In one of my previous blogs I wrote about how fear effects labour. Remember the Fear-Tension-Pain Syndrome? (click here to read the blog). One of the best ways to eliminate the tension in your body is to learn to RELAX….and yes, you do have to learn how to do it. It is a skill. But the good news is, anyone become really good at it, you don’t have to be a particular type of person!
There are many benefits to be had from learning to relax during pregnancy. These include improved feelings of well being, a reduction in effects of tiredness, reduction in blood pressure, an improvement or elimination in fears or frustrations which surround pregnancy and a wonderfully calm, content baby 🙂
Relaxation is defined as the state of being free from tension and anxiety. A body that is free from tension and a mind that is free from anxiety will function much better! This couldn’t be more true than when it comes to pregnancy and giving birth.
When you relax your body releases happy hormones known as Endorphins. They run throughout your system making you feel calm, content and happy. Equally as important, they transfer to your baby making sure that he/she feels the same as you AND they block out the stress hormones (catecholamine).
During birth- all that practice you put into relaxation really starts to come into play. Whether you are having a natural vaginal birth or a planned C-section you will benefit from the lack of tension in your body (and your mind). So lets take a look at how…
For a natural birth a relaxed body will progress in labour more easily and smoothly, the less tension you hold in your body the less pain you will experience and you will conserve lots of energy! If you are having a C-Section, breathing techniques conducive to relaxation can assist in any stress or anxiety you are feeling when you are having surgery. A relaxed body can accept anaesthesia better and will also aid repair and recovery post operation. Some Mums who practice relaxation report in a reduced need for pain relieving drugs in the recovery period too.
A great way to relieve your body of tension and discomfort is to have a Pregnancy Massage, a bath, a Reiki session and I am sure you can think of lots of others!
So how can you learn to relax? HypnoBirthing specifically focuses on learning how relax, quickly, deeply and effectively. You can learn to release the tension from your mind and your body with simple easy techniques. You can listen to my MP3 to learn more about HypnoBirthing (just click here) or come along to my FREE taster this Thursday (more info here)