocin takes over and that feel good hormone allows us to birth without as much fear, anxiety, and pain as we would if we were hooked up to machines in a hospital with nurses coming in and out of the room constantly checking on us and thinking we need to hurry it up." The Stir.

Natal Hypnotherapy™ teaches you the mental and physical techniques to create a safe birthing environment and protect your birth space. For more information see Calm & Contented Births.


Bookshop

Will you get the Birth Experience you want?

Birth with Dignity

Beverly Turner looks at birthing with dignity in the Telegraph:

"Yesterday’s inaugural Birthrights's Dignity in Childbirth Conference in London’s Royal College of Physicians sought to distinguish between the two and highlight the fact that British women are being treated with a shocking lack of dignity at the very moment when they should be revered. As President of the Royal College of Midwives, Lesley Page said on her opening address: “Birth is a time in a woman’s life when she is at her most vulnerable but has the potential to be at her most powerful. She needs to feel that her needs are uppermost. If you give her sensitive and understanding care, you set her on the path to motherhood with confidence.”

But according to a survey of 1,100 women, conducted by Mumsnet, the research around which the conference hinged, only 50 per cent of women in the UK are getting the birth they want. Twenty-six per cent had no choice about where to give birth and a shocking 24 per cent did not consent to some of the most intimate procedures available to a naked woman (including forceps deliveries, vaginal examinations or cervical sweeps). "

Why half of UK women not getting the birth they want

Blackpool Victoria Hospital

Blackpool Maternity Facilities

Great new that Blackpool Victoria Hospital is seeing a 100% satisfaction rate after the first month of opening.

“That is satisfaction not just from the mothers but from the fathers, grandparents and brothers and sisters. The unit is a fantastic investment to enable staff to promote a positive birth experience and to make sure we provide care to the best of our ability in the best environment to give our babies the best start in life.”
Nicola Parry Head Midwife, Blackpool Victoria Hospital.

45 babies were born between opening in August and 29th September 13.

100% Satisfaction

East Lancashire Hospitals - Formula Milk

East Lancashire Hospitals Axe Formula Milk

From the 1st November 2013, Lancashire NHS Trust will no longer providing formula milk. This will effect Burnley General Hospital and surrounding birth centres. Lancashire NHS will continue to support the neonatal unit and babies at high risk.


"Vanessa Hollings, divisional general manager for family care at the Trust, said: “We are proud to have been ensuring a high standard of care for pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers and babies for the past 15 years.

Research shows breast milk protects babies against stomach bugs, chest infections, asthma and eczema and we are committed to enhancing the feeding experience and the closeness felt between a mum and her baby.

Like all other hospitals, we support the initiation of breastfeeding with all new babies. However, we recognise that some mums, prefer to bottle feed their babies, and we believe that is their maternal choice.

We support all mothers in making their own choice on how they want to feed their babies and provide education and advice on all methods. However, like many other hospital Trusts, we will now be unable to provide formula milk and mothers will need to ensure they bring in their own provision.”

The Trust was recently praised after receiving the Baby Friendly Hospital (BFHI) initiative award for the 15th year, which promotes the importance of the relationship between mums and their newborns. Breastfeeding rates in East Lancashire have risen from 27% in 1998 to 70% in 2013."  Pendle Today

It will be interesting to see if other local hospitals follow suit and whether East Lancashire will continue to see a increase in breastfeeding rates...


Hospitals Axe Fomula Milk


DISCLAIMER: I am not a doctor or midwife. This is blog for your interest only and does not give medical advice. If you have any concerns with your pregnancy or birth contact your doctor or midwife.

What is Foetus Ejection Reflex?

Listen to your Instincts (Not the command to push)

The 'foetus ejection reflex' refers to the reflex that animals have when they give birth to their babies in privacy. Away from disturbance, mammals are free to birth without interuption to the natural birthing process. When a Mother feels safe neither hormones or the physical body are disturbed enabling a safe and natural birth.

 This applies to human mothers too!

Pushing?

The foetus ejection reflex may also be refered to as the urge to 'bear down' or 'breathe the baby out' or the 'push!'. In a natural birthing senario, most women don't need to be told to push! The reflex is instinctive. If a woman doesn't have an overwelming urge to bear down, she may find the baby works his way down with each breathe as the uterus eases him down the birth canal.

What exactly is foetus ejection reflex?

Marianne Littlejohn describes "It is a sudden awakening, a series of irresistible and uncontrollable surges of energy that empower the mother into expelling the baby from her womb. It is a spectacular release of birth hormones including adrenalin, oxytocin, endorphins, dopamine, prolactin. The mother most often needs to be upright or bent forwards in some way, needs to pull on a bar or handle(usually her husband!) with her arms. The foetus ejection reflex works best when a mother is safe from prying eyes and interventions, secluded, warm, and feeling held and loved"

The following article by Marianne Littlejohn explains in more detail:

Foetus Ejection Reflex

Trust Yourself

Trust the Miracle of Birth 

Trust in your body and know that you have the ability to birth your baby.

Read this wonderful quote today:


"Spontaneous labour in a normal woman is an event marked by a number of processes so complicated and so perfectly attuned to each other that any interference will only detract from the optimal character. The only thing required from bystanders is that they show respect for this awe-inspiring process by complying with the first rule of medicine - nil nocere (do no harm)"

G. Kloosterman, 'The universal aspects of childbirth: Human birth as a socio-psychomatic paradigm', J. Psychosom. Obstet, Gynaecol., 1982; 1 (1): 35-41.

Every woman should have the opportunity to write this quotation into her birth plan!

Home Birth Advice - Lancashire

Practical Home Birth Advice

Lancashire Teaching Hospitals:

"Planned home birth is associated with good outcomes when women are healthy and their pregnancies have been free of problems. Many women have said that they feel more relaxed and in control in their own homes where the ability to move around freely can reduce the need for strong pain killers"


Adobe 9.5 is needed with the following link.

Lancashire Home Birth

Antenatal Classes, Blackpool, Lytham & Preston

Relaxation Classes

Antenatal birth preparation and practice is the key to achieving a positive birth experience.

There are excellent locally run NHS and NCT classes which address many practical elements of pregnancy and birth such as bathing and feeding your baby. 

Traditional parentcraft classes also address the medicalised side of birth - such as hospital policy, pain relief options, and give you the opportunity to look around the hospital facilities.

Non-Medicalised Birth

Natal Hypnotherapy™ offers a natural alternative to pain relief.

If you choose we can give you the tools and techniques to give birth without drugs and embrace a natural birthing experience.

Natal Hypnotherapy™ can be used no matter how your birth happens.

If things don't go exactly as you planned Natal Hypnotherapy™ will give you the confidence to make decisions as your birth unfolds and feel empowered by your experience.

Hypnobirthing Lancashire

Lancashire Self-Hypnosis for Birth Trials

 

Dr Soo Downe at the University of Central Lancashire is running SHIP Trials (Self-Hypnosis for Intrapartum Pain management).

Summary of Hypnosis Trials

 

"Self-hypnosis is a way of training the mind and body to experience things differently.

It usually involves listening to a voice on a tape or CD which gives hints and suggestions about how to change unhelpful ways of thinking.

By listening to the CD regularly the belief is that the listener will ‘absorb’ the suggestions and their experience will change. 

It is sometimes used by health professionals to help people give up smoking or to reduce their fear of flying. 

Recent studies have shown that self-hypnosis can be used successfully to treat the pain associated with chronic gastro-intestinal complaints like Irritable Bowel Syndrome and Crohn’s Disease.

In this study we would like to find out if self-hypnosis could help women to deal with the pain associated with labour and childbirth.

Our theory is that if women feel more relaxed and in control during labour then they are less likely to experience intense pain and less likely to need medical assistance or even surgery. 

So far there have been few studies conducted in this area and most of them have been small or of poor quality. 

However, the results have been encouraging and we would like to find out if this would be an effective way of providing pain relief to pregnant women in the UK."


The proposed completion date for these trials was June 2013 so results should be expected into the public domain soon.

'Just Relax'

The following article was published by the telegraph at the time the trial started.

"A new trial into ‘hypnobirthing’ will assess whether women can give birth happily without painkillers. But will expectant mothers will ever forgo the epidural and learn to 'just relax'"

Hypnobirthing Lancashire

The Results

The SHIP trial should give an excellent clinical insight into the effectiveness of self-hypnosis. It should be noted that antenatal classes such as Natal Hypnotherapy™ and Hypnobirthing give much more than hypnosis alone.

Natal Hypnotherapy ™

 

Hypnosis for birth is just one powerful element included in Natal Hypnotherapy™. The course teaches many other tools and techniques for managing birth and labour - thus empowering a woman to have a positive birth experience.

For more information see Natal Hypnotherapy™

Perfect, Natural Birth

Kate Middleton - Natural Birth

"Kate Middleton, 31, is said to be happy that the birth went without a hitch – and she was able to give birth naturally.

"She spoke to some of her best girlfriends after the birth and described the birth as perfect," a source told Vanity Fair.

“She said it was straightforward and there were no complications. She wanted a natural birth and she was so happy she was able to have one.” Yahoo Lifestyle.

Without Pain Relief

 

It is also said that Kate managed her 11 hour labour without pain relief. Hollywood Life.

Her secret must be 'Hypnosis for Birth'


Natural Birth

Without Pain Relief

Animal Instincts for Birth

Birthing like a Panda...

Love this article by Milli Hill as Edinburgh Zoo await the birth of the UK's first giant panda.


"It's interesting to read about the lengths the zoo team has gone to to ensure a positive and successful birth for Tian Tian. She has a specially created nesting box, and her enclosure has been lined with extra insulation to keep out noise and ensure she won't be disturbed. Staff have also installed dark blinds to offer her privacy and minimum light, and since the weekend, the panda area has been closed to visitors.



It's funny how we understand so well what birthing mammals need – be they giant pandas or our pet cats and dogs. When they're in labour, we keep our distance, and let them have quiet, darkness and no interruptions. We know that it's vital that we don't frighten or disturb them. We trust that they know what they're doing, and we leave them to it.

Contrast this to your average human birth. A brightly lit, unfamiliar room. A narrow bed, surrounded by unidentified machinery, wires, plugs and equipment. Strangers come and go, sometimes talking about time or danger, or their plans for the weekend. Unfamiliar hands touch us, and stern voices tell us what to do next: "Breathe!", "Wait!" or "PUSH!".

To put it bluntly – you wouldn't treat an animal like this! And yet this is how many women in western hospitals are expected to deliver their babies"

To read the full article see link below:

Pandas

Home or Hospital Birth Preston, Lancashire

Giving birth in Preston

Lancashire Teaching Hospital have their own guidance on helping you decide whether you would prefer a home or hospital Birth if you are in the Preston area.

"All women are entitled to reach their own decisions about how and where to give birth, with the benefit of midwifery or medical advice."

 

 

 

See link below

Giving birth in Preston Hospital or Home

Cumbria Hypnobirthing Story

I had my baby under Hypnosis

This article looks at Dr Kelly Woodcock from Wigton in Cumbria, who claims the first hypnobirth in the UK.

"Having lived in a Africa for four years I had seen women give birth naturally and was keen for a similar birth myself. I lived in a remote village in Tanzania, working for a forest conservation group and doing research for my PhD, and I remember seeing an old lady coming out of a mud hut with a newborn baby. I hadn't heard any screaming or shouting beforehand and it made me think perhaps childbirth need not be as painful as people here make out."

To read Kelly's full story see:

Cumbria Hypnobirth Story

Relaxation for Birth Preston, Blackpool & Fylde

How to relax during labour

Someone asked me recently whether it is really possible to relax during labour.

Yes, absolutely.

With practise.

Relaxation Classes

97% of women would recommend Natal Hypnotherapy™, an antenatal technique which teaches women to relax during pregnancy and birth. For more information click on What is Natal Hypnotherapy™

The following article gives more information on relaxation and the effectiveness of hypnosis for birth. 

Relaxation for Birth

8 Common Transfer Worries

Hospital Transfers

Well before your due date it is worth considering how you are going to get to hospital. Simple preparations like making sure you have enough petrol and change for the pay station will make the transfer from home to hospital hassle free. Even if you are planning a home birth, it is still worth preparing for a trip to hospital - just in case.

Blackpool Victoria Hospital

 

Blackpool Victoria Hospital is currently having on-site building work. This may effect how you find the maternity department and where you park your car...

Common Transfer Worries 

 

These include:

• Unable to get a taxi
• Sitting belted in for the duration of the journey
• Delays/Running out of petrol
• Breaking down
• Finding a car parking space
• Locating the maternity suite
• Dealing with paperwork at hospital
• Forgetting overnight bags

Your midwife will advise you of the best time to transfer to hospital. Generally you are advised to stay at home for as long as you are able.

A note for the birth partner - although you maybe caught up in the energy and excitement of labour, concentrate on the road, and drive calmly!

"I never knew I had a choice when it came to labour"

Natural Birth

Lovely to hear that Evan Rachel Wood had the natural home birth that she wanted.

Husband Jamie Bell (Billy Elliot):

“Wow! What a day. Evan you are my warrior! You never cease to amaze. Thank you for birthing our son so naturally & peacefully. You did it!”

Evan tweeted:  “I have to say thank you @RickiLake for your inspiring documentary “the business of being born” I never knew I had a choice when it came to labor. It taught me so much & aided my decision in having a natural home birth which my son & I are now forever grateful for,” 


It's great to hear about couples who have a positive birthing experience and to emphasise that women do have a choice when it comes to labour!



Evan Rachel Woods: Natural Birth

First Birth News: Fylde Coast

Midwife-led Unit opens Today in Blackpool

14th August 2013

It's an exciting day for Blackpool Victoria Hospital & the Fylde Coast. Today their very plush midwife-led unit opened and accomodated it's first birth. Decorated tastefully and in relaxing colours, warm wooden veneer & deep purples, the suites offer an excellent alternative to home birth.

Midwife Kate Charles says:

 "Wonderful, modern, luxurious unit, we could not be more delighted. This will give mums a more positive, natural and holistic experience"


Also see More Normal Birthing Lancashire

New Materniy Unit at the Vic 


Good Luck to all Mums-to-be who are hoping to birth there in the near future xx

Help, I'm Overdue

Overdue?

It should be explained to woman that the due date is always an estimate and as research and our experience shows, this can vary widely. 

Jenny Hope - Medical Correspondant 

Another article looking at the meaning of 'Overdue' and how only 1 in 20 women give birth on time.

37-days Variance in Birth Dates

Don't forget to +1 if you are enjoying this blog!

Kate Middleton & Natal Hypnotherapy™

 About Natal Hypnotherapy™

It is rumoured that Kate Middleton used Natal Hypnotherapy™ - the UK version of Hypnobirthing for the birth of Prince George.

In this article Natalie Qureshi, Practitioner for Bolton looks at Natal Hypnotherapy™ and the ways it can help in the run up and during labour.

"Natal hypnotherapy is a way of teaching pregnant women relaxation techniques that they can use in the run up to giving birth and for the birth itself. Relaxing and breathing deeply are the two best things that a woman can do to help her feel calm and ease anxiety surrounding the birth. It can be learned non-verbally or verbally. You learn the impact of adrenaline, caused by fear, in labour, and you can discover ways that you can keep that at bay. It’s not just for ladies either, men can be as involved as they would like to be, especially if they are going to be at the birth, and it can be used in medical centres and birthing pools.”


Natal Hypnotherapy North West


More and more interest is been generated for hypnosis during labour and birth thanks to high profile stars, celebrities and now royality. The interest Kate has created has been coined as the 'Middleton' effect.


Middleton Effect

10 Qualities of a 'Normal' Birth Partner

What Qualities make a great Birth Partner?

Normal Birth

Many women automatically choose the father of the baby as their birth partner. For many women this is the best choice, but for others it might be worth considering asking a relative or friend or maybe looking into the additional support of a Doula.





All the efforts of a birthing mother should be concentrated on the birth. The birth partner offers emotional and practical, continuous support throughout birth to help the mother-to-be to birth without hindrance.


The birth partner needs to:

• Be Reliable
• Be Supportive
• Have Patience & Stamina
• Be Strong
• Act as an "Assertive Mother's Advocat"
• Be Understanding & Thick Skinned
• Address his Fears
• Be Protective
• Have Faith
• Be 'There'

Reliable

Someone that is going to be 'there', at the birth and doesn't have other commitments. Flexible enough to cope with false alarms and practice contractions. There for the duration.

Supportive

Understanding the birthing woman's wishes before birth. Discussing issues that may arise and how they should be handled. Help the birthing process run as smoothly as possible. There is a subtle difference between 'Supporting' and 'Coaching'. Coaching conjures a image of a sports teacher with a whistle, directing pupils: "Come on, Run faster! Now. That's it...You can do it!" A birthing woman doesn't need to be directed. She knows instinctively how to birth. An effective way of supporting during labour is to 'say what you see'. "You handled that contraction really well", "Those deep breaths are keeping you calm", "You are doing it"...

Patience & Stamina

To provide continuous birth support you need to look after yourself. Labour can last for 24 hours or more. You won't be much use to anyone if you don't keep yourself fed and watered! Be prepared for the long haul.

Strong

Mentally, physically and emotionally.
Birth can be long and tiring. Some birthing positions may require physical assistance. The birthing room is an emotionally charged place.

Assertive

Communication skills are vital. Understanding and voicing a woman's changing needs is a key part of being a birth partner. Often it is difficult for birth partners to stand up to medical staff to ensure a birthing mother's wishes are met. When faced with professionals in hospital you assume they know more about birth than you do. They probably do, but you are the one that knows the most about the labouring woman. You need to find a strategy to help implement the wishes of the labouring woman without impacting on the safety of the mother and baby. A Doula can help if you don't feel confident in handling medical staff and situations.

Understanding & Thick Skinned

Birth can test a woman almost to her limits.The birth partner needs to understand this and be thick skinned about anything that take place in the birthing room. If a birthing woman screams "I'll rip your bloody head off, if you tell me to 'Breathe' again" That's her prerogative.

Address Fears

It's helpful for the birth partner to address his/her fears before entering the birthing room. Birthing women are very sensitive to their environment whilst giving birth. The smallest comment or least look of doubt in her birth partners eyes can have a profound effect on how she is feeling. It's sometimes useful to talk to other new father's and draw from their experience, as well as discuss any worries and concerns before labour starts.

Protective

The birth partner becomes a guardian of the birthing room. Whilst in labour the birthing Mother can't ensure the lights are kept low and noise to a minimum and fully concentrate on birth. Part of the birth partners role involves ensuring a conducive environment for the birth to take place.

Faith

Whilst it's difficult watching the ones we love, when they are in pain. The birth partner needs to have the faith that 'She can do it'. By talking birthing options through before hand, the birth partner should have a clear understanding of the birthing woman's pain relief preferences and the ways to handle the situation when things get intense.

Be 'There'

The list could go on... These qualities and others make for an excellent birthing partner, but the most important thing a birth partner can do is 'Be There'.
If you are in a busy hospital, you may not be continuously attended to by a midwife. The birth partner is the one who is there throughout. The presence alone of the birth partner should not be underestimated. If all you did, was to sit by the birthing woman's side, the companionship can make a positive difference to woman's attitude in birth. All she needs is to feel your belief.

Footnote:

Whilst the birth partner plays a huge role in helping the birth run smoothly, it isn't 'only' his responsibility. There is a pressure for the birth partner to play his part, but if the birth doesn't unfold the way everyone hopes - it isn't solely down to him. The attitude's of the birthing woman, medical staff, hospital policy, and how the birth progresses all have a massive impact on the end result.

Congratulations from Preston, Blackpool & the Fylde Coast

Congratulations:

To William & Kate on the birth of their baby boy.

Whilst all the world waits with baited breath to find out the little Prince's name. I am waiting for news of her actual birth.

I'm not sure how much the public will actually find out about the details of Kate's labour, but it appears that the Duchess had a normal delivery. It has been reported that she didn't have a caesarean section.








Did she use Natal Hypnotherapy or Hypnobirthing?
What are her thoughts?
Did the birth go as she hoped?
Would she do it again?
Did she experience the 'Rest and be Thankful' phase?
Will she breastfeed?
Did she have a water birth?
How supportive was her birth partner?
What type of environment was created at St Marys Hospital?

Although we will probably never know the answers to these personal questions - A positive endorsement of a natural birth experience would be far reaching to many ears and would go a long way towards promoting "Normal Birthing".

Watch this space.


Local Natal Hypnotherapy™ Workshops

Kate Middleton - Pressure for Induction?

Pressure for Induction?

Imagine the pressure Kate Middleton is under at the moment to consider induction. The Queen was heard saying yesterday

 "I would very much like it to arrive. I’m going on holiday."

Not only does Kate have her family and friends to contend with, but pretty much all of the world is awaiting her news.

Following yesterday's blog 'Due Date' I found this article by Milli Hill Founder of The Positive Birth Movement:

The Dodgy Truth about Kate's Due Date.




"It might surprise you to know that due date calculation is based, not on an ultra modern piece of science, but on a bungled theory about moon cycles made up by a doctor called Naegele in 1812. Unfortunately Naegele didn't seem to be very good at maths, and his dodgy old sums mean that the length of pregnancy could be as much as 15 days longer than his '40 weeks' target. Nevertheless, 40 weeks remains the length of time we accept as accurate - and don't get excited about scan dates either – they are simply based on the same theory."

I'd never heard of Franz Naegele, but since learnt he was a German Obstetrician 1812. Wikipedia offers more information on Naegele's Rule and the way in which the medical profession use it.

 Naegele's Rule

Hill Continues:

"Research shows that the likelihood of giving birth 'on time' is exceptionally slim, and that the average first time mother has her baby 8 days 'late'. But in spite of this, and the fact that due dates are pretty widely accepted to be 'only an estimate', women still find themselves coming under all sorts of pressure once they reach them, with UK NICE guidelines suggesting that induction be offered any time from a week 'overdue'. Often, other interventions like 'sweeps' can start to be offered even before the due date, 'just to get things started'.

It's funny how there seems to be such little trust when it comes to pregnancy and birth, and a real desire to meddle and control. The fuss over due dates is a perfect example of this – our obsession with them, and the panic when they pass by, gives the message that a woman's body simply can't be trusted to have a baby by itself. This lack of trust is passed on to women, filling them with doubt and anxiety just at the time when they most need to believe in their body's abilities!"

If Kate Middleton is wanting a natural birth (as it has been reported) let's hope she is filled with the strength and faith she needs to get what she wants.

Due Date

What's your due date?

Possibly one of the most common questions you are asked when pregnant.

So much anticipation hangs on the date given at your date scan. You build yourself up for months. You feel ready to give birth. You have had Braxton Hicks (practice contractions). The date comes. And Nothing. The date goes. And you are left feeling...

Flat? Impatient? Disappointed?

Did someone suggest 'Induction'?

If birth is left to unfold naturally, most baby's will arrive when they are ready. Sometimes earlier & sometimes later than your expected due date, but rarely on the "Due Date". The NCT quote only 5% of baby's arriving "on time".

As your due date comes and goes you might start to feel pressure to consider means of induction. If this is happening to you just be aware of the implications of induction if you truly want a natural birth.

Implications of Induction

 

If birth starts naturally, as opposed to induction, it means "the baby has adequately developed pituitary and adrenal glands and is mature enough to cope with the rigours of labour and birth"
So the baby is ready to be born.

If you are hoping for a natural birth you need to be aware of the knock on effect of induction.

"The induction of labour by drugs produces a more difficult, painful, and protracted labour and is thus frequently the prelude to caesarean section. So is the artificial rupture of the membranes, which may cause a prolapsed umbilical cord....Drugs that accelerate labour may also interfere with the baby's oxygen supply, since the baby is deprived of oxygen during contractions, and artificial pitocin induced contractions are stronger and more frequent than spontaneous ones".

"Generally speaking, conventional hospital procedures - the insertion of electronic monitors, the vaginal examinations, the intravenous drips - may all inhibit women in labour. Fear stops her labour: a caesarean is judged necessary. It is alarming, but true that the more medicine gets involved with childbirth, the more complex and difficult everything becomes".

Extracts taken from Birth Reborn by Michel Odent.

So what should I do?

The due date is an estimate. Most baby's arrive between 37 and 41 weeks. Medical professionals tend to want to induce before the 42 week mark as post maturity can result in still birth. The problem for pregnant women is experts don't agree on the best time to induce.

So, what can you do if you go past your 'due date' and still want a natural birth?

As with all birthing decisions you need to make the right choice for you, your birth partner and your family.

• You could let nature take its course.
• In the days after your due date you could look into natural approaches to induction.
• You may have a Membrane Sweep (This is an internal examination where your midwife inserts her finger into the cervix to disturb membranes and hopefully trigger labour).
• Don't feel pressured into induction if you don't want it.
• Consider medical induction - explaining to your midwife that you wish to have a normal birth with as little intervention as possible.
• Whatever decision you make - know its an informed decision.

Always discuss your decisions with your midwife, who can advise the best course of action for your unique pregnancy and birth.

More 'Normal Birthing' from July 2013 in Blackpool, Wyre & Fylde

Blackpool Victoria Hospital gears towards Natural Birth 

 

The new midwife-led unit is on schedule to open at the end of July 2013. This will give women who favour a more natural birth the opportunity to have their babies in a hospital setting with less medical intervention.

Medical Assistance

The unit is to be independently operated, but delivery suite is next door if medical assistance is required. 

Hopefully the midwives who work on the unit will be open and in tune with natural birthing and complementary therapies for birthing.

Breastfeeding

 

I wonder if the unit will have a positive impact on the Breastfeeding uptake on the Fylde Coast? In theory a midwife-led unit could give more opportunity for midwives to encourage skin to skin bonding and instinctive feeding after birth. Let's hope so.

New Midwife-led Unit July 2013