Why you don’t have to leave your dignity at the door

As a first-time mum finding out your pregnant can feel as if your world has been turned upside down, flipped right over and shaken about. No matter how happy you feel it is inevitable that the happiness is going to also be mixed with a range of other emotions.

If dealing with the news, hormones, body changes and morning sickness isn’t enough other people’s comments can make pregnancy a slightly overwhelming experience.

There is something about being pregnant that attracts the well-meaning advice of complete and utter strangers.

The comment that stayed with me throughout my whole pregnancy was

“Leave your dignity at the door”

This comment shook me up beyond belief and led me to so many late night worried questions.

Why would I not feel dignified?

Will I not be treated with dignity?

Was birth really that bad?

I truly believe that no woman should leave her dignity at the door. There is no reason to ever feel undignified during birth. Women should be idolised for their amazing ability to bring life into this world. No matter how our babies are born, you have created life. Growing a baby for 9 months is no easy job.

This quote by Ina May Gaskin couldn’t be more spot on

“If a woman doesn’t look like a Goddess in labour then someone isn’t treating her right”

It’s time to think about the words and language we use around pregnant women. Words are more powerful than you might think.

Inform yourself. Know your options. Hold your head up high & keep your dignity.

For more info on Hypnobirthing and how it can help you achieve a calm and positive birth visit my website – www.happysoulhypnobirthing.co.uk

Or email me – info@happysoulhypnobirthing.co.uk

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