Hypnobirthing for a calm, confident, natural birth

by Anne Widdup MAPHP Dip HB GHR CNCH

Nature designed your body to give birth comfortably and efficiently. However, it is easy to lose sight of this as, all too often, we have been programmed throughout our lives by the media and bad birth stories to end up with the idea that the birth process is painful, distressing and full of interventions.

By learning simple, yet profound, techniques you can release your fears and build your confidence so that you can look forward to the birth of your baby with a positive mental attitude which transforms your experience of pregnancy and birth.  The in-depth antenatal training, which is usually taught over four sessions in the latter half of your pregnancy, teaches you the way your body works during the different stages of labour; how you can work with the amazing power of your body using special breathing techniques and focused, deep relaxation which enable you to work with the natural process of labour and delivery. You will also learn about your full range of birth options so that you can make informed decisions about what is right for you and your baby and how your chosen birthing partner can become more involved in supporting you during your pregnancy and labour.  By embracing the hypnobirthing techniques, many women have experienced a shorter labour, requiring little or no pain relief, resulting in a birth experience which is a joy to remember. Feeling calm and confident during labour helps your body to work efficiently, sustaining the natural progression through the different stages of labour whilst stimulating the release of endorphins, which are your body’s natural anaesthetic. The result is a calm mum and a baby who is much more settled and less prone to stress.

If unforeseen or pre-planned interventions are required, the hypnobirthing techniques will enable you to cope with these more easily, helping you to feel more confident and in control.

There are many trained hypnobirthing teachers in the UK and several of these are also midwives or doulas. In selecting a hypnobirthing teacher, look for one that has undergone thorough training with a Hypnobirthing Association that is recognised by the Royal College of Midwives.

Anne Widdup is a clinical hypnotherapist and stress management expert. She offers professional assistance for adults, teenagers & children (6+) with an extensive range of issues including anxiety, depression, PTSD, phobias, confidence/ self-esteem, exam/test anxiety, habitbreaking, OCD, smoking, weightmanagement.

For more information, please visit

www.annewiddup.com

or call her on

01933 673212/07729 099206.

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