Top 5 Hypnobirthing tips from Doula & Certified Hypnobirthing Practitioner, Poppy Child
Preparing to give birth can be daunting, especially for first time parents navigating a minefield of conflicting advice that only acts to exacerbate stress levels.
To give parents a helping hand, leading baby brand MAM has teamed up with Certified Hypnobirthing Practitioner, Poppy Child (@popthatmumma) to impart some helpful, useful tips.
Hypnobirthing is an approach to birth that focuses on eliminating fear whilst training your mind to think more positively about what’s to come and has been quoted to help celebrity mums such as Angelina Jolie, Giovanna Fletcher, Ferne Cotton and the Faiers sisters.
The process involves positive affirmations, carefully controlled breathing and visualisations that help mum with pain management and releasing tension. Here, Poppy Child shares her top five hypnobirthing tips to remember during the labour process:
Top Tip #1 – Write a Birthing Plan
Despite the common misconception around physically writing a birthing plan, Poppy suggests that the process of writing one is just as important as the plan itself, due to the in depth thought process that goes behind it.
By writing a plan, potential knowledge gaps become more prominent, allowing parents to seek out more information where needed. Poppy recommends writing at least three plans altogether labelled Plan A, B and C to feel as empowered, informed and prepared as possible.
Top Tip #2 – Follow Breathing Patterns
When going through contractions, also known as ‘early labour’, Poppy proposes that expectant mothers do the following to help release any tension and create a sense of inner calm:
- Breathe in for four seconds, and breathe out for six
- Loosening your shoulders and allowing your jaw to drop
Top Tip #3 – Practice Makes Perfect
Practicing breathing techniques doesn’t need to be reserved for labour, either – Poppy recommends practicing patterns throughout your entire pregnancy, so that it feels natural and easy when the time comes. It can also help to calm any nerves when the thought of labour arises.
Top Tip #4 – Listen to Your Body
When heading towards active labour, Poppy acknowledges that expectant mums may feel inclined to take faster, shallower breaths instead. Even if this is unexpected, this is still completely normal. She encourages all to follow their body and tune into their natural rhythms, in order to keep calm and stay grounded.
Top Tip #5 – Words of Affirmation
MAM and Poppy understand the anxiety surrounding labour, so Poppy has shared some phrases of positive affirmation to repeat out loud. Doing this will remind you and your body that you are capable, whilst reminding you of your desired outcome:
- “We have waited for this moment”
- “I trust my body to do this”
- “I am surrounded by love and support”
- “We are a powerful team”
- “My baby and I work in perfect harmony”
- “Each surge takes me closer to you”
- “My breath is my anchor”
- “I can do this”
Alongside hypnobirthing advisory courtesy of Poppy, MAM is on hand to impart its 45 years’ expertise of caring for the wellbeing, health and safety of babies.
To learn more, parents can access MAM for advice and join the MAM club that is regularly updated with MAM products and offers.
