I always thought of Lamaze as a rite of passage for childbirth. You get pregnant and beg your partner to go to Lamaze class with you where you will learn breathing techniques to prepare for labor. I really didn’t think anything more of it, it was just what you did. Did anyone feel this way too before actually knowing anything about childbirth?
Then I became pregnant and overwhelmed by the intricacies of delivering a child.
I was fueled by fear and anxiety, constantly worrying about the pain of labor. As soon as I found out I was pregnant I was determined to have a natural childbirth with no medication. And I needed more than Lamaze could offer.
As I researched holistic approaches to nourishing my body both physically and mentally, a good friend suggested that I check out hypnobirthing. I was immediately intrigued and drawn to the core teachings of the class which are deep relaxation techniques, meditation, and visualization. A natural no pain approach to childbirth – I was all in!
At 25 weeks pregnant, I signed up for prenatal yoga classes. I couldn’t wait to prepare my body physically and mentally for labor.
On the first day of class, I found the studio to be warm and inviting. The doula who led the class made us comfortable and I instantly knew that she was the advocate I needed to feel empowered and confident about my labor.
There were five classes total and they each lasted 2 hours. We went through the curriculum and principles outlined in the book, watched birthing videos, practiced relaxation postures and stretches, and did guided meditations.
I had five classmates, all in various stages of pregnancy. Some first-time mothers like me, others having their second or third. Partners are highly encouraged to attend so my husband took the classes with me. I must admit I didn’t think he would feel comfortable but he took to it quickly and even asked questions. It was a welcome bonding experience for us both.
What I loved about hypnobirthing was that it was a gentle reminder to reclaim my femininity and the power I possess as a woman. The part of the course that resonated with me the most were tips on how to be your own advocate.
This might sound a little naïve (guilty) but I had no idea that you’re allowed to say no to doctors or to make demands. Especially when it came to pregnancy.
I was lucky to have a great doctor who acknowledged my concerns and respected my boundaries. Medical professionals tend to treat birth like a turnkey procedure. The more women I spoke to about their experience, the more I found out how true this was.
I was horrified listening to some of the birthing stories told to me. Women who were forced to give up their power, who weren’t informed about the alternative options or methods to give birth. We’re all conditioned to think that childbirth is a woman in a hospital bed screaming at the top of her lungs while sweating profusely and begging for the baby to come out.
I didn’t want to play into this narrative. With hypnobirthing providing me with the empowerment, peace, and confidence to connect with my baby, I had my birth plan set and was ready for the big day.
When the baby decided to make her debut, my husband and I put our training to good use. Like we were taught we spent most of the early labor at home. There was a moment where I lost my concentration and the contractions were coming in strong and fast. I almost thought I might need an epidural but I was quickly reminded of my strength.
Nearing active labor we headed to the hospital.
I was 6cm dilated and the contractions were relentless. In the delivery room, we set up a diffuser with lavender essential oil. My husband held my hand, I listened to birthing affirmations and a medicine ball alleviated the discomfort of the contractions. I was connected to my body and breathing through each surge.
The nurses didn’t believe me when I told them it was time for me to push as the sensation overwhelmed my body. A first-time mother usually takes hours to dilate and I had only been there for 2 hours. When they checked me they confirmed what my body already knew to be true – the baby was on the way. Hypnobirthing mothers tend to be very calm and collected since you focus inward on you and the baby.
My doctor came speeding into the room and after 30 minutes of easing my baby through the birth canal, we were united.
It was quick, it was pain-free and it was perfect.
I wasn’t connected to any machines. I didn’t have any medication, the nurses and my doctor didn’t yell at me to push. The lights in the room were dim, my baby was immediately placed on my chest and connected to the umbilical cord for 3 minutes – all in my birth plan.
Hypnobirthing allowed me to be present and experience my childbirth fully. It doesn’t always happen that way though. I know women who took the course and had last-minute c-sections or had to be induced into labor.
The important takeaway is to know your power – the power you possess and the power of choice. Be an active participant in your birthing day. Let’s make the process sacred again.
Have any questions about hypnobirthing? Feel free to ask below.
