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