Hypnobirthing at The Centre for Integral Health

I am delighted to be writing this short introductory piece as it means that I now have a venue where I can share Hypnobirthing with more couples. I have been teaching Hypnobirthing since 2006 on the basis that it was delivered in the home of the expectant couple. I had held groups in various venues but had never found a venue that was entirely suitable. I believe that The Centre for Integral Health is the perfect venue- central location, parking close by, large room for 3 couples and myself, access to the kitchen as I will always provide cake and drinks and of course the toilet facilities (vital for a 2-3 hour session when pregnant).

I have worked as a midwife and health visitor for over 28 years and I have been present at the births of thousands of babies and I can honestly say that women who stay calm, relaxed, and focused during labour often have the most wonderful birthing experiences.

WHAT IS HYPNOBIRTHING?

Hypnobirthing is a full antenatal preparation which is simple, logical and profound. Designed to meet the need of every mother to have a gentle, natural birth for herself and for her baby. The in-depth training you receive teaches you how your pregnant and birthing body works. You will learn visualisation, breathing and relaxation techniques that will support you through pregnancy and labour. You will be provided with the Hypnobirthing book, the course CD and a folder of handouts so that you can practice the relaxation scripts between sessions. Frequent practice will help you to let go of any fears you may have regarding pregnancy or labour, it will also build your confidence in your ability to quickly achieve a state of deep relaxation and you will be able to look forward to your baby’s birth knowing that you are able to relax very deeply whenever you need to.

Too often we have been programmed throughout our lives with a negative pre-conception about pain and trauma in childbirth; from the stories other women delight in sharing to the soap operas and ‘reality TV shows’ all are dramatised and edited to frighten & grip you! Sadly the cumulative impact of this means that many couples dread rather than look forward to the day their baby will be born. 

Your body has evolved to give birth efficiently and comfortably. Nothing is breaking or tearing- your body is gradually opening to allow your baby to be born- it is a normal physiological event … and your body is perfectly designed to do this.

There are two main models of Hypnobirthing being taught in the UK. I have trained in both the  KGHypnobirthing method and also the Marie Mongan HypnoBIrthing method.  KGHypnobirthing is the only method that is endorsed by the Royal College of Midwives and it is the method that I favour as it is a comprehensive antenatal education program, central to which are the techniques to enable you to work in harmony with your body to achieve the birth you want. KGHypnobirthing also relates to the NHS care that most of us are lucky enough to have at our disposal- it is equally applicable to use for a home birth, midwife led unit birth, birth with an independent or NHS midwife or a consultant led unit birth, in water or on dry land.

If you would like to find out more about how staying calm and relaxed during labour positively affects the course of labour please have a look at my website.

www.shrewsburyhypnobirthing.net