As I begin to prepare for the birth of baby number 2, (yes people - it's happening!) I've been thinking a LOT about everything that made the birth of baby number 1 totally brilliant! It's been pretty hard to narrow down, but here they are: my 5 Top Tips for a Brilliant Birth!
1. Book your place on a Hypnobirthing Course!
First things first - book onto a Hypnobirthing Course! I promise that you will not regret it. I can, hand on heart say, that choosing to practise Hypnobirthing in preparation for the birth of our little boy, was the best decision we could have made, for me, my partner and most importantly, for our baby.
The KG Hypnobirthing course I teach will enable you to make a huge difference to your experience of pregnancy, labour, birth and beyond. It's a complete antenatal training programme which is simple, logical and profound. It is so much more than a few techniques to use during labour - although I'll teach you those too!
In order to get the best from 'the system' in which you find yourself, you need information and knowledge: you need to really understand the implications of the choices you may be required to make. Most of all, you need to release fear and learn to trust your body, your instincts, and your baby. Hypnobirthing will help you to achieve this.
2. Practice! Practice! Practice!
The best birth stories I hear, are from parents who have put in the practice!
Hypnobirthing will give you, your birth partner and your baby, the time and space to grow together, deepen your bond and enjoy this magical journey, in a much deeper way than a regular antenatal program will do. Taking time out from your busy lives to listen to each other and learn to communicate your needs and wants is vital to successful Hypnobirthing.
3. Where the mind leads the body follow!
Hypnobirthing is all about mindset! This is fundamentally important. It's what separates Hypnobirthing from yoga or other antenatal programmes. If you have the right mindset and put in the practice, you WILL get the results!
The great news is, that it is never too late to start: Hypnobirthing will always make a positive difference. So, if you're sitting on the fence, hop off now, sign up and get to work!
One of the tools we use to support our mindset work, are affirmations, or positive statements. You can read more about them here.
4. Know your rights!
But am I allowed? Yes - it's your body and your baby! Hypnobirthing will give you the tools and confidence to make informed decision which are right for you and your baby. You will feel empowered to make choices about the care you receive, based on your unique needs and those of your baby - having discussed matters fully with your care providers.
5. Have faith - you've totally got this!
Believe you can and you are halfway there! If you are scared shitless about giving birth, your journey to creating a calm and positive birth experience starts here: listening to that voice softly whispering: "You can do this!" The next step is to learn to trust that little voice and believe it! If you already believe, then it's time to get to work - with your birth partner; strengthen that belief and expand your confidence on a daily basis.
You've totally got this!
All the love, Helen x
Your body, your baby, your birth
Helen Wright: Double Mama to two gorgeous little humans; Positive Birth Coach and Postnatal Revival Expert, is on a mission to support parents achieve the right births for them and their babies and help them to thrive in the precious postnatal period and beyond.
Helen is an experienced KG Hypnobirthing Teacher, Positive Birth Coach and Creative Genius behind BirthWright Affirmation Cards; she's also a Certified Placenta Remedies Specialist with the Placenta Remedies Network, a Registered Breastfeeding Helper with the Breastfeeding Network and she co-hosts a monthly Family Meet Up & Support Group in the East End of London where she lives.For more info visit: www.BirthWright.co.uk and follow her on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.