 What's possible will depend on your needs and what facilities are available where you live. There are three main places to consider when having your baby. Labour Ward This is where people usually tend to imagine births to take place - having your baby in hospital. For certain birth situations, this is the right place, especially if you have a medical condition or complications during your pregnancy. All the equipment and expertise are on hand to help you, should you need it. You will also have available to you other pain relief options, that are not on offer in other birth settings, such as having an epidural. Even in a labour ward, midwives will support women to have as natural a labour as possible. Birth Centre (this is also sometimes called a birth unit, a midwife-led centre, or community maternity unit). This option is open to women whose pregnancies have been straightforward and labour is expected to proceed without any concerns. Your local birth centre may be attached to a hospital or may be an independent facility in its own right. Most birth centres offer homely surroundings and in many instances the midwives may be trained in other areas such as hypnobirthing, massage and aromatherapy. Should complications arise during labour, your midwives will recommend for you to be transferred to the local hospital. At home
Having your baby at home is an option that is fully supported in many communities. For women who have had no complications in pregnancy, they may opt for this birth place. In a home birth a midwife would come to you during labour and would stay with you once you are in established labour. A second midwife would be present at the end of your labour, before your baby's birth. They would ensure that your baby is settling well in their first few hours after birth. Should complications arise in a home birth, your caregivers would suggest for you to be transferred to the local hospital for medical assistance. In your home you can have more family members witness the birth of your baby, than you could do in other birth places. Many women choose a home birth because they feel more comfortable and confident being in their own surroundings. Parents-to-be need to consider carefully, what they want from their birth experience and take into consideration the circumstances around their pregnancy and the health of mum and baby. Taking through your ideas with your midwife or your antenatal teachers will help you come to a decision that feels right for you. Birth Places close to Magical Baby Moments: Queen's Hospital Labour Ward Queen's Hospital Birth Centre Basildon University Hospital Maternity Unit Basildon University Hospital Midwife-led Birthing Unit Newham General Hospital Newham Birth Centre Barkantine Birth Centre
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 Let’s establish where the perineum is and then let’s talk about why anyone would ever what to do massage there!
Your perineum is the area of skin and muscle between the vagina and the anus. When you give birth for the first time vaginally, this area will stretch to a point that it never has before. There is a school of thought that, by massaging and stretching this area in late pregnancy, it can help you prepare for giving birth to your baby and will minimise the likelihood of tearing… …is it sounding a bit more appealing now? Massaging your perineum towards the end of your pregnancy can also reduce your chances of needing an episiotomy. It may also reduce tearing. Even if you have had a baby before, perineal massage can help to reduce discomfort after the birth. Perineal massage aims to relax, stretch and soften the perineal area. It will help the opening of your vagina to stretch more easily as your baby is born. When should I start doing perineal massage? Women would usually start do this in the final six weeks of pregnancy. Not only will it minimise the chance of tears to the perineum during childbirth. When done correctly in pregnancy, it helps prepare for the sensations experienced during childbirth. How do you do perineal massage? Perineal massage should focus on the inside of your vagina, though you may still feel the skin on the outside stretching. Here’s how to do a perineal massage:
Discontinue if you feel pain. Start perineal massage from 34 weeks pregnant and aim to do it at least once / twice a week. The bigger your baby gets, the more cumbersome it can be to do perineal massage to yourself. *If your partner is willing, they can do it for you. The process is the same, although ask them to swap the positioning around – so it is their index fingers inside the vagina and their thumbs on the outside. Find a routine that works for you and stick to it. Perineal massage shouldn't hurt, though it may feel a bit uncomfortable, particularly at first. After you've been doing it for a few weeks, you may notice the skin and muscles around your vaginal opening becoming looser. This is a great sign that perineal massage is working.  The crux of hypnobirthing is about becoming more mindful about your body and your baby. Look at the journey you have been on so far in your pregnancy. How many amazing things – miracles really – have happened up until this point? It’s mind blowing! Your body intuitively knows how to grow that little person within you. A tiny human being is developing and growing each day. Whilst you go about your day, nature knows the exact order and process in which to allow your baby to develop. For women who go into labour spontaneously, this happens at the right time – when your body and baby are ready for the next chapter. Your cervix will ripen, soften and open. For nine months, these muscles have remained tightly closed - to keep your baby protected in the uterus. In early labour, they will dilate to make way for your baby to gently make his way down into your pelvis and birth canal. The muscles around the top of the uterus, which have gently expanded as your baby has grown, will contract and tighten to help your baby nudge his way down. This will happen gently to start with but may grow in intensity as the body works to move your baby down into the birth canal. These are commonly known as ‘contractions’ - what hypnobirthing teachers may also call ‘surges’ or ‘waves’. A hypnobirthing course teaches you the skills and techniques to trust in the ability of your body. Relax, nature already knows what to do. You simply need to embrace that journey with calm confidence and let your body do the rest. Hypnobirthing techniques will help the mum feel calm and focused. She understands that any tension in her body may make the feelings during a contraction more intense. Tense muscles can’t work as efficiently. When a uterus is contracting, any tension in the body could mean:
Invariably labour could last longer, as the tension and tightness slow down or delay the baby’s descent. How do the hormones oxytocin and adrenalin affect labour?A mother naturally produces oxytocin to help labour start and to maintain regular contractions. It is sometimes known as the ‘happy hormone’. Our body also produces oxytocin on other occasions, such as: when we laugh, when we are happy and when we make love.
The opposing hormone to oxytocin is adrenalin. It is also known as the fight-or-flight hormone (or, in the case of labour, the fight-flight-or-freeze hormone). You don’t want adrenalin and its associated hormones to be present during labour and birth. This is not a good place to be mentally or physically when you are about to birth your baby. It is not good for your baby either. They can pick up on your emotions, which could potentially make labour more difficult for them as well. If the midwife detects a baby in distress, they will be concerned. If this persists, alternative care may need to be considered, maybe even a C-section. As you can see, the links between the mind and the body are strong. You can influence how you feel one way or another. Hypnobirthing scripts, visualisations and positive birth affirmations are all techniques used by mothers to help them remain calm, reassured and focused. All these techniques can make the labour more comfortable (often with reduced, or sometimes no, pain-relief and fewer medical interventions), which tends to result in a shorter labour. How appealing does that sound? A hypnobirthing course will teach you and your birth partner a variety of techniques that will enable you to connect your body, your mind and your spirit with your baby, in a positive way. so that you can have a calm pregnancy and a positive birth experience. Prepare yourself and your birth partner for a birth experience that feels right for you. Use hypnobirthing techniques to calmly connect with your body, your mind and your baby. It can help you achieve the birth you want. If you want to know more about what a hypnobirthing course can offer you, buy The Power of Hypnobirthing: 10 reasons why its for you. It's available on Amazon and Kindle. Follow Magical Baby Moments on its social channels: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter  If you are expecting a baby in the next few months and you’re looking for a calm and positive birth experience, then book yourself on a Hypnobirthing Course.
If you’re located near Romford in Essex, come and join Magical Baby Moments for a weekend or evening hypnobirthing course. The expectant mum and her birth partner will learn practical tips to stay relaxed, focused and positive in late pregnancy, labour and birth and they will come away completely informed about the possible scenarios that may arise during labour; so that they know how to make decisions wisely that are right for both mum and baby. A hypnobirthing course is a fully rounded antenatal course, covering all the topics and more that you will learn on either an NCT or Parent Craft course. If you want a course that gives you the facts about labour and birth, arms you with the information and questions to ask your caregivers, should things deviate from your plans and empowers you to take control of your birth, then look no further. Magical Baby Moments teaches the KGHypnobirthing method. Take a look at the course modules and book your place today. If you want to hear what couples who have done a Magical Baby Moments Hypnobirthing Course thought about the course, take a look at the birth stories and testimonials. If you have any questions email: classes@magicalbabymoments.com Follow Magical Baby Moments on its social channels: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter  Magical Baby Moments is a Romford-based company offering all expectant parents hypnobirthing classes in Romford and Upminster in Essex.
To help couples with different work patterns and external commitments, Magical Baby Moments offers hypnobirthing courses on weekends as well as week nights. Weekend courses are a wonderful way to get all the information in one short burst. The weekend hypnobirthing course runs from 10am-4:30pm on Saturday and 10am-1:30pm on Sunday. Whether you are looking for a Romford Hypnobirthing Course or Hypnobirthing classes in Upminster, both settings are relaxed, friendly and welcoming. Groups are limited in size to enable as much interaction as possible; so that couples feel comfortable to ask questions. Hypnobirthing courses are beneficial any time from 20 weeks onwards. Don't worry if you are further along, it's quick and easy to learn the techniques and information to enable you to have an empowered birth. Whichever hypnobirthing course that you choose, it will include 10- 12 hours of teaching time. You will also receive: 1) The Katharine Graves Hypnobirthing Book 2) Colour & Calmness relaxation tracks 3) Handouts that support the lesson plans 4) Support by phone/email up until the birth of your baby. 2018 Weekend Hypnobirthing Courses Please check on the Book Now page to find out upcoming dates, Read what couples who attended Magical Baby Moments Hypnobirthing course, thought of the course content and the hypnobirthing teacher. What better way to get to know what people thought of the course than through their feedback: Go to our Testimonials and Birth Stories pages to read more, in the meantime, here are a few: "We found the course to be easy to follow with great opportunities for discussion to develop our understanding to best prepare us for the birth of our first child. Feeling positive about the next steps..." "The hypnobirthing experience has been very insightful and interesting. I no longer feel scared and anxious about birth and look forward to using the techniques I have learnt during labour. I would definitely recommend this course to expectant parents." "This course has helped me change the perception around birth with the techniques learnt I hope as the partner I am able to assist in a much more relevant way." Want to find out more about hypnobirthing before you commit to a course? Buy this book. If you would like to find out more before committing to a course, then read this book The Power of Hypnobirthing: 10 reasons why it's for you , which explains what you will get from a hypnobirthing course.  Every woman is entitled to have the birth that is right for her. However, this often is NOT the case. After 8.5 months of caring and nurturing their baby on their own, suddenly the team of caregivers around her — usually midwives or obstetricians — is suggesting ‘plans of action’ should this baby not arrive ‘on time’. When really, in most cases, there is no medical reason or need to rush baby out. And there certainly isn’t any need for human meddling, which invariably leads to a medicated and uncomfortable birth.
The fallacy around the ‘due date’ There are many mums who will carry their baby past their ‘due date’. This is not a reason for concern. It is simply part of nature. If you and your baby are fine, you need to ask yourself why anyone should feel justified to interfere. Many babies are born later than their estimated due date. This could simply be a matter of the due date being slightly out. Scans are not 100 per cent accurate. AND remember, there is no ‘due date’ as such. All women are different, all babies are different and all pregnancies are different. The World Health Organization states that a baby is usually born anytime between 37 and 42 weeks. Did you know… …that only 4% of babies are born on their ‘due date’? … due dates even vary from country to country (40 weeks in the UK, 41 weeks in France for example)! Conclusion? Due dates are estimates!!! To accept an induction or not, that is the question Currently in the UK, caregivers are booking in thousands of low-risk mothers for an induction before they have even reached the 42-week mark. Why have they not been given the chance to get to the 42-week mark first and then weigh up the options? Is an induction really the right type of labour for them? If you are a healthy mum who has experienced a straightforward, uncomplicated pregnancy, then reaching the 42-week mark is totally fine. When a woman is beyond 40 weeks gestation, couples should consider evidence-based research to get a clearer picture of what the risks are of going beyond 40 weeks and how likely something is to happen or not. If they have a condition that is a cause for concern, they need to choose the path that protects the well-being of both the mother and the baby. Hypnobirthing supports all options for birth, so being induced, choosing intervention or opting for an elective Caesarean section are all possible options, even with hypnobirthing. Demystifying the word ‘hypnobirthing’ Before we get into what hypnobirthing is about and what it involves, let’s demystify this word that often conjures up false images. In essence it simply tells it as it is: ‘hypno’ comes from the word ‘hypnosis’, so ‘hypnobirthing’ just means ‘hypnosis for birth’. Forget the hypnotists and hypnosis shows you see on TV — these programmes are created and edited for entertainment. Hypnobirthing is equivalent to clinical hypnotherapy for other matters, where individuals are able to make life-enhancing changes, such as stopping smoking or overcoming a phobia. Hypnobirthing is not done to you. Only you can put yourself into hypnosis, only you can decide whether to relax into a ‘hypnotic trance’ or not. So hypnobirthing, like meditation and mindfulness, is about learning to take control of your mind and your body; through breathing, visualisation and relaxation techniques, and being guided to think differently and to be open to change. The mind is extremely powerful and it is divided into the conscious and the subconscious (or unconscious). Every single moment of the day, these two components are in constant dialogue, but the subconscious is the master of all that you think and do: it constitutes around 88 per cent of your mind. In hypnobirthing we use scripts that relax the conscious part and tap into your subconscious. When you go into your labour ‘bubble’, hypnobirthing helps you to remain calm, confident and focused throughout. It will enable you to trust your instincts and connect at a deeper level with what your body and baby are experiencing. However, hypnobirthing is not just about the ‘hypno’ bit. It is also about having a deeper understanding of what your body is doing during labour, of the natural and physiological reactions and changes that occur. There are recommended techniques and positions that can help optimise your labour, to make it more comfortable and, in many cases, faster than labours that don’t use these simple and effective tools. So if you’ve been put off by media, friends and family because they showed or told you that labour is some horrific, screaming, swearing, painful ritual that you have to pass through in order to hold your baby, know that it doesn’t have to be that way. Birthing has the potential to be a calm and positive experience… if you want it to be and if you learn how to make it so. If you want to find out more about hypnobirthing and why you should do it, in the book The Power of Hypnobirthing you will discover 10 great reasons why hypnobirthing is a skillset for every expectant mum, for each and every pregnancy. It is also for their birth partner, because it will bring them front and centre to the whole pregnancy, labour and birth experience, enabling them to offer the mother essential support throughout. Who is a hypnobirthing course for? Despite there being a shift in perceptions, many people still think that hypnobirthing is only for a select group, such as hippy-types, yummy-mummies and lentil-lovers. Trust me when I say that every expectant mum can benefit from a hypnobirthing course, regardless of whether:
A hypnobirthing course is a full antenatal course, where all options and choices are explored. Let’s pause for a second and consider the following. How are you expected to make choices if you don’t have a clear understanding of all the options available to you? How can you decide what’s right for you if you don’t know the pros and cons for each of those choices? Giving birth should be about informed decision. That means fully understanding your options and being told the full picture so that you can decide what feels right for you and your baby. So a hypnobirthing course is not only about relaxation and breathing techniques, visualisations and positive birth affirmations; it is an all-round programme that teaches everything that an expectant mother and her birth partner need to know about late pregnancy, labour, birth and beyond. From the physical changes that occur in a mother’s body towards the end of pregnancy, as it prepares for labour, through to what a woman can expect to happen during labour and birth. Magical Baby Moments also has a section on how to care for a newborn, as I feel it is important to help new parents as much as possible beyond birth too. Hypnobirthing courses are not just for people who expect labour to follow a certain path. No two births are the same and labour does not always follow the exact path that you would like it to take either. So you have to be open-minded and be ready to embrace the other scenarios, should they arise. Hypnobirthing classes teach couples how to be fully informed of all the circumstances that can occur. These topics are discussed in detail so that the participants are confident with the terminology and all the benefits, risks and alternatives that each choice presents. Therefore, if any of these matters arise during their pregnancy or labour, they already know how they feel about certain interventions and whether instinctively these feel like the right decisions for them and their baby or not. Couples are also often reminded throughout the classes that there is always the option to question procedures and to say ‘no’ or to ask for extra time if possible. A hypnobirthing course is about information, empowerment and choice. It is about having knowledge in order to have power and control over your situation. It should allay any fears or preconceptions that you or your birth partner may have. When you complete a course, you should walk away feeling more knowledgeable, confident and excited at the anticipation of the arrival of your precious baby. Being pregnant is a miracle. How the body, mind and spirit are intertwined in pregnancy and labour is mysterious, and giving birth will be magical, in whichever way is right for your situation. Hypnobirthing is not a craze or a fad. It has been around for centuries. It has been done instinctively and intuitively, when communities were tighter, when people took the time to listen and care and when it didn’t have a label attached to it. In this modern, frantic world, it has become a necessity for expectant parents who want to be fully prepared for a positive and confident birth experience. What parents-to-be have thought about attending a hypnobirthing course ‘I feel much more confident, informed and empowered. I am aware of my choices and also much more aware of my ability to birth our first baby. Prior to attending, I was not focused and felt that I had lots of bits of information, but I didn’t know how to make it meaningful for me. I highly recommend the course to all mums. It will ensure that birthing will be a more pleasant experience, avoiding unnecessary stress. Knowledge is power and the course has certainly empowered me.’ Aamna, mum-to-be Read more testimonials Face-to-face hypnobirthing course The Magical Baby Moments group course consists of four weekday evenings or two weekend days, on selected dates. Ideally this is taught to you anywhere from 20 weeks onwards. If you are late into your pregnancy and think you’ve missed the opportunity, don’t worry, you haven’t. Hypnobirthing principles for a relaxed and calm birth are easy to learn, so doing the course in the final weeks of pregnancy can be as effective as doing it mid-way through your pregnancy. Magical Baby Moments also offers private courses. Find out course dates Buy the book Want to know more about a hypnobirthing course? Buy The Power of Hypnobirthing: 10 reasons why its for you. Only £5.99 plus P&P. Also available on Amazon Kindle.  Some people might laugh at me when I say that labour can be comfortable and enjoyable. Maybe they think I am nuts. (I guess I am a little!) However, I can put my hand on my heart and say that the contractions, for both of my children, didn’t really cause me any real discomfort. I am by no means a warrior, nor do I have any super powers; in fact I am quite a weakling when it comes to muscle power in everyday tasks. What I did possess in the lead up to both labours was information, tools and techniques.
By information, I mean that I researched what to expect from labour and learned what my body had to go through in order to help my baby out of the womb and into this world. I did this by: reading books, attending the NHS Parent Craft classes and teaching myself hypnobirthing techniques in pregnancy that would become second nature during labour and birth. By understanding what to expect and how to deal with birth, meant that I could go into the experience with a positive mindset. It made sense that the uterus contracts regularly to help ease baby gently into the birth canal. Nature doesn’t intend for this to be painful, but when we are scared we tense up and when we tense up the muscles don’t work efficiently because they have to work against the tension (creating the pain that people often associate with birth). If we relax and let go, these muscles can work more efficiently and without working against the resistance (therefore pain-free). So how do you get to remain calm and confident as your labour-day approaches? Become knowledgeable about the process of late pregnancy and birth. Understand what options may arise on the day and know, what the pros and cons are and what choices you can make. You can do this by going to classes in your area. The NHS often provides a range of free classes, or you can look up independent businesses that support women in pregnancy, such as pregnancy yoga, hypnobirthing and relaxation classes. By understanding the biological changes within the body you learn to accept that this has to be. Working against it, only makes it harder for you. Try to figure out if there is anything that is worrying you about birth. Can you seek advice from someone who can help allay those feelings? Your midwife or an independent antenatal educator may be able to advise you. Tools to help you relax during labour There are a host of tools that you can use during your labour to give you comfort. Here are some examples of what you might find useful to use: 1. Rocking on a Birthing Ball / Bounding on a birth ball Time spent gently moving back and forth on a birthing ball as you breathe deeply, can help you relax during labour. Rocking back and forth, side to side or rotating the hips, either in circles or figures of eight, can help encourage baby to descend lower into your pelvis. You can also try bouncing gently on a birthing ball. Always ensure that your hips are slightly higher than your knees, this will help tip the upper part of your body forward, which will then put the baby’s weight on the front part of your pelvis, allowing it to widen and give your baby more space to descend. Being upright in birth often speeds up labour. 2. Being in or under water It is recommended in early labour to have a bath or shower. Who doesn’t like spending time under or in warm water? This enables relaxation. When you are calm and happy the body produces the hormone oxytocin, which is one of the major hormones that facilitate contractions. Try sitting in a shower with the spray against your back, or lying in a bath, in early labour. If you choose to give birth in hospital, you can use the bath or shower in your room too, or if you want to use the birth pool for relaxation in labour, this is possible too. Not all birthing centres or hospitals have a tub or shower in the room, so this is not always possible. 3. TENS machine A TENS machine sends electrical pulses (on your back) which are believed to prevent pain signals from reaching your brain and stimulate your body to release natural, feel-good substances (endorphins). 4. Music Make sure you have your favourite, relaxing songs on your phone, tablet, or laptop. Don't forget your headphones, as maybe your taste in music isn’t the same as yours – and vice versa! 5. Aromatherapy Wonderful smells help you relax and feel better, so take fragrant lotion or potpourri for your room to give yourself a lift. 6. Hypnobirthing Women who have attended hypnobirthing classes agree that this has helped them be focused, relaxed and it has reduced muscle tension and pain in childbirth (they don’t tend to labour like the scenes you see on TV. Hypnobirthing takes practice, so that the techniques that you learn become embedded and can be easily used during labour. Breathing techniques help keep you relax and focus your attention. Visualising a beautiful scene in your mind, one that makes you feel safe and relaxed is also taught, so that you can focus your mind on this place when you have contractions. Read more about hypnobirthing classes. 7. Massage Have your partner massage your arms, legs, or back during labour to help you relax and to decrease tension and pain. 8. Walking or Rocking Walking, or even just pacing right by your bed, decreases discomfort while helping your contractions become stronger and more regular. Or you could try rocking back and forth with your partner while leaning on him. 9. Changing Positions Don't stay in the same position for too long, and don't lie flat on your back. Instead, try sitting up in your bed or a chair, lying on your side, squatting and rocking on a birthing ball, or leaning forward over the back of a chair or your birthing bed. If possible being mobile during labour helps your contractions progress. The important thing for now is to do your homework. Find out all you can about your options, talk to your health care provider, and trust yourself to make the decisions that will work best for you and your baby. Follow Magical Baby Moments on its social channels: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter  Every birth experience is different. One size does not fit all and no two women are the same. Therefore understanding that pregnancy, labour and birth can be very different, it is really important to know what ‘could’ happen; what choices there are available to you and know that you can decline intervention, if you feel that it is not right for you and your baby.
But before we jump into what choices might be available to you for pregnancy labour and birth, let’s take a look at a very simple example, outside of pregnancy, where understanding our options, being aware of the differences and seeking certain functionality, enables us to select the product that feels right for us. I am talking about buying a new mobile phone (or other device). Most people will usually look up various models and decide what model offers the functionality they desire. They may even look up online comparisons and even ask friends for recommendations. Only once they have gathered enough information to satisfy them, will they make a decision on which one to buy. So why is it that so many couples go into labour and birth not fully understanding the processes, their choices and their rights? I believe that in many cases expectant mums put their trust in their care providers to take them through this part of their journey; believing that they have their best interests at heart. Ultimately they do. But understanding that our caregivers are constrained by hospital protocols, bureaucracy, red tape and senior management, does not make their roles easy. They are evaluated by tick boxes and paperwork, and their time spent ‘being with the mother’ is constrained. Going in blind to what your options are could leave you open to helplessly being carried along by the system and potentially missing out on the birth that you had hoped for. Quite often I hear, ‘Oh, I had to be induced’ or ‘I didn’t know I had a choice’ or ‘I just did what they told me’. When I dig a little deeper, I find out that they weren’t aware (at the time) that there were alternatives. They weren’t presented with the real picture of what their options were. An example: Induction for ‘post-dates’ in a mother that is classified ‘low-risk’ In the UK, it is very common for women to be booked in for an induction between 41 and 42 weeks gestation. It can often be offered to the mum by the caregiver in the following way: ‘If baby hasn’t made an appearance by next Thursday we will book you in for an induction.’ For many, they will accept that this procedure is best for mum and baby, however quite often they are not told about the pros and cons of accepting an induction, or about the pros and cons of declining an induction, with evidence-based information. Parents need to be given both sides of the story for each alternative to fully be able to make an informed decision. Parents may also be told things such as ‘baby will get too big’, ‘your placenta might fail’ or, worse still, ‘your body doesn’t know how to get labour started’, which often scare a mother and her birth partner into accepting an induction earlier than necessary. In the UK the due date is set at 40 weeks, guided by the date of the last menstrual cycle and by the dating scan at 12 weeks. The World Health Organization states that babies are usually born anytime between 37 and 42 weeks. This is a 5-week window, not a single date in a given month. And for a baby to be born around the 42 week mark is perfectly normal. So take a moment to think that when a woman is offered an induction before the 42-week mark has arrived, she is intervening and interrupting the body during a common period for a baby to be born. Why would you want to do that if you and baby are both well and there are no medical concerns? If you feel strongly about not wanting an induction, you can decline and ask to be monitored more closely during this waiting time. ‘Informed choice’ is one of the many topics discussed in a hypnobirthing course. Ensuring that you understand, during pregnancy, the most common options for labour and birth will give you the confidence and calmness to deal with any situation that arises. By being informed, knowing what the choices are and understanding the associated risks and benefits, you will be able to look back on it as a positive birth experience that you were in control of. Remember, giving birth is your right. How you want it to be is entirely up to you. The caregivers are there to support you for a happy, healthy and safe delivery, not to enforce you to do anything you are not comfortable with. During a hypnobirthing course, your teacher will explain to you the common scenarios that might occur. This will help you and your birth partner decide on your preferences. Then, if/when a situation arises during the course of labour, you will:
It therefore becomes a positive birth experience to look back on, regardless of any twists and turns in the process; because no matter what the outcome of your birth experience is, you know that:
If you would like to approach labour and birth with calmness, confidence and have the preparation to be able to take control of your birth journey, find a local KG Hypnobirthing teacher. For expectant couples living near Romford, Essex, contact Magical Baby Moments on 07764 680 215 or email classes@magicalbabymoments.com. Follow Magical Baby Moments on its social channels: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter  By preparing yourself with hypnobirthing you increase your chances of the birth that you want, often without the need for medical intervention. If you need to have a planned C-section, hypnobirthing can help you prepare for that birth too, in a calmer, more informed way.
If I do the NHS antenatal classes or sign up to NCT, will I still benefit from a hypnobirthing course? Yes of course, 100%. The NHS antenatal classes are useful to find out the medicalised approach to labour and how things may be handled if you need intervention. The NCT classes are also beneficial for networking with other couples in your area who are having a baby around the same time as you, as well as give you an overview of pregnancy and labour topics. However a hypnobirthing course is a comprehensive antenatal course, as it encompasses all of these elements. It also makes you aware of the alternative choices that you might like to consider. By being fully informed you are able to make the right decisions about labour and birth for you and your baby. A hypnobirthing course gives you the confidence to ask the right questions, whilst at the same time preparing you for birth with a more relaxed attitude. Magical Baby Moments offers hypnobirthing classes to expectant mothers and their birthing partners in Romford, Upminster and Thurrock in Essex. If you live close to any of these locations, then book your hypnobirthing course today. Christine, the founder of Magical Baby Moments, published The Power of Hypnobirthing, 10 reasons why it's for you, which is available on Amazon. Here are the headings of each of the chapters, to give you a little insight:
BUY THE BOOK NOW Magical Baby Moments follows the teaching programme that KG Hypnobirthing has developed. Christine used hypnobirthing for both of her children Since becoming a hypnobirthing teacher in 2015, she has gone on to teach many couples hypnobirthing from not only Romford and Upminster, but also the surrounding locations of Gidea Park, Hornchurch, Dagenham, Ilford, Chingford, Grays and more. She has also recently qualified to become a trainer for hypnobirthing teacher with KG Hypnobirthing. Classes are comprised of either four evening classes or two weekend days. For more information on what is covered in the hypnobirthing course visit the ‘classes’ page or email classes@magicalbabymoments.com Follow Magical Baby Moments on its social channels: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter  It really is up to each mother, and the circumstances surrounding her pregnancy, as to which way she may want to give birth. There are two options for giving birth: a vaginal birth after Caesarean section (VBAC) or an elective repeat Caesarean section.
Most women can have successful VBACs without any complications. However, one of the risks that you will hear a lot about is uterine rupture. This is when the scar along the uterus from a previous C-Section opens during a vaginal delivery. It is very rare and affects less than 1 percent of pregnant women, but it is important that you know this risk. Your caregivers will know that you previously gave birth via C-Section and will watch out for any signs of uterine rupture during your labour. During your labour you will be checked more closely and more often when you have opted for a VBAC. During your labour you'll be offered continuous electronic fetal monitoring. This will measure your baby's heart rate and your contractions. Your baby's heart rate can give caregivers an early sign that your uterine may have ruptured. Should this happen they will act quickly and offer you alternative care for your labour. Because it is a riskier procedure, your doctor may recommend that you give birth in a labour unit. This may sound alarming, but they are mitigating the possibility of things taking a turn and there being a delay in your care. Of course, ultimately it is your decision where you prefer to give birth. It is important for you to know that if you go into labour prematurely (before 37 weeks), VBAC is still an option. Can I have pain relief during a VBAC? Yes. You should be able to have the same pain relief options during your VBAC that you would have been offered during a vaginal birth. However, be aware that if you had an epidural, this form of pain relief would block out the abdominal pains in between contractions or sudden feelings of tenderness of your scar. Being numbed means that you may not be aware that you have symptoms of a uterine rupture. You should be able to use a birth pool for relaxation – your caregivers can let you know if this is not possible in your case. Many units have waterproof continuous monitoring systems (telemetry), to make it possible to monitor your baby whilst you are in the pool. What’s the alternative to a VBAC? If you’re unsure whether you want to have a VBAC, you could opt for planned repeat caesarean. This is usually booked close to your due date, unless your doctor can clinically justify your baby being born sooner. If you have experienced any of the following, it may be advisable not to go through with a VBAC
It is recommended to speak to your caregivers and ask them specifically about you and your baby. If they present evidence, does that tie in with your medical situation? Don’t be afraid to ask questions. If both VBAC or planned C-Sections are options available to you, you'll have plenty of time to consider the risks and benefits of each. Talk to your obstetrician about your previous birth(s). Find groups to speak with women who have been in your position, such as VBAC Empowerment & Support Group. Get varied opinions and experiences to ensure that you are comfortable with your decision. What are the advantages of a VBAC? A successful VBAC carries the lowest risk of complications. If you have a VBAC, you’ll avoid the risks associated with repeat caesareans and have a quicker recovery time. Looking after your child and your new baby following a vaginal birth will be easier on you. Planned C-Section babies born before 39 weeks are more likely to have trouble breathing after it’s born, compared with a baby born at the same time vaginally. However, if you do have a repeat caesarean before 39 weeks, your doctor is likely to offer you steroids beforehand to help prepare your baby's lungs and reduce their risk of breathing problems. Again it’s up to you to decide if you want to take the steroids. With a successful VBAC, you'll have a shorter stay in hospital and you should experience less pain and discomfort in the weeks and months after the birth. If you‘re planning more pregnancies, then trying for a VBAC may help you to avoid future complications that are more likely after repeat caesareans, including placenta praevia, placenta accreta and hysterectomy. Once you've had one successful VBAC, you're more likely to have another one in the future. Are there disadvantages to having a VBAC? There a no disadvantages to a VBAC, in as much as, there are things that can happen to a woman who gives birth vaginally. These can include:
Pregnancy itself can weaken your pelvic floor, so having a C-Section doesn’t mean that you won’t have pelvic floor issues in later life. It's important to do pelvic floor exercises, whichever way you give birth. How do I decide whether to plan for a VBAC? Take time to explore your feelings about the birth. Have you had the chance to talk about your previous birth(s). What is your body instinctively telling you to go for? Never ignore your intuition and gut feeling. Talking it over with your caregivers and your loved ones, may help. You may want to look online for groups that support women planning a VBAC, such as the VBAC Empowerment & Support Group on Facebook. What are my chances of a successful VBAC? If you needed a caesarean to give birth previously because of a uterine abnormality, then you may need to have a repeat caesarean. Each woman needs to be assessed individually. However, if you had a C-section because of something unique to your last pregnancy, such as a breech baby, pre-eclampsia or a low-lying placenta, you stand a good chance of having a successful VBAC. Having a supportive team comprising of both medical caregivers and family members, can hugely impact your chances. VBAC success rates are lower if you:
Can I have a VBAC at home? Yes if you want to. You caregivers will advise you as to why they may not recommend this. Having a VBAC in hospital means that if your scar tears you can be treated straight away. A c-section should be done as soon as possible. If you’re planning to try for a VBAC at home, it may help to find out what the transfer time to hospital would be. If your heart is set on a home birth, it's worth contacting a local supervisor of midwives or midwifery advocate by phoning your maternity unit. A senior midwife can take you through all your options and help you to plan the safest care for you and your baby. Another option is to employ an independent midwife, but you’ll have to pay for her services. Use the Independent Midwives Association’s Find a Midwife service for a list of midwives in your area. Case study, Joanne gave birth in Harold Wood Hospital in Essex We asked a mum of three about her two VBAC experiences. How did you decide to opt for a VBAC? I decided for VBAC because I wanted to experience a natural birth and felt I had missed out! When did you decide this? I had wanted to do a VBAC even before I fell pregnant. How were the antenatal midwives when you said you wanted to do this? The antenatal midwives were very supportive, but they were always reminding me of the risk of my womb rupturing from the previous c section. I was advised that when I went into labour that I was to go to hospital straight away, so they could keep an eye on me because of the risks, especially uterine rupture. How were the labour staff about you wanting to do a VBAC? The midwives did not try and sway me, they were very supportive. Were they spontaneous or induced labours? The first VBAC in 1997 was induced at 41 weeks. I was induced repeatedly with a pessary, then eventually with the Synthetic Oxytocin drip. I was very well-monitored during this labour. This labour lasted around 24 hours. I remember having the first pessary the day before. I was having contractions but then they would stop, that’s why I went on to have the drip. There was so much intervening because of being induced, this made it feel like it went on forever. This birth was extremely painful! I was prescribed pethidine which made me very sick. I ended up having an epidural, then I went off to sleep. The birth when it eventually happened was a very good experience, I had no pain, the pushing was an unusual experience as I couldn’t feel very much, due to the epidural. I gave birth on the bed, in the normal laying on your back position with my husband next to me, he cut the cord. I was advised not to give birth in a pool because it was too risky. I had trouble with the epidural afterwards. I bruised my coccyx bone and I was in terrible pain. The pain lasted for about a week. My second VBAC in 2004 was spontaneous at 37 weeks. My waters broke when I was sleeping in bed, I felt a pop and then, a trickle of water, this was just before 6 in the morning, I remember changing the bed before going off to the hospital. On arrival at the hospital I was monitored but I’m assuming that because this was my second VBAC the midwives felt quite relaxed with me. I spent most of the day walking the grounds of the hospital trying to increase the intensity of my contractions. This really did help and I went on to have him at 1 o’clock in the morning. I was left to fend for myself for this birth. I was assigned to a designated group of midwives, who were attached to my doctor’s surgery. When I went into full labour they were called and came to the hospital to deliver my baby (I’m not sure if they still do it that way anymore). I felt that they thought that because it was third time that I knew what I was doing. The midwives were more concerned for the first-time mothers, which was terribly unfair. When they realised I was dilating rather quickly they panicked, which was very bad because they should have been watching me more closely because of uterine rupture. However, when the midwife did turn up it was a very good experience. The birth was a wonderful experience, maybe because I knew what to expect, I gave birth with just gas and air, which made the whole experience very real! I could feel every pain and movement in my body, an absolutely unforgettable experience. I wasn’t afraid this time, I knew what was about to happen. I thoroughly enjoyed the whole experience. What were the differences between the experiences? The difference about the two experiences were to me, the unknown and then of course the experience of the knowing. What would you recommend to mums to be thinking about opting for a VBAC? I would definitely recommend a VBAC. Having a natural birth is an experience that is magical and it’s so much easier to get over. A C-section is a major operation! If you are planning a VBAC, you can find more information on the AIMS website and their post on VBAC – On whose terms? Follow Magical Baby Moments on its social channels: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter |
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Magical Baby MomentsHypnobirthing Classes in Romford, Upminster and Grays
Thorntons Farm Ave Romford RM7 0TT 07764 680 215 | classes@magicalbabymoments.com |
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