My name is Ruth, and I am a certified Hypnobirthing Instructor and mum of three.
During my first pregnancy, I took a popular antenatal course, hoping to meet other mums and to get ready for birth. However, when labour began, I quickly realised how unprepared I was and how little I knew about birth and my own body. Terrified and in pain, I felt out of control and surrendered all decisions to my healthcare providers. Reflecting on that experience, I knew I needed a better approach for my next birth. That's when I discovered Hypnobirthing.
Hypnobirthing transformed my understanding of my body and the birthing process, teaching me to work with my body rather than against it. Recognising the impact of fear on my first birth, I gained the knowledge and confidence to have two more births at home.
Throughout this journey, I realised women are often not taught essential information about birth or their own bodies. We hear horror stories from family members or watch dramatic portrayals on TV, but little practical guidance is given. Midwives will not provide the detailed preparation needed, and many antenatal courses lack depth. Essentially, my first course was just a way to make new mum friends.
Now as a certified Hypnobirthing Instructor, I am passionate about empowering couples with the knowledge and tools they need for the best possible birth experience. Regardless of the type of birth you choose, the knowledge you gain will leave you feeling confident and prepared for anything you might face. You deserve to experience birth as an active participant, not just something that happens to you.
Hypnobirthing is a childbirth preparation method that emphasises the mind-body connection, using self-hypnosis, relaxation, and breathing techniques to promote a calm and positive birthing experience. My full Hypnobirthing course is designed to provide a comprehensive understanding and preparation for childbirth across four sessions.
In Session One, participants are introduced to the fundamentals of labour, including how it begins, the role of the uterus, and why labour can be painful. This session also covers essential techniques like wave breathing, the significance of relaxation, hypnosis, and affirmations, alongside an exploration of the brain's role in managing pain and stress during labour.
Session Two shifts focus to the birthing environment, offering guidance on choosing the location for birth, assembling a supportive birthing team, and understanding the birth companion's role. It also emphasises the importance of visualisation and birth preferences.
Session Three delves into physical and emotional preparations, including gentle exercise, pelvic floor exercises, and perineal massage. This session also covers topics like bonding with the baby, understanding due dates, labour induction methods, and coping with distractions.
Finally, Session Four prepares participants for the onset of labour, discussing early signs, birth positions, and what to expect during labour, both at home and in a hospital setting. It also addresses how to navigate a slowing labour, communicate with care providers, and the critical moments of birth, including the birthing phase, crowning, and meeting the baby, with an emphasis on the importance of skin-to-skin contact and the handling of the cord and placenta.
If you have any questions or would like to learn more about the course, I'm here to help. Please don't hesitate to reach out to me for more information or to discuss whether this course is the right fit for you. I'm happy to provide additional details or address any concerns you may have, ensuring you feel confident and informed before making a decision.