Taking Control of Labour

This subject is very close to my heart and I know everyone has an opinion on this matter and we have all heard the stories regarding labour, good bad or indifferent. The reason I trained as a certified antenatal instructor and have worked with expectant mothers for nearly 15 years is to try to give expectant mothers control in labour, to help them go into labour with a realistic expectation of what is happening and try to LET GO of any fears or stresses and anxieties that seem to be in grained in us. Every film and soap that we see is of a woman screaming and lots of drama - but that is exactly the opposite of what this experience should be all about.

There seems to be more and more ways out there to assist us with our labour but in my years of experience in this area the fundamental thing to remember is to LET Go, take control, plan and stay as positive as possible.

We need to practice LETTING GO on a daily basis (whether we are expecting or not!) Just breath out and consciously LETTING GO and you will notice your shoulders coming down and your body will be instantly more relaxed. The cervix is one of the strongest muscles in the body so in order for any muscle to work for you it needs to be fit, healthy and relaxed.

Be aware of any stressful stories about labour you might have heard or if you have already had a stressful labour and acknowledge this and on the out-breath just imagine you are letting of that. Acknowledge on the breath in and LET GO on the breath out. With stories that you hear just remember you usually don’t have all the facts and you are only hearing one side of the story so please don’t let it ruin your experience.

You need to make your own birth story for your own experience and enjoy the new life that you are bringing into the world.

I remember when I was in labour with my second child I realised that words are easy and that all the explaining and talking to other expectant mothers and birthing partners about breathing and stages of labour meant nothing except I had to just do it! Yes it did hurt and yes I was tired but that is the reality of child birth and I was blessed that he was healthy and all went well for me.

When the labour is over and you have your baby in your arms that is when you need to be at your best. The more you are in control of your labour and more calm it can be, the best place you will be for the next chapter……

If you would like to learn more please check out my website where you will learn about my private ante natal classes and pregnancy yoga 

classes: LodgeRoadTherapyRoom

6 Ways to Improve your Fertility.

If you are having problems with conception it might be worth having a look at this list so you are giving you and your body the best opportunity of becoming pregnant. 

1.  Diet - what we put into our bodies has a huge impact on our health and wellbeing, especially at this time. The foods listed below are well known to help regulate hormone levels and help with implantation. These Foods include: Avocado, Brown Rice, Eggs, Salmon, Broccoli, leafy greens, Almonds, black beans and olive oil are among the best foods.
2. Know your Reproductive Cycle - Each woman needs to be aware of their cycle and this can vary from a short to long cycle. You should know when you ovulate. This is usually apparent with more discharge and your temperature goes slightly higher. Conception needs to occur just before ovulation as it is too late when you ovulate and afterwards. 
3. Take regular exercise - This is not just for your physical health but also for your mental health. This for a lot of men and women can be a very stressful time and you need to find a way to release your frustration and find ways of releasing happy hormones into your body such as oxytocin.
4. Stretch hip and pelvic area. This can be done in a yoga class or just at home each day in a comfortable and warm area. The Psoas Muscle is one of the most important muscles to stretch as it runs through the pelvis and can keep this area tight. One of the stretches could be standing up and bringing the right knee up to the chest and hold for between 20-30 seconds, breathing in and out all the time. Swop over and do the same on the other leg. Another good one is also going on all fours and bring your elbows on the ground and bring the knees apart slightly wider than shoulder width apart and hold pose for a couple of minutes.
5. Keep warm. Especially around the time of ovulation. Do not let your self get cold and when you are sitting down or going to bed bring a hot water bottle. This is part of the Chinese philosophy to keep the uterus and blood flow warm.
6. Take time out. Whether this is for a spa day or for some Fertility Reflexology or Acupuncture. 

Go to your doctor or consultant with any concern or doubt you have and remember fertility problems are also very common with people who have already had children. 

I hope this will be of some help to you. If you would like a treatment of Fertility Reflexology with myself at Lodge Road Therapy Room please contact Angela MNRRI IAIM on 086 3019519 or click this link to more information regarding Fertility Reflexology

€40 for 1 hour Reflexology Session. Receipts are given for health insurance.