Guest blog by Hannah Wallis – Little Rosebuds
It’s very natural for expectant mums to have a lot on their minds during pregnancy. There is a lot to manage and deal with during this time and coping with symptoms, changing lifestyle and managing everyday life can sometimes be overwhelming and overpowering. It is so important not to overlook mum’s mental well-being during pregnancy.
In our fast paced and very demanding world, where women work longer before taking maternity due to financial stress, it is vital for pregnant women to take time out for themselves and their baby.
There are a number of amazing benefits for both you when you take time out to fully unwind. This may be in the comfort of your own home or at a beautiful pregnancy relaxation course. You might also choose to go down the Hypnobirthing route which is a fabulous way to learn some amazing tools and techniques to help you relax during pregnancy and labour. The theory behind hypnobirthing is that when the body and mind are in a completely relaxed state, birth can happen more quickly and painlessly because the body doesn’t fight the natural process.
Lets look into some of the benefits of relaxation during pregnancy.
Practising relaxation is paramount to a calmer mind.
When we relax, the flow of blood increases around our body giving us more energy. It helps us to have a calmer and clearer mind which encourages positive thinking, concentration, memory and decision making. Relaxation slows our heart rate, reduces our blood pressure and relieves tension.
“Sometimes the most productive thing you can do is relax” Mark Black
Pregnancy relaxation can help to speed up your labour.
So you might think this is a very far-fetched claim, but there is science behind it.
Oxytocin, or the love hormone as it is also referred to, is one of the main hormones behind contractions. Oxytocin loves familiarity and loves the feeling of being relaxed and comfortable. Oxytocin does not like stressful situations and it doesn’t like being the centre of attention- it is also known as the shy hormone. You may have heard of stories of women going into labour at home. Their contractions are regular and everything is progressing smoothly, but as soon as they get to hospital, the contractions slow down or stall. That’s because this hormone doesn’t like bright lights and being under pressure. It likes calm environments and relaxation. Therefore, the more relaxed you are during the run up to your labour, the more oxytocin will flow and the quicker your labour may be!
Pregnancy Relaxation can help you to bond with your baby.
As we live such hectic lives (working long hours, working late, rushing around and always on the go) we often neglect the time to unwind, relax and just chill out. I’ll bet if I asked you when was the last time you fully relaxed, you probably can’t remember. The stresses you feel, your baby will feel too, so the more relaxed you can be, the more relaxed baby will be. Lots of women who have attended my relaxation and Hypnobirthing courses have said how much more connected they felt to their baby, especially through my guided relaxation scripts. It is a time to just spend alone with your bump, to speak to them and share moments from your day. A time for you to let them know how everything will be wonderful when they finally arrive. When you are calm, baby is calm.
Pregnancy Relaxation can help you to meet other mums to be.
Pregnancy relaxation can be done in the comfort of your own home by listening to relaxation audios and calming music however most women report that they find it difficult to find the time or to completely unwind when they are surrounded by washing, other children and loud outside noise. If you are able to find a relaxation or Hypnobirthing course in your area, then I would highly recommend booking some classes (you are always welcome on a Little Rosebuds course).
There are huge benefits to an in-person course/class, one of which being that you can share this journey with other mums-to-be who will be going through this amazing chapter at the same time. It’s a great way to ask questions, share tips and exchange details for future meet ups and play dates when little one arrives.
All in all, there are so many benefits for both your mind, body and baby when you relax during pregnancy. Attending a course or a class can also help to prepare you for this amazing journey you are about to embark on and offer you further support and knowledge.
If pregnancy relaxation or hypnobirthing is something you are interested in, you can contact Hannah at Little Rosebuds via email littlerosebudswellbeing@hotmail.com or visit her website for more information.
On 4th June at 10am Little Rosebuds will be running a FREE introduction to Hypnobirthing zoom session.
We also have an exclusive Mumbler discount of £10 off a Relaxation course and £50 off a 10 hour Hypnobirthing course. Just mention Mumbler when booking.
