Antenatal Preparation for Birth——–

Yoga Classes

The object of Yoga classes is to help you use movement and gravity in pregnancy and  labour in a natural and effective way. Movement in labour can ease pain and also help labour progress. The classes include yoga movements which are specifically for pregnancy, and suitable for people who have never done yoga before, and relaxation techniques.

When you have practised these movements so often that they become second nature, you may well find yourself automatically using them in labour. Because the movements and breathing patterns are simple, and you have practised them often, they can be very effective tools to help you manage labour. It is important to note that you will have practised these movements and breathing techniques often and regularly – this is much more effective than simply attending one class or workshop on breathing techniques and then hoping that you can remember them when you are in labour.

Craneosacral Therapy (CST)

A prenatal CST session is a special time for a mother to get in touch with her body and growing baby.
CST helps rebalance both the energy and physical body. It relieves the effects of daily stress and the residual body-memories of past emotional and physical trauma. This helps the mother-to-be and the baby prepare for the birth together.

An important goal of a pregnancy CST session is to gently improve mobility in the mother’s pelvis so her baby can more easily assume an ideal position for birth. This can promote a timely, easier birth for mom and baby.

A pregnancy CST treatment can provide a safe forum. A woman may express her fears and concerns about the transitions of motherhood without judgement. The therapist can actively listen to her concerns and even suggest community resources to help, if appropriate.

Massage

Benefits

♥Hormone regulation
♥Reduction of swelling
♥Improvement of nerve pain
♥Reduced back pain
♥ Reduced joint pain
♥ Improved circulation
♥ Reduced edema
♥ Reduced muscle tension and headaches
♥ Reduced stress and anxiety
♥ Better sleep

Antenatal Classes

Antenatal classes help you to know what to expect in labour and birth, and should describe many of your options. Some of them will also include sessions on pain management through breathing or movement.

Studies on pain perception in labour have found that women who have attended childbirth preparation classes rate labour on average as less painful than women who have not.

Hypnobirthing

The self-hypnosis techniques you will learn connect the conscious and unconscious mind. You can also use your imagination to decrease the fears and concerns that can occur surrounding pregnancy and birth. We all experience aspects of imagery, hypnosis and deep relaxation in our daily activities. Daydreaming is a light trance state. Your body is relaxed and your pulse is slow. In a moderate state of trance you are relaxed and aware of your breathing, perhaps experience imagery, and lose some perception of your environment. If someone sees you in a deep trance state, your arms and legs will be very relaxed, you will hear what others say, but your attention will be narrowed, and you will only be focusing on the sounds you want to focus on.

Hypnosis and imagery have been shown to be effective modalities for healing, promoting the release of natural ‘feel-good’ endorphins. You will be aware when you want to be aware, but very relaxed when you want to be relaxed.