Tuesday 6 December 2016

The 5 things you need for a calm birth

As soon as that little pink line appears it's tempting to start thinking about all those delightful baby outfits, cot, pram and all the stuff your going to need, But before you hit the shops just take a moment to think about what you need for the birth. Its easy to spend hours googling what to pack in your hospital bag (been there, done that, got the t-shirt) but these 5 fundamental elements will help you achieve a calm and positive birth

 They might sound basic but they will have a profound effect on how labour will progress.



Privacy
Anyone who plays an instrument or has ever given a public speech can relate to this. Something that you can do perfectly well under normal circumstances but chuck in a few pairs of gazing eyes and boom.... where do those fingers go again? What is the next line? Birth is no different, privacy is so important. We are after all mammals and what do sheep or cows do when they are going to give birth? They take themselves off where no one can see them and birth in privacy. This is the reason so many babies are born in the bathroom. 

Light

It is said that the perfect atmosphere for making babies is also the perfect atmosphere for birthing babies. When our bodies are exposed to dark quite atmosphere a hormone called Melatonin is produced. Melatonin is important for birth because it boosts Oxytocin. Oxytocin or the 'Love' hormone is a major game player in birth and will help your birth progress.

Safety

When you feel safe your body and hormones will work together but the moment you start to feel stress or fear your body will enter the fight or flight response. The heart and breathing rate increases and adrenaline is released. Adrenaline blocks Oxytocin and will slow labour down, Bright lights will also increase adrenaline.

Support

A good birth partner can offer so much. Knowing that there is someone who has your back and can be your protector is vital. Birth partners can work with the midwives to help navigate you through birth in the best way possible,

Warmth

Babies can't regulate their own body temperature so it's important that when they arrive to keep them warm. Immediate skin to skin will also help to regulate their temperature.

For more info on courses visit my website www.happysoulhypnobirthing.co.uk

Amelia